Sri Lanka has been hit with key bowler injuries as they named their 15-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup on Tuesday. Leg-twisting all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is one of four key Sri Lankan players who will miss the upcoming Asia Cup due to injury. Pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara are also missing from the selection due to injuries. Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan were late additions to the squad to replace the injured players. Kusal Perera is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus from the ODI squad, still recovering from the flu according to a statement from Sri Lankan Cricket and will join the rest of the squad once he recovers.
The biggest blow to their chances came when star all-rounder Hasaranga suffered a thigh injury during the 2023 LPL and is recovering from a thigh pain he suffered during the Lanka Premier League.
Sri Lanka reveals its strong squad for the 2023 Asia Cup! 🇱🇰 #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/duAXDfQyFQ
— Sri Lanka cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 29, 2023
Chameera has a chest injury, Madushanka injured herself last week during an exhibition match and Kumara has problems with the side. Dasun Shanaka will captain the Sri Lankan side, while Kusal Mendis will play the role of vice-captain.
Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Shanaka are the all-rounders added to the team.
Maheesh Theekshana will oversee the spin department during Hasaranga’s absence, with help from Dunith Wellalage and Dushan Hemantha.
Sri Lanka will open the Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Bangladesh in Pallekele on Thursday.
Squad Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vc), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha , Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan.
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