Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara will miss the upcoming T20I series against India after suffering a fractured left thumb. In his absence, Dilshan Madushanka has been called up as a replacement. This change comes as a blow to Sri Lanka’s bowling lineup, with Thushara’s injury necessitating a swift adjustment to the squad. Madushanka’s inclusion aims to bolster the team’s pace attack for the series, providing a fresh option in Thushara’s stead.
Nuwan Thushara Ruled Out for the Upcoming Series:
Team manager Mahinda Halangoda informed ESPNcricinfo that Nuwan Thushara’s injury, which occurred on his non-bowling hand, is serious enough to keep him out of the upcoming series. Halangoda revealed that the injury happened late Wednesday during a training session under lights, where Thushara was engaged in fielding practice.
Despite being on his non-bowling hand, the severity of the injury has necessitated his exclusion from the team, prompting the inclusion of Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement for the T20I series against India.
While announcing the news on their official X handle, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote, “ Nuwan Thushara will not take part in the T20I series, as the player suffered an injury to his left thumb while fielding during practice last night. A medical report obtained shows a fracture on the player’s left thumb. Dilshan Madhushanka comes into the squad as a replacement for Nuwan Thusara. #SLvIND “
Thushara has been a regular member of Sri Lanka’s T20I lineup throughout the year, showcasing his skills as one of their top bowlers. During the T20 World Cup, he excelled by claiming eight wickets across three matches. Earlier in the year, he achieved a remarkable T20I hat-trick, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 20 against Bangladesh. His consistent performance has made him a key player for the team in the shorter format of the game.
He becomes the second fast bowler from Sri Lanka to be sidelined for the series. Just a day prior, Sri Lanka revealed that Dushmantha Chameera would miss out due to illness, leading to the inclusion of Asitha Fernando as his replacement. This development adds to the challenges faced by the team as they navigate the series with key players unavailable.
Sri Lanka Upcoming Series Against India:
India’s tour of Sri Lanka kicks off with consecutive T20I matches on July 27 and 28, culminating in a third game on July 30 at Pallekele Stadium. Following the T20I series, the teams will shift to the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo for three ODI matches scheduled for August 2, 4, and 7. This series marks a fresh start for both sides, as they will be led by their new head coaches, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition. Fans can expect thrilling cricket action as these two teams face off.
Sri Lanka’s Updated Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
