Dimuth a doubt for first Pakistan Test

13 July 2023 09:40 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Sri Lanka's 35-year-old Test captain and opening batter Dimuth Karunaratne is doubtful for the first Test match against Pakistan, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sources said.

Karunaratne, who has a hamstring injury will undergo fitness tests in Colombo over the next 48 hours and if found unfit will not travel to Galle, the venue of the first Test beginning on July 16.

"In the event of Dimuth's unavailability, the team will be led by the 31-year-old all rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, who is already the vice captain," the source, close to the SLC, confirmed on Thursday morning.

Karunaratne is carrying a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier on Sunday.

Lahiru Kumara is also likely to miss the first Test.

The 26-year-old right arm fast bowler has still not recovered from his side-strain injury.

The selectors have "almost" finalised the squad and are waiting for KArunaratne's fitness reports.

"They have selected the squad for the first Test only. The team for the second Test (to be played in Colombo (July 24-28) will be finalized on the third day of the first Test," the source further added.

Romesh Kaluwitharana will be with the team as a selector.

The first batch of about 10 players of the squad, along with the head coach Chris Silverwood and Dharshana Gamage are scheduled to reach Galle on Thursday, a day earlier than the remaining members. (Bipin Dani)

Comments - 4

Jude Thursday, 13 July 2023 10:02 AM

This is a major issue for SL cricket team, FITNESS, Most players lack fitness. Main reason been the diet, players must adhere to strict guidelines when it's come to their diet.

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Man Thursday, 13 July 2023 10:34 AM

What a tragedy for Sri Lanka after playing Hara-kiri in Zimbabwe, going to miss a world class test opener due to the commercial interest of the SLC.

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Mark Anandappa Thursday, 13 July 2023 10:41 AM

We have a funny Selection committee, they very well know Lahiru Kumara is unfit still they select him ,we should have tried other prospects. Kamindu Mendis is another who gets into the squad automatically.

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Ranjit Senanayake Thursday, 13 July 2023 12:16 PM

late nights with heavy alchohol consumption is the root cause of unfitness.pl keep an eye out at the night clubs,those who are regulars at the night clubs know that this is a fact.Anyway Dimuth has a record of DUI AND meeting with a motor accident.

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