Hamstring injury rules Pathum Nissanka out of Sri Lanka’s Pakistan campaign

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Lahiru Udara has reportedly been named as his replacement, while Nissanka’s participation in the upcoming Test series remains subject to fitness clearance

New Delhi: In a setback for Sri Lanka, opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, which also features England.

Nissanka has been dealing with injury issues in recent weeks. He was named in the squad for the tri-series subject to fitness clearance following a hamstring injury sustained after Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of England last month.

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According to Daily Mirror, the batter is yet to receive medical clearance to return to action, and his recovery has not progressed sufficiently for him to resume playing. He will therefore miss the tri-series, which begins on Sunday in Rawalpindi. The report added that Lahiru Udara has been named as Nissanka’s replacement.

Nissanka was earlier ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan. He was expected to travel with the squad for the ODIs if declared fit but has now been ruled out of the tri-series as well.

Nissanka has also been named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the Test series against Pakistan, with a return to red-ball cricket under consideration. However, his selection for the two-match Test series is also subject to fitness clearance.

The Sri Lankan opener has struggled with injuries this year. His longstanding wrist problem flared up during Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies in June. He underwent surgery for the issue in the UK and missed the Lanka Premier League.

He rejoined the Sri Lankan side for the white-ball series in England and played all six matches — three T20Is and three ODIs — but suffered a hamstring injury during the ODI leg. He played the third match despite discomfort and struggled in the final ODI.

Sri Lanka have also dropped former captain Charith Asalanka from the squad for the Pakistan tri-series. Asalanka, who served as vice-captain during the white-ball series against England, scored 1, 11 and 7 in the three ODIs and has been left out.

Meanwhile, Avishka Fernando and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige have been recalled to the squad. They replace Asalanka and the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour.

Sri Lanka squad for the ODI tri-series: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.