Nuwan Pradeep injured; Asitha Fernando called up

Reporting from Hambanthota

3209

Young fast bowler Asitha Fernando will join the Sri Lanka squad for the remainder of the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

19-year old seamer was in the Sri Lanka Test squad last year when they whitewashed Australia 3-0 at home but was only a bench warmer. He was a revelation during the SLC Super Provincial Limited Overs Tournament recently picking up 12 wickets in 6 games at 30.75.

Sri Lanka bowl first in Sooriyawewa

Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka slammed their maiden ODI centuries as Sri …

Sri Lanka’s most improved bowler in recent times, Nuwan Pradeep suffered a ‘minor strain’ on his thigh during the 3rd ODI in Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota after bowling only 6 overs and the team management has decided to rest him in order to save the seamer for the upcoming solitary Zimbabwe Test match and Indian series.

“We can play Pradeep for the 4th ODI if we wanted to but we don’t want to risk him. The physiotherapist has advised rest so he will not be a part of the remaining two matches.” Cricket Manager Asanka Gurusinha said.

Nuwan Kulasekara was supposed to join the squad yesterday along with Lahiru Kumara as replacements for Suranga Lakmal after Angelo Mathews confirmed the two names at the pre-match press conference but the experienced seamer was not seen with the team today during the 3rd ODI match.

According to reliable sources, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara had not agreed to approve Kulasekara’s selection yesterday but has changed his mind today so he will be a part of the team for the next two ODIs.

“As of now, Pradeep is injured so either Kumara, Fernando or Kulasekara will fit into the side.” Mathews stated after the match.

Sri Lanka lead the series, 2-1 with the final two games scheduled on 8th and 10th July in Sooriyawewa, Hambanthota.