Sri Lanka Captain Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the second Test against England in Pallekele. Chandimal suffered a groin injury during the defeat in Galle and will be out for two weeks, which could also make him a doubt for the third Test, in Colombo, starting on November 23.

Suranga Lakmal, the team’s senior pace bowler, will captain Sri Lanka in Chandimal’s absence, as he did during the two-Test series against South Africa earlier this year, when Chandimal was serving a ban.

Uncapped batsman Charith Asalanka has been called up to the squad, which also includes Roshen Silva. Asalanka, who scored an aggressive 68 in the second warm-up match against England, comes in ahead of Lahiru Thirimanne and Kusal Perera, who were the two batsmen on standby.

Sri Lanka will also have to make a change to their bowling attack for the second Test, with Malinda Pushpakumara expected to come in for the retired Rangana Herath, while the news that Akila Dananjaya faces his action being tested - although he will still be eligible to play in Pallakele - is another headache.

Meanwhile, team manager Charith Senanayake has resigned the position for personal reasons. Jeryl Woutersz, who has previously fulfilled the role, has been named as Senanayake’s replacement with immediate effect.

Source: ESPN Cricinfo
-Agencies