Pathum Nissanka's Injury Puts First Test Against Australia in Doubt
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Synopsis
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka is unlikely to feature in the first Test against Australia in Galle due to injury. He is undergoing rehabilitation for a groin strain and has not joined the squad. Sri Lanka seeks a partner for Dimuth Karunaratne while the team prepares for spin-friendly conditions at Galle International Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Pathum Nissanka is sidelined due to a groin strain.
- Oshada Fernando is the leading candidate to open.
- Galle's spin-friendly conditions favor Sri Lanka.
- Australia's Pat Cummins is also unavailable, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain.
- This series is crucial for Sri Lanka's WTC standings.
Colombo, Jan 27 (NationPress) The injured Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka is not expected to participate in the opening Test against Australia in Galle, which kicks off on Wednesday.
Nissanka is currently undergoing rehab in Colombo due to a groin strain he incurred during the third T20I against New Zealand earlier this month. He has not traveled with the rest of the squad to Galle, as confirmed by team manager Mahinda Halangoda to ESPNcricinfo.
The management of the Sri Lankan team remains optimistic about his chances of playing in the second Test, which is set to begin on February 6.
According to manager Halangoda, the remaining 17 players in the Sri Lankan Test squad are anticipated to be available. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who is recovering from a side strain, and Kamindu Mendis, who suffered a split webbing during recent domestic matches, have both made the trip to Galle.
In Nissanka's absence, Sri Lanka must find a second opener to pair with Dimuth Karunaratne. The most probable candidate is Oshada Fernando, who has opened in 19 Test innings. Another option is uncapped Lahiru Udara, known for his expertise as an opener at the domestic level. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama is also a contender.
The two-Test series will take place at the renowned Galle International Stadium, famous for its spin-friendly conditions, which could significantly influence Sri Lanka's strategy. Spinners like Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Nishan Peiris are expected to play vital roles.
The visiting team is also dealing with injury issues, particularly the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who is out with an ankle injury. In his stead, Steve Smith will take charge of the team.
Australia's impressive performance in the WTC cycle has already guaranteed their place in the final against South Africa in June. Nonetheless, the team will approach this series with caution, as the spin-dominated conditions in Galle will challenge their adaptability, especially without Cummins leading the pace attack.
This series presents a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to advance in the WTC standings. Currently in fifth place, a series victory could elevate Sri Lanka over New Zealand and potentially India, depending on other outcomes.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.
