Sri Lanka spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Pakistan starting in Rawalpindi on 9 October.
Hasaranga returned home during the tour of England experiencing lower back pain during a practice session. He experienced the discomfort while practicing ahead of the first One Day International against England at Chester-le-Street on 22 September and did not take part in the series.
It is learnt that Hasaranga has undergone a scan on his back and is awaiting the result. Most likely he will miss the first leg of the Pakistan tour – the T20I series.
Hasaranga joins opening batsman Pathum Nissanka in the injured list. Nissanka is suffering a strain in his right leg which he picked up while fielding in the third ODI against England at the Oval on Sunday. He too underwent a scan to determine the severity of his injury.
A report on both scans is awaited from the radiologist. Even if they recover from their injuries both players have to follow the protocol of proving their fitness by playing in a match to be selected.
Currently, there are no domestic matches on. The next tournament is the Major League 4-day which is scheduled to commence in November. Therefore the players may have to prove their fitness by playing in an arranged match. The ODI Tri-Series with Pakistan and England starts on 18 October in Rawalpindi. The Sri Lanka team is scheduled to leave for Pakistan on 4 October. (ST)