Lakmal ruled out of Sri Lankan squad

New Delhi: The Sri Lankan cricket team received another major blow on Monday ahead of the second Test against India as fast bowler Suranga Lakmal became the latest addition to the injury list.

Lakmal, who missed the first Test in Galle as Sri Lanka opted to play Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara as their two seamers, has now been ruled out from the Test squad for the rest of the series due to a back injury.

This added to the string of tensions in the Lankan camp as they are already without the services of all-rounder Asela Gunaratne, who has been ruled out for six months with a fractured thumb. Also, the stand in skipper Rangana Herath didn’t bat in the second innings due to a bruised left hand finger has been retained in the squad but is still doubtful for a place in the starting XI. Lahiru Thirimanne and Lakshan Sandakan have been drafted in the squad.

Dinesh Chandimal, who missed the first Test after being hospitalized with pneumonia, will lead the side in the second Test, which starts on Thursday at Sinhalese Sports Club grounds in Colombo.