The injuries sustained by two key Sri Lanka players, namely Pathum Nissanka and prolific batter Kamindu Mendis, are reportedly giving the team management sleepless nights.
This in view of the looming two-match Test series against Australia starting later this month.
Nissanka, a vital cog in the Lankan batting order, has picked up an injury during the third and final T20I against New Zealand, in their recent white-ball tour of that country.
Adding to the injury woes, star batter in the red-ball format Kamindu Mendis, has reportedly suffered a split webbing, when going for a catch during a domestic first-class match on Friday (17).
According to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), they have subjected both batters to tests and they have maintained that the duo’s availability for the impending series will rely on the severity of their injuries and the outcome of the tests.
Sri Lanka selectors are yet to announce its official squad for the upcoming Tests and ODIs against Steve Smith’s men and critics reckon that not many changes are likely from the squad which toured South Africa last December.
Sri Lanka is already out of the running for a place in the one-off ICC WTC Final at Lord’s next June, with Title-holders Australia and South Africa, set to contest red-ball cricket’s ultimate prize.
The tour, originally set to include just one ODI and two Test matches, has been revised by the SLC to include two ODIs and two Tests, at the behest of Cricket Australia (CA).
The series is due to commence with the first Test on 29 January, followed by the second Test on 6 February, both in Galle.
Sri Lanka will then host Australia in the first ODI on 12 February, with the second scheduled for 14 February, with both scheduled at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium as day games.
(JK)
Smith injury scare ahead of SL tour
Stand-in Test captain Steven Smith has given Australia a concern ahead of the series in Sri Lanka after picking up an elbow injury during the BBL.
Smith, who has a history of elbow problems, sustained the injury to his right arm, the one he had surgery on in 2019, while throwing in the field for Sydney Sixers in their washed-out match against Sydney Thunder on Friday.
It has delayed Smith's departure for the team's training camp in Dubai as he seeks further advice from a specialist, but a Cricket Australia statement said he was still hoping to leave later this week.
Smith is due to lead Australia in the two Tests in Galle with Pat Cummins on paternity leave.
Should he be unavailable it opens the door for Travis Head to captain in a Test for the first time.
(Cricinfo)