Sri Lanka add Thirimanne and Lakmal to Test squad – Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, which starts from January 3.
Both players were considered for selection after veteran batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/UWMBCA-Welegedara-c2735 was ruled out of the tour, having suffered long term injuries during the recently concluded Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Sangakkara sustained a fracture on his left hand after being hit by a rising delivery from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945 during the decisive third day of the match. The left-hander was on 27 when he was treated for the injury and immediately leaf the field retired-hurt.
Scans revealed that he will be out of action for at least six weeks.
Welegedara tore his hamstring while bowling on the opening day, and did not return to park after that. With http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802 a major doubt for the final Test after picking a rib injury at Hobart, the management decided to call up Lakmal, who last played
for the national team in April this year. However, Lakmal’s inclusion hinges on whether he receives a visa in time. If that is sorted out, he will join the rest of the squad on the eve of the clash.
Thirimanne was on the stand-by list of the tour, and could be in line to make an appearance if http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-B-E-Johnson-c41034 bouncer and if deemed unfit, could be replaced
by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LD-Chandimal-c1831, who can also perform the wicket-keeping duties.
The Lankans have already lost the Test series following back-to-back losses, but will be aiming to salvage some pride. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Graham-Xavier-Ford-c60657, their Head Coach, said that injuries remain part of the game, but has put onus on the back-up players to stake their respective
claims in the national side.
"The injuries are a challenge. At the moment, we are still discussing and assessing the damage. That's something we're going to have to talk about. We have got back-up in the squad and I know that the back-up has been working extremely hard. And sometimes
out of injury, careers are made. People get opportunities and they can grab them. One of our young guys will get to play in a New Year's Test in Sydney and if they can play well, they can establish themselves as Test players and gain great confidence from
it."
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