Sri Lanka face a significant blow before the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England, as opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the event with a hamstring injury. The right-hander will not feature in the competition.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Thursday that Nissanka has not been medically cleared to return to competitive play. The selectors have named Lahiru Udara as his replacement in the 16-member squad.
Nissanka’s rehabilitation falls short of target
Nissanka picked up the injury to his left thigh during Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England. It also forced him to miss the three-match T20I series against Pakistan earlier this month.
He was initially expected to be fit for the tri-series, but his rehabilitation has not advanced far enough for a return to international action.
Udara’s record ahead of a possible ODI debut
Udara is yet to make his One Day International debut. He has, however, played five Test matches and seven T20 Internationals, including the recently concluded series against Pakistan.
In List A cricket, he has scored 3,017 runs in 102 matches. His average stands at 32.09, with three centuries and 21 half-centuries.
Tri-series opens in Rawalpindi on October 18
The tri-series begins on October 18, with Sri Lanka facing hosts Pakistan in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
