Nuwan Pradeep, who pulled up clutching his left hamstring while bowling the 81st over late last evening has been ruled out of the rest of the series, according to Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne.
“He’s out for maybe one or two months”, Karunaratne, said regarding the issue, speaking at the press briefing held at the close of play a short while ago.
Sri Lanka’s plan to go into the game with just 1 pace bowler backfired when Pradeep pulled up after the 4th delivery of the 81st over last evening, clutching his hamstring. The word from the management initially was that he would not bowl during the 1st innings but would come out to bat if necessary, with Cricket Manager Asanka Gurusinha telling ESPNCricinfo, “We will know more about the injury tonight or tomorrow morning.”
The exact nature of the injury is unclear, however it is suspected to be a hamstring tear that will keep him out for at least a few weeks. Pradeep went through an MRI scan earlier in the day, which revealed the full extent of his injury.
This is a huge blow to Sri Lanka as Pradeep has been one of the few successful bowlers for the struggling team over the recent past. Pradeep notched up career best figures of 6/132 in the 1st innings of the 1st Test a week ago in Galle.
Sri Lanka have been plagued by injuries on tour, with Dinesh Chandimal missing the 1st Test due to a bout of pneumonia and then having Asela Gunaratne ruled out of the entire series after he fractured his thumb.
