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 Big Blow To Sri Lanka As Maheesh Theekshana Likely To Miss England Game 

image-lo19if9oMaheesh Theekshana against Netherlands (X.com)

Sri Lanka could suffer a body blow to their chances heading into their next ICC World Cup 2023 against defending champions England in Bangalore on Thursday (October 26), with their lead spinner Maheesh Theekshana doubtful with an injury for the critical encounter. 

According to a report in the Lanka-based 'The Papare Sports', Theekshana will be sent for an MRI scan in relation to a hamstring problem and could be missing out on Sri Lanka's fifth game of the league stage at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

Theekshana, who picked up the hamstring issue during the match against the Netherlands on Saturday (October 21) in Lucknow, is set to undergo a medical procedure for the injury concern taken forward from the Dutch clash and his team's much-needed opening victory. 


The news was confirmed by Sri Lankan spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunga. Wijetunga revealed the dark clouds hovering over Theekshana's involvement as the 1996 champions enter the toughest phase of their campaign, requiring to win almost all of their remaining games after three losses in four matches. 

Theekshana Doubtful For England Game 

Theekshana picked up the injury while going for a catch during the Netherlands' first-innings batting effort at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The 23-year-old rising limited-overs force, renowned for his ability to turn the ball both ways with his sharp variations at a lower, skiddier trajectory, was seen holding his leg in excruciating pain after hurting his hamstring. 

An MRI scan will be conducted on the bowler on Sunday to determine whether the problem is limited to a niggle or has aggravated into a quad tear, which could rule Theekshana out for a lengthier period, potentially the entire tournament. 



That's the last thing Sri Lanka would want as the struggling Asian rivals continue to battle with life on the bowling front, especially the lack of experience and robust wicket-taking threats at both ends. Despite a slow start, Theekshana is his team's best hope to get the breakthroughs and maintain control. 

His absence could be fatal to Sri Lanka's chances against an England side that will be hurting from their collapse versus Proteas and could well unleash their wrath on a flat batting surface in Bangalore.