Bhanuka, Danushka “marginally” fail running tests

Among the four Sri Lankan players who failed the fitness tests conducted by Grant Luden on Friday, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Danushka Gunathilaka only marginally missed the deadline of running two kms in 8 min. 35 seconds.

According to highly placed sources at SLC, both finished the running in 8:45 secs and 8:41 secs respectively.

The other two, Kusal Perera and Dilruwan Perera, took 9:50 and 11:45 seconds.

“Bhanuka and Danushka were not tired, but they just lost track of time,” the source explained.

The players were also put to a test of running between the wickets for two runs and Bhanuka was fastest in 6.4 seconds.

The players also underwent different tests to determine their strengths.

The Anti-doping officials randomly selected ten players for the tests. 

The list included Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Another round of tests for those who failed to meet the time and those who were absent on the day will be conducted on a later day.

Kusal Mendis had his wedding on the same day and had sought prior permission to miss the tests. 

“He will be given a chance to prove his fitness, but the call has to come from the selectors (yet to be announced) and the coaching staff,” the source added.