One change expected to Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad

September 15, 2021 at 11:43 PM

Sri Lanka team face more troubles after the 3-0 loss against South Africa as injury blows hit the Sri Lankan T20 World cup squad.

Wicket Keeper Batsman Kusal Perera has suffered a hamstring injury whilst batting in the 3rd T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, while All rounder Lahiru Madushanka fractured his collarbone while fielding in the same match.

KJP has undergone a MRI scan on Wednesday which has suggested that he still could be in contention to play T20 World Cup next month in the UAE and Oman.

Dr. Daminda Attanayake, the team physician, told ESPNcricinfo that Perera’s availability for the World Cup was “on the fence”, and that the medical team might have a clearer idea of his prognosis after further observation and testing, which should occur by September 23.

Lahiru Madushanka, who was a late addition to the World cup squad, is unfortunately going to be ruled out of the competition since his injury require at least 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation.

Sri Lanka was the last team to announce the World Cup and provisioned to make any changes to squad until the 10th of October.

According to sources Wicket-keeper batsman Minod Bhanuka, who was not named among the four travelling reserves, is the most likeliest candidate to come into the squad as a direct replacement for Madushanka and as a cover for Kusal Perera. Adding Minod Bhanuka will provide more batting options for Sri Lanka as well as a wicket-keeping resource.

Sri Lankan team left the bio-secure environment and will have 10-12 days of rest and will start again in the last week of September ahead of their two-match T20 series in Oman. Sri Lanka will play two games against Oman on 7th and 9th October, followed by two more official World Cup warm-up games on the 12th and 14th.