Wicket-keeper batsman, Kusal Janith Perera who was recently cleared by ICC for doping charges is due to fly to England shortly for the remainder of the Test series.
Perera has been confirmed as the replacement for the injured fast-bowler Dhammika Prasad on the squad. Prasad was sent home for further treatment on his shoulder strain which he picked up during the first tour game against Essex last week..
“After the fitness test which took place last Wednesday, the management took a decision that he (Prasad) would be sent back for further treatment. “ Team manager, Charith Senanayake said.
Sri Lanka suffered a humiliating innings and 88-run defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Headingley and the return of Kusal Janith will certainly boost their struggling batting lineup. He is expected to bat at number 7 and take up the wicket-keeping duties from Chandimal if needed.
25-year old dashing left-hander missed the entire tour of New Zealand last December, a bilateral T20 series against India, the Asia Cup, and the World T20 in 2016, due to the provisional suspension brought on by the charges against him.
“There is no specific need to replace Prasad with another bowler; we have enough bowlers in the squad, Kusal will join the team as soon as possible and acclimatize so he can do some serious work with the bat.” Chief Selector, Sanath Jayasuriya justified the selection of Perera.
Perera has represented Sri Lanka in 3 Tests with a highest score of 70 against India at SSC on his Test debut last year. He played against West Indies in the two-match Test series last October which was the last time he donned the whites for Sri Lanka.
He has been in intensive training with the National Academy for the past two weeks and will leave for UK no sooner the visa formalities are taken care of.
The second Test between Sri Lanka and England will commence on 27th Friday at Chester-Le-Street.
