Top Sri Lankan Bowlers Ruled Out for ODI Series Against India

News Today: Injuries Sideline Sri Lanka’s Best Bowlers

Sri Lanka’s best bowlers have been ruled out with injuries for the upcoming ODI series against India, following a 3-0 loss in the T-20I series. The Sri Lankan Cricket selectors face significant challenges as five of their top fast bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, and Matheesha Pathirana, are sidelined due to injuries or illness. To compensate, fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been added to the squad. Shiraz has impressive stats, with 80 wickets in 47 List ‘A’ games, and recently achieved his best bowling figures of six wickets for 21 runs against Kurunegala YCC.

New ODI Captain Charith Asalanka expressed his frustration, saying he is “lost for words” after the team’s poor performance against India. Critics and former cricketers have pointed out the team’s poor fitness levels and lack of discipline. Nishan Madushka, a promising player with a strong Test career start, is also included in the squad. Additionally, Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay have been named as replacements.

India’s ODI squad features star players like Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and K. L. Rahul. Sharma dismissed claims that India is using Sri Lanka as a practice ground, emphasizing their focus on maintaining the quality of Indian Cricket. The three ODIs are scheduled to be played in Colombo on August 2nd, 4th, and 7th.