Staff Writers
Sri Lanka will see a number of changes to the side for the second and final Test match against England at Galle on Friday, chief selector Ashantha de Mel has revealed.
Oshada Fernando will likely replace the axed Kusal Mendis at number-three and the uncapped Ramesh Mendis could take Dasun Shanaka’s place at the number-five slot in the batting line-up, de Mel told the Sri Lankan newspaper Daily News.
“Most probably the second Test line up will comprise Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), Niroshan Dickwella, and there will be a toss up for number five position between all-rounder Dasun Shanaka and debutant off-spinning middle-order batsman Ramesh Mendis,” he said.
“Remaining players will be Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Suranga Lakmal or Wanindu Hasaranga. I believe the team will do well in the upcoming second Test.”
Sri Lanka’s Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne suffered a fracture in his left thumb and has been released from the squad.
“He was on pain-killers and tried his best to give his best shot to play in the second Test, but unfortunately he was not feeling comfortable to play with the injury,” de Mel said.
England lead the two-match World Test Championship series 1-0.
© Island Cricket
Why was Oshada injured? He was injured not too long ago as well. Don’t get why a batter is injured constantly when others play series upon series without any issues. Yes I understand things can happen but lets look at the last 3 test. We missed Anji for the series, Chandi for the second test in SA and now Dimuth for 2 – that’s our most experienced batters not together for a single test!
Oshada has been missing and DDS also missing – just not sure what is going on. Other countries also play test, a lot more than us including IPL and BBL ect. but still going on.