The Sri Lankan cricket team has suffered injuries ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against the Australian national cricket team at home. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis and batsman Pathum Nissanka are doubtful for the start of the series against the Steve Smith-led side due to their injuries.
Australia’s two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka will begin on January 29 in Galle, with both Test matches being part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Australia have already secured a place in the WTC final against South Africa later this year. After the upcoming Test series, the teams will compete in a two-match ODI series.
Sri Lanka are facing injury problems ahead of the Test series against Australia
Sri Lankan sports journalist Rex Clementine shared some worrying news ahead of the Australian series. Kamindu Mendis injured his arm while trying to catch the ball in a first-class match, requiring stitches for a torn net. Pathum Nissanka is already questionable for the series opener due to a groin strain.
“Not the best news coming from SSC with the Australian series less than two weeks away. Kamindu Mendis tore his hamstring trying to catch him and required stitches during today’s first-class match between SSC and CCC. Pathum Nissanka has already in doubt with a groin strain,” Clementine wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Not the best news coming from the SSC with the Australian series less than two weeks away. Kamindu Mendis split his net trying to catch and required stitches during today’s first class match between SSC and CCC. Pathum Nissanka is already in doubt due to a groin strain.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) January 17, 2025
Pathum Nissanka suffered a groin injury during the third ODI in New Zealand
Pathum Nissanka suffered a groin injury during the third ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. Nissanka batted aggressively and scored a half-century off just 31 balls, but had to retire injured after appearing to injure himself while completing his fifty.
An MRI scan confirmed a Grade 1 tear, raising doubts over his availability for the second Test against Australia, which starts on February 6. Sri Lanka’s Test squad, to be announced shortly, is scheduled to begin training in Galle on Monday, January 20. .
A senior Sri Lankan cricket official downplays the seriousness of Kamindu Mendis’ hand injury
With less than two weeks to go until the start of the series against Australia, Kamindu Mendis, who suffered a hand injury, needed stitches. However, a senior Sri Lankan cricket official downplayed the seriousness, according to NewsWire.
However, a senior Sri Lankan cricket official downplayed the seriousness, saying: “I think Kamindu will be fine; it’s just 1 or 2 stitches.”
Pat Cummins decided to skip Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka and Cricket Australia named 35-year-old Steve Smith as captain. Smith led Australia in 38 Tests, securing 21 wins and 10 losses, but his captaincy saw Australia suffer a 3-0 defeat in Sri Lanka in 2016.
Despite being Australia’s best white-ball bowler for nearly a decade, Adam Zampa was not included in the Test line-up. Australia have selected Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann as their main options for the tour.
Apart from top spinners, Australia have included all-rounders and part-time spinners such as Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Beau Webster and Cooper Connolly for the tour. Glenn Maxwell, who last played a first-class match in July 2023, was not included despite his experience in subcontinental conditions.
