Suranga Lakmal to miss Pakistan Tests; replacement announced

Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2019

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Experienced pace bowler Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the 2-match Test series in Pakistan due to dengue.

>>Dilshan Fonseka named Sri Lanka Cricket trainer in Pakistan<<

The 16-man squad led by Dimuth Karunaratne is the first Test team to tour Pakistan since the Sri Lankan Test team was attacked in Lahore during their tour in 2009.

Incidentally, Suranga Lakmal was the only player from the current squad who was in the bus when the Lankans were targeted by terrorists 10 years ago in Pakistan.

>>“It is exciting to see the amount of talent available in Sri Lanka” – Mickey Arthur<<

With the team set to depart Sri Lanka today, young fast bowler Asitha Fernando (22) has been named as Lakmal’s replacement following the confirmation of Lakmal’s unavailability yesterday.

>>Fawad Alam recalled for Sri Lanka Tests<<

Fernando, who has played 1 ODI for Sri Lanka is yet to play Tests and is currently in Nepal with the Sri Lanka U23 team, competing in the South Asian Games.