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SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
COLOMBO : In a big blow to Sri Lanka’s cricket team, their captain Dasun Shanaka won’t be able to play in the important match against Australia in Lucknow on Monday. Shanaka has a right thigh quadricep injury, and it might keep him out of action for a long time. This injury could even affect his chances of playing in the World Cup, as confirmed by Dr. Arjuna de Silva, who heads the Sri Lanka Cricket Medical Panel.
With Shanaka sidelined, Kusal Mendis will now lead the team in this crucial match. The team’s management has also decided to bring in Chamika Karunaratne, a reserve all-rounder, to fill the role of a batting all-rounder at number 7. It’s worth noting that Karunaratne wasn’t originally part of the main 15-member squad. Sri Lanka Cricket received approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee to add him to the squad, aiming to strengthen the team’s batting all-rounder position.
To add to their challenges, right-arm bowler Matheesha Pathirana is dealing with a bowling arm injury, and he’s expected to need at least 10 days of rest to recover. Both Shanaka and Pathirana couldn’t participate in the practice sessions that started on Saturday as the team got ready for the crucial match against Australia.
The absence of these key players is a significant obstacle for the Sri Lankan team as they aim to win this must-win game. The selectors now have the tough job of reshaping the team to overcome these setbacks and secure a crucial victory against Australia in Lucknow.
