Blow to SL: Star pacer doubtful for 2nd AUS Test

Sri Lanka have received yet another blow ahead of the second Test versus Australia as star pace bowler Suranga Lakmal has suffered an injury and he is doubtful for the second Test. The visitors have already lost two pacers due to injury and now in-form bowler Lakmal’s injury scare makes things difficult for the team.

No decision on Lakmal yet: Chandimal

Skipper Dinesh Chandimal gave an update on Lakmal’s fitness in the press conference ahead of the second Test. He stated that they are monitoring his situation but so far there is no decision as yet whether he will be available for the second Test.

Lakmal is Sri Lanka’s premier pace bowler and is in red-hot form. He picked up a five-wicket haul in the first Test versus Australia and before that had claimed a five-fer in New Zealand.

Sri Lanka's main fast bowler Suranga Lakmal doubtful for 2nd Test with a stiff back."We are monitoring his situation, No decision yet whether he will be available." says Chandimal. If Lakmal ruled out Chamika Karunaratne who only arrived in Australia yesterday likely to debut

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) January 31, 2019

Sri Lanka have already lost pace bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera due to injuries and Chandimal admitted that this is a tough situation for the team.

He noted that it is disappointing that they lost Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera after the first game and he revealed that they had big hopes on them.

He also stated that Chamika Karunaratne turned up yesterday and they hope to play three of the four seamers on tour.

The Manuka Oval pitch on the eve of its maiden Test match #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/AIZbWXnZgk

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 31, 2019

Sri Lanka to play seven batsmen, four bowlers

At the same time Chandimal revealed that they are playing seven batters and four bowlers. He explained that they have to play positive and they need four bowlers to win a game.

He feels they have to take more responsibility as a team and have to score 300 runs batting first if we were to win a Test match.

Also read: AUS announce playing XI for 2nd SL Test

Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test

Dinesh Chandimal – Captain, Dimuth Karunaratne – Vice Captain, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya De Silva, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha