Sri Lanka’s ace spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a grade 2 hamstring tear he sustained during the LPL.
Hasaranga is currently undergoing rehab protocols and is hoping to be fit for Sri Lanka’s next assignment against Australia; Sri Lanka are set to play 5 T20Is in Australia later this month.
In the lead up to the series, it is reported that at least 10 players, who were a part of Sri Lanka last ODI squad, will miss out on this tour.
Along with Wanindu, senior opening batter Kusal Perera will also miss out on the tour due to injury, while fellow opener Avishka Fernando, who contracted the COVID-19 virus recently will also sit it out.
Read more: Avishka Fernando to miss Zimbabwe ODIs
All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva pulled out of the tour due to personal reasons while the explosive Bhanuka Rajapaksa retired from international cricket.
Five other cricketers, namely Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dhananjaya, Lahiru Madushanka, Pulina Tharanga and Binura Fernando, who were part of Sri Lanka’s squad for their last 50-over series against South Africa have reportedly been left out of this series, ThePapare.com learns.
In place of them, fast bowlers, Kalana Perera, Nuwan Thushara and Chamika Gunasekara have earned maiden call-ups, along with the exciting batting talent Kamil Mishara.
Kusal Mendis will mark his return to the Sri Lankan team, following the lifting of the ban imposed on him, Danushka Gunathilake and Niroshan Dickwella.
Read more: Fixtures confirmed for Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka
Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played an international game back in the 2019 World Cup, is expected to make a comeback to the squad, ThePapare.com learns.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka and speedster Dushmantha Chameera will have to clear a fitness test in order to take part in this tour after having contracted Covid late last month.
Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series
Dasun Shanaka (C), Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Nuwan Thushara, Chamika Gunasekara, Kalana Perera
