Gunaratne, Madushanka Ruled Out Of Nidahas Trophy

Sri Lanka’s injury woes continue as all-rounder Asela Gunaratne and fast bowler Shehan Madushanka have now been ruled out of the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy starting in a fortnight’s time in Colombo.

Gunaratne (32) travelled to Bangladesh for the two-match T20I series but returned home without playing a game after hurting his right shoulder during fielding drills. Madushanka (22) had to be helped off the field as he hurt his left hamstring while bowling his third over during the second T20I in Sylhet on Sunday.

Madushanka was supposed to undergo an MRI scan on Wednesday to know the severity of his injury but sources told Cricbuzz that he will be out for a considerable time. Chairman of Selectors Graeme Labrooy confirmed that both players are highly unlikely to feature in the upcoming tri-nation tournament.

Madushanka was a surprise pick for the tour of Bangladesh as he had played less than a handful of matches in domestic cricket across all formats. He made his debut in the tri-nation final against Bangladesh in January in Dhaka and finished with a hat-trick, bowling at a decent pace.

For Gunaratne though, a fractured left thumb while attempting a catch kept him out of action for five months before he made a comeback during Sri Lanka’s tour of India in December.

There are other injuries to players too, like captain Angelo Mathews, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Janith Perera and fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep. All four players will have to prove their fitness by Monday in order to be considered for selections.

The tournament starts on March 6 with Sri Lanka taking on India in the curtain raiser at R. Premadasa Stadium. All games will be played at that venue with the final scheduled for March 18. Bangladesh will be the third participant in the competition organized to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70th anniversary of independence.

Courtesy : cricbuzz