New Delhi: Sri Lanka have suffered massive blow ahead of the commencement of ODI series against India as two pace bowlers have been ruled out just ahead of the start due to injuries. The hosts, who went down in the T20I series, have lost the services of Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana for the ODI matches starting on Friday.
Having already lost Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara to injuries before the start of the T20I series, this comes as a big blow. Meanwhile, uncapped pacers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been drafted into the ODI squad as replacements. Apart from this, three more players Kusal Janith Perera, Pramod Madushan and Jeffrey Vandersay have been added to the squad as standbys.
Duo out due to injuries
While Madushanka suffered a grade 2 left hamstring injury during a fielding practice session, Pathiranagot a mild sprain on his right shoulder while trying to take a catch during the third and final T20I match against India. It will be quite difficult for the island nation to pull off in the 50-over series due to the lack of experience in their team.
Shiraz has an impressive List A record with 80 wickets in his kitty in 47 games at an economy rate of 4.57. Malinga, meanwhile, debuted in July 2022 and has taken 12 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 5.80. While both the uncapped players would want to make the most of the opportunity in the series, yet it will concerning for the home team as they would want to emerge victorious in the 50-over format.
With Sri Lanka cricket having to regularly deal with injuries of the players, it is a golden opportunity for both to show their class and keep themselves available in the selection list.
Sri Lanka cricket have suffered massive blow ahead of the India ODI series with the loss of two bowlers due to injury. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
