For the forthcoming white-ball series against India, bowler Asitha Fernando will start in lieu of Dushmantha Chameera, according to a last-minute roster change issued by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). This development occurs as Chameera, who was forced to miss the T20I and ODI legs of the series due to bronchitis and a respiratory ailment, continues to recuperate.
Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka’s top selector, announced the decision at a recent press conference. Three T20Is and three ODIs will be played in the series, which is scheduled to start on July 27, 2024.
The Sri Lankan team is definitely hurting without Chameera. With his talents for the Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024,
the fast bowler has recently been an important member of the team. Nonetheless, Asitha Fernando’s addition invigorates the bowling attack.
Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya will serve as Sri Lanka’s interim head coach. Conversely, India embarks on its maiden assignment under the tutelage of former opener Gautam Gambhir, succeeding T20 World Cup victor Rahul Dravid.
The T20Is and ODIs will be played at Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele, while the ODIs will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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With this tour, India will play a bilateral white-ball series in Sri Lanka for the first time since July 2021, when the two teams shared the spoils, with India winning the ODI series 2-1 and Sri Lanka winning the T20Is by the same score.
🚨 Dushmantha Chameera is still recovering from a bronchitis and respiratory infection he contracted, and hence will not be part of the T20I series.
Asitha Fernando joins the squad in place of Chameera. #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/U8KPEfn2TK
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 24, 2024
Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (WK), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando