Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha have been ruled out of the 3rd T20I of the 3-match series that is set to be performed on Saturday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.
Both cricketers experienced injuries during practice, and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) had earlier named replacements for the duo. Asitha Fernando and Pramod Madushan have been included in the team for the final 20-over game of the series.
While Rajitha experienced an injury on his left hip, the ‘Young Malinga’ picked up an injury on his right elbow.
In a series of tweets regarding the same, SLC described:
“Injuries – Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana have suffered injuries, while training and will not take further part in the T20I series. Rajitha has suffered an injury on his ‘Left Hip,’ whilst Pathirana has suffered an injury on his ‘Right Elbow.'”
“In the meantime, Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee made the following replacements to the T20I squad, in place of the two injured players. 1. Asitha Fernando comes in place of Kasun Rajitha 2. Pramod Madushan comes in place of Matheesha Pathirana #SLvAUS.”
🔴 Injuries –
Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana have suffered injuries, while training and will not take further part in the T20I series.Rajitha has suffered an injury on his ‘Left Hip,’ whilst Pathirana has suffered an injury on his ‘Right Elbow.’
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 11, 2022
🔄 Replacements
In the meantime, Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee made the following replacements to the T20I squad, in place of the two injured players.
1. Asitha Fernando comes in place of Kasun Rajitha
2.Pramod Madushan comes in place of Matheesha Pathirana #SLvAUS— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 11, 2022
Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana kind the bench in the primary two T20Is
Both players Rajitha and Pathirana did not find a place in the playing XI in the initial 2-T20Is. Although the former has described Sri Lanka in ten T20Is thus far, the latter is yet to make his international debut.
After going down in the initial 2-match of the 3-match series, Sri Lanka would hope to stop the Australian juggernaut and rescue some pride by winning the last game.
The batting unit has let the hosts down in both the games until now. In the initial T20I, the team disintegrated from a commanding position of 102/2 after 13 overs to 128 all-out in 19.3 overs.
Australian skipper Aaron Finch and his opening partner David Warner led the show with the bat in this game. Both secured half-centuries and supported the Aussy’s cruise to a 10-wicket win.
Although, in the 2nd T20I, it was a little difficult for the visitors to chase down a target of 125. Even though they ultimately got there in 17.5 overs, the Aussies only managed to win by 3-wickets.