Mathews, Maharoof likely to recover, Perera uncertain: Jayawardene – Cricket News Update
Fitness issues have begun to plague the Sri Lankann side prior to the first of three finals due to take place against Australia at the Gabba on March 4, with the participation of three of their all-rounders under doubt.
Sri Lanka’s 9-run win against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913, and Thisara Perera.
While the 27-year-old Maharoof was not playing owing to a back injury sustained during the match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at Hobart, Mathews suffered a calf strain during the host team’s innings, after having bowled four overs. Perera caved even earlier, having managed
to bowl just five deliveries before he was taken out owing to a back complaint.
“Hopefully Angelo is not too serious,” said skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397, while assessing the situation. “...Hopefully he should be okay. Thisara, I'm not sure exactly how bad the situation is. Maharoof, they're saying he can probably play in the first final.”
Despite the loss of three players, Lankan pacer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802. Malinga claimed four scalps at the expense of 49 runs, while his teammate
took 2 for 38.
In order to prepare for replacements, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/CK-Kapugedera-c1269, who last played for the national side in the World Cup last year.
Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nishantha-Ranatunga-c79713, stated that a batsman for the 6th position in the batting order had been requested. However, which one of the three players Kapugedera will be replacing has not yet been confirmed, owing to the
uncertainty surrounding the injuries.
“We're not sure if [Perera's injury] is muscle or something worse, we need to get an MRI and see that," the Lankan skipper said, voicing his uncertainties. "Maharoof had a facet joint problem in the back. He had an injection a couple of days ago and he looks
pretty good, but he hasn't bowled yet so we need to see how he bowls and whether he feels good in Brisbane."
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