India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test (Men): Rangana Herath uncertain, Suranga Lakmal ruled out, Lahiru Thirimanne makes comeback

The talented southpaw Lahiru Thirmanne has been added to the squad. He last played a Test more than a year back.

Lahiru Thirimanne has not played international cricket for over a year now © Getty Images

Apart from inexperience and departure of quality cricketers, another problem that has plagued Sri Lankan cricket is injuries. Sri Lanka played majority of the first Test with 10 men after Asela Gunaratne broke his finger on Day One. In the latest blow, pacer Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the second Test against India with a back injury. However, the good news is that Rangana Herath has been retained in the squad, which means the great man will play the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds on Thursday.

Herath had injured his left middle finger and did not bat in the second innings as Sri Lanka lost by 304 runs to concede India a 1-0 lead in the 3-Test series. The Island reported that Herath will be monitored over the next 48 hours as Sri Lanka will hope the match-winner will step out on the field on Thursday. The other boost is the return of skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who has joined the squad for training.

The talented southpaw Lahiru Thirimanne has been added to the squad. Sri Lankan cricket has invested a lot on the 27-year-old, who has played 26 Tests but hasn’t really translated the promise. He has not been in rich form in domestic cricket but scored a half-century against India for SL Board President’s XI. Thirimanne was once tipped to be Kumar Sangakkara’s successor but unfortunately he does not averages even close to half of Sanga’s career average.

Sri Lanka have strengthened their spin armoury with the inclusion of Chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan. If there is turn in the wicket, Sandakan could be a could addition to the XI. With Gunaratne ruled out of the series, either Dhananjaya de Silva or Thirimanne will bat at No. 6.

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Sri Lanka Squad for second Test: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Malinda Pushpakumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne and Lakshan Sandakan