by Champika Fernando

Angelo Mathews will miss the first Test against Pakistan in UAE with a calf-injury.  His absence will be a major blow to the Sri Lankans who are also without Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera (both injured) and Upul Tharanga who took six months off from test cricket to concentrate on limited over cricket.

“It’s the same injury, but very minor,” said Mathews. ”Hopefully I will be ready for the second Test”. He has suffered the injury while training. Sri Lanka team is due to leave to UAE on September 24.

Mathews missed a number of international assignments this year when a hamstring injury forced him to return home halfway through the tour of South Africa in January. After missing the home series against Bangladesh in March, he returned to lead the side at the Champions Trophy but a calf-injury ruled him out of the opening game against South Africa.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan will play the first Test in Abu Dhabi from September 28, before moving to Dubai for a pink-ball game.

Sri Lanka squad: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage