Kusal Perera who suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s historic run chase against India yesterday is most likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 according to team sources.
He suffered a similar hamstring injury during a practice game in Sri Lanka before the Bangladesh ODIs which ultimately ruled him out of the home series but after just more than a week, Perera recovered to play the T20I series.
“Kusal will be undergoing a radiographic test this morning and we will take a call after the medical reports have arrived. “ Sri Lanka Team Manager Asanka Gurusinha said exclusively to ThePapare.com.
Perera made an important 44-ball 47 before being forced off the field after a match-winning 75-run stand for the 4th wicket with skipper Angelo Mathews. Perera who is renowned to be an aggressive opening batsman was used as a middle order batsman in this competition and remained unbeaten in the South Africa clash as well scoring 44 runs. He was promoted to number 4 against India which was a decisive call in their chase.
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“Kusal Perera’s call was also crucial. As a captain, I had to send him, and it would have been a few bullets fired at me if it hadn’t gone too well. But that’s what we are there for to take crucial decisions at crucial times, and it doesn’t matter if it fails.” Skipper Angelo Mathews said after the match.
According to reliable sources, middle order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva has been flown in to England as a replacement player and will be drafted straight into the squad if Kusal Perera is deemed unfit. In-form Perera’s loss will be a huge blow for Sri Lanka as they take on Pakistan in a virtual quarter-final on Monday (12th June) in Cardiff.
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De Silva has played 16 ODIs scoring 334 runs at 25.69 and taken only 4 wickets bowling off-spinners. He was Sri Lanka’s best batsman and highest run-getter in their 3-0 Test whitewash against Australia at home last year but failed miserably during the South Africa tour and was eventually dropped.
