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July 3, 2026 6:35 PM

NEWS

Sri Lanka Injury Crisis Deepens; Wijesundara Set for Test Debut Against West Indies

Sri Lanka Injury Crisis Deepens; Wijesundara Set for Test Debut Against West Indies

Sri Lanka national cricket team are battling a major selection crisis ahead of the second Test against West Indies national cricket team, with multiple injuries and illness leaving them struggling to field a full-strength XI.

After suffering an innings defeat in the first Test, Sri Lanka must win the second match to avoid losing the series, but preparation has been heavily disrupted.

Injury List Growing

Sri Lanka’s squad has been reduced from 17 players to effectively 13 available players, with several key names ruled out.

Major absentees:

  • Pathum Nissanka — out after traveling to the United Kingdom for wrist surgery
  • Lahiru Kumara — sidelined with recurring hamstring injury
  • Vishwa Fernando — suffering from back and side pain
  • Ramesh Mendis — unavailable due to bacterial infection

Nissanka’s surgery also puts his participation in the Lanka Premier League in doubt.

Wijesundara in Line for Debut

The injury crisis has opened the door for Isitha Wijesundara to make his Test debut.

With:

  • Kumara injured
  • Vishwa unavailable
  • Kasun Rajitha underwhelming in the first Test

Sri Lanka have little choice but to hand the seamer his maiden cap.

This could be a huge opportunity for the young pacer to strengthen Sri Lanka’s weakened bowling attack.

Batting and Spin Changes

At the top of the order, Lahiru Udara is expected to replace Nissanka as opener.

Meanwhile, veteran left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya returns to the playing XI.

Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s leading specialist spinner over the last three years, will carry major responsibility in Caribbean conditions.

Pressure on Sri Lanka

With injuries mounting and squad depth stretched, Sri Lanka head into the must-win Test under pressure.

Key challenges:

  • Fragile pace attack
  • Top-order instability without Nissanka
  • Need for immediate impact from debutant Wijesundara
  • Strong response required after first-Test collapse

Sri Lanka now need resilience more than ever if they hope to level the series in North Sound.

 
 

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#Sri Lanka

#West Indies

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