Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal have been ruled out of the second Test against India, while Pathum Nissanka remains doubtful as Sri Lanka deal with a depleted batting lineup.
Mendis has not recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered during the Lanka Premier League and has been replaced in the squad by Niroshan Dickwella. Dickwella made a strong return in the first Test, scoring 80 in Sri Lanka's first innings, and is now expected to retain his place.
Chandimal will miss the Colombo Test after being forced off during the fourth day of the Galle Test following a shoulder and neck injury. He was replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute. Under ICC regulations, a player replaced for concussion-related reasons cannot return to action for seven days, automatically ruling Chandimal out of the next match.
Sooriyabandara made his Test debut after coming on as Chandimal's replacement. Although he was dismissed for a duck in his first innings, Sri Lanka could give him another opportunity in Colombo.
Nissanka's availability is also uncertain. The opener is recovering from wrist surgery he underwent in June and, despite making progress, is still experiencing discomfort while batting. He is considered closer to returning than Mendis but may not be ready by Sunday's Test.
Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten acknowledged the significance of the absences but believes they could provide opportunities for younger players.“It creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim.”
Sri Lanka trail the two-match series 1-0 after losing the opening Test in Galle and now face the prospect of making several changes to their top order as they look to level the series in Colombo.
