Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Pradeep doubtful for second Test against Australia

Aug 3, 2016 at 11:16 AM

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Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Pradeep doubtful for second Test against Australia

Sri Lanka’s injury woes just keep on getting longer after their fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep suffered a hamstring strain during a practice session ahead of the second Test against Australia at Galle.

The Sri Lankan team is already deprived of the services of  Dhammika Prasad and  Dushmantha Chameera after they were ruled out of the three-match Test series due to injuries while Suranga Lakmal had missed the opening test in Kandy due to an ankle complaint. Another pacer Shaminda Eranga was recently suspended for an illegal action. Leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay is also recovering from an injury.

Pradeep, who has represented Sri Lanka in 21 Tests, will undergo a fitness Test on Wednesday before a final decision on his availability is made for the second Test starting on Thursday.

“He has a slight hamstring strain on his right leg. His fitness will be assessed tomorrow (Wednesday) morning,” Sri Lankan team manager Charith Senanayake said.

“He could be doubtful but we haven’t taken a decision yet.”

Pradeep was Sri Lanka’s only frontline pacer during the first Test at Pallekele, which they won by 106 runs. If the 29-year old pacer is ruled out, then one on the two uncapped pacers- Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando- in the squad can make their debut. In Pradeep’s absence,  Rangana Herath will be the only bowler in the Sri Lankan team, who has played more than 10 Tests. Offspinner Dilruwan Perera has played exactly 10 Tests while life-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan made his debut in the previous Test.

The pitch at Galle is known to assist spinners and so it expected that the hosts will field three spinners. If the Sri Lankan team manages to win the Test and seal the three-match series, it will be their first series victory over the Aussies in 17 years.

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