Body Blow to Sri Lanka! 3 MAJOR players RULED OUT of 2nd SL vs IND Test
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Sri Lanka suffered a 165-run thrashing in first SL vs IND Test.
The Indian Cricket Team have started their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on a strong note after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The first Test in Galle saw the visitors register a big win and put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second match. Both teams will now move to Colombo for the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on August 23.
For India, the focus will be on carrying the same momentum into the second Test. After a convincing performance in Galle, the India side will look to finish the series with another win. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need a much better performance if they want to level the series.
The hosts already face a big loss after being defeated by the Shubman Gill-led side by a margin of 165 runs. Their problems have now increased further with injury concerns around some of their key batters. Sri Lanka are set to miss Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the second Test, while Pathum Nissanka is also unlikely to be fit in time.
Kusal Mendis ruled out of second SL vs IND Test with a hamstring injury
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Kusal Mendis has not played any form of cricket since suffering a hamstring injury during the early stages of the Lanka Premier League. The injury has kept him away from the Sri Lanka side, and he will now miss the second Test against India as well.
Mendis was replaced by Niroshan Dickwella in the first Test. Dickwella made a strong impact with the bat, scoring 80 in the first innings. His performance is likely to help him keep his place in the playing XI for the Colombo Test.
Dinesh Chandimal unavailable for second Test due to concussion rule
Dinesh Chandimal will also miss the second Test, but his situation is different. He was forced off the field during the fourth day of the Galle Test after suffering an injury while trying to save a boundary.
Chandimal was replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute. According to ICC rules, a player who is replaced because of concussion cannot play in another competitive match for seven days. Since the second Test starts only four days after the first Test, Chandimal is not eligible to feature in Colombo.
Sooriyabandara made his Test debut after replacing Chandimal. Although he was dismissed for a duck in his first innings, he could get another opportunity in the second Test.
Pathum Nissanka still doubtful for second SL vs IND Test
Pathum Nissanka is another major concern for Sri Lanka. The batter is recovering from wrist surgery that he underwent in June. Nissanka was reportedly closer to being match fit, but he is still facing discomfort while batting. He also is uncertain for the second game.
Sri Lankan head coach Gary Kirsten also admitted that the team is missing several important players.
“Kusal Mendis has a proper hamstring injury and will not be available for a while. Dinesh is also not available for the next Test.”
Kristen added that the absence of senior players could create a good opportunity for young cricketers to showcase their skills and prove themselves against strong opponents like India.
When will the second Sri Lanka vs India Test begin?
The second Test between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Colombo.
Is Kusal Mendis playing the second Test against India?
No. Kusal Mendis has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.