Sri Lankan all-rounder –Asela Gunaratne and pacer –Shehan Madushanka have been ruled out of the upcoming Tri-nation Nidahas Trophy featuring India and Bangladesh, starting from 6 March in Colombo.
Gunaratne hurt his right shoulder during fielding drills, while Madushanka hurt his left hamstring during Sylhet T20I in the recently concluded two-match T20 International series in Bangladesh. It is also learned that Madushanka can undergo an MRI scan on Wednesday to know about the seriousness of his injury.
However, Chairman of Selectors Graeme Labrooy made it clear that there are high chances of both player’s involvement in the upcoming tri-nation tournament at home.
There are other injured players like captain Angelo Mathews, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Janith Perera and fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep, who will have to prove their fitness by Monday to be considered for national selection for the Tri-series.Constant injuries to key players have been the reason behind the downfall of Sri Lankan cricket in the recent past.
Meanwhile, the Tri-nation Nidahas Trophy opener will be played between the hosts Lankan and India on 6 March at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where all matches of the tournament will be held.
Here is the complete schedule:
March 6: Sri Lanka v India
March 8: Bangladesh v India
March 10: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
March 12: India v Sri Lanka
March 14: India v Bangladesh
March 16: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka
March 18: Final