GALLE: Right-arm spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the second Test after injuring his bowling hand in the first match against Pakistan, while Pathum Nissanka has rejoined the Sri Lankan squad upon completion of his recovery after testing Covid positive.
According to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), uncapped right-arm offspinner Lakshitha Manasinghe received his maiden Test call to replace Theekshana in the playing Xl on a spin-dominated Galle wicket.
Theekshana featured in two Tests for Sri Lanka and grabbed two wickets in the last match before suffering an injury in one of his fingers on the right hand during the first Test against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Manasinghe picked up 73 wickets in his 17 first-class appearances and starred with the bowl as he grabbed 13 wickets during the unofficial match between Sri Lanka A and Australia A.
On the other hand, top-order batter Nissanka’s inclusion in the playing Xl is doubtful as his replacement in the team Oshada Fernando impressed with scores of 35 and 64 in the first Test.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan clinched a remarkable four-wicket win after a historic run-chase in the first Test against Sri Lanka to lead the series 1-0 with the final Test scheduled from July 24 to 28 at the same venue.
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