Lahiru Kumara adds to Sri Lanka’s growing injury list

Lahiru Kumara is Sri Lanka’s the latest addition in the injury list after the fast bowler picked up a hamstring injury.

Lahiru Kumara is Sri Lanka’s the latest addition in the injury list after the fast bowler picked up a hamstring injury and has been subsequently ruled out not only of the second Test against Australia but also from the tour of South Africa next month. Kumara’s injury occurred on Day 2 of the first Test in Brisbane. He went off the field and did not return to bat even as Sri Lanka were trying to save the Test.

The first Test against South Africa starts on February 13, a little over two weeks, ending his chances of playing the match. The second Test begins on 21st, and the chances of Kumara attaining match fitness seem unlikely.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal later provided an update regarding Kumara’s injury. “Kumara is out for four to six weeks. So, he’s out of the next game,” he said.

It’s not only the injury to Kumara that serves as a blow to Sri Lanka, who have already lost out on Nuwan Pradeep due to the same injury last week. Pradeep sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s day-night warm-up tie against Cricket Australia XI. He left the field on Thursday having bowled just two overs and underwent a scan a day later before the call was made.

Besides Kumara and Pradeep, another fast bowler, Dushmantha, who took 1 for 68 at the Gabba is also under the scanner. However, the nature of the injury remains unknown. “Dushmantha is also injured. So, we’ll need to get another two quick bowlers,” Chandimal said.

With Kumara out and Chameera uncertain, Kasun Rajitha is all but certain to play his fourth Test match.