Published: Dec 07, 2015, 07:56 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 07, 2015, 07:59 PM (IST)
Colombo: Sri Lanka Monday recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera from New Zealand after he tested positive for a banned steroid, the national cricket board said. The 25-year-old was randomly tested during the recent Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka and the just released results were positive, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. “In view of this and in terms of the applicable ICC regulations, SLC has recalled Perera from New Zealand,” the board said, adding that they would test a “B” sample in line with anti-doping regulations. Sri Lanka is sending Kaushal Silva, 29, who is also a wicketkeeper-batsman, to take his place. Sri Lanka will play two Tests, five ODI games and two T20 matches in New Zealand from December 10 to January 10.
Earlier, in September, Kusal Perera etched his name in record books during the third Test between India and Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo. He had counterattacked brilliantly in the first innings with a 56-ball 55 with 9 fours, leading the charge as Sri Lanka recovered from 47 for 6 to post 201. When India set Sri Lanka 386 to win or bat out four sessions for a draw, Kusal found himself out in the middle again at 107 for 5. He joined Angelo Mathews, and between them, the pair started a rescue mission, gritting out against an attack consisting of Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Stuart Binny, Amit Mishra, and Ravichandran Ashwin and putting on a century partnership. He became the second Sri Lankan to score two fifties on Test debut. The only one to achieve this before him was Dinesh Chandimal, the man who handed the big gloves over to Kusal, playing as a specialist batsman in the ongoing Test.
ICC confirms @OfficialSLC Kusal Perrera provisionally suspended after a sample he provided was found to contain a prohibited substance.
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) December 7, 2015
Earlier on Monday, ICC Media confirmed on Twitter Kusal Perera’s provisional suspension over the use of prohibited substance found in his blood sample he had submitted for tests.
