Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne has reportedly suffered a small tear in his quadricep muscle during the 2nd ICC Test Championship game between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the P Sara Oval.
Karunaratne left the field mid-way through day 3 and did not return, turning over the reigns to former Captain Angelo Mathews. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo Sri Lanka’s Team Manager Asantha de Mel confirmed that Karunaratne had suffered a tear in his quadricep, forcing him off the field. With him off the field for an extended period of time, the rules dictate that he will also not be allowed to bat higher than No. 7 in Sri Lanka’s 2nd innings, a considerable blow to the hosts.
Live – New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2019 – 2nd Test Match
The second Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the ICC……….
Karunaratne has been one of the pillars of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up over the past few years and also has a particularly impressive record in the 2nd innings. It will be interesting to see who will open the batting in his absence, with Kusal Mendis being the likeliest candidate to take his spot at the top of the order.
Wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella too suffered an injury last evening, when he hurt his finger while fumbling a take off the bowling of Lahiru Kumara; he was replaced by former skipper Dinesh Chandimal behind the stumps.
Fortunately for Sri Lanka, Karunaratne has plenty of time left to recover after this Test, with Sri Lanka’s next assignment being at the end of September (Sri Lanka will play 3 T20Is against New Zealand, which Karunaratne will not be a part of).
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