SL vs AUS | Wanindu Hasaranga set to miss 2nd ODI due to injury

According to ESPNCricinfo, the ace Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is set to remain unavailable for the 2nd ODI against Australia on 16th June at Pallekele. 

It is learned that Hasaranga has suffered from a groin strain sustained in the 1st ODI. In his last two overs in the second half of the game, he was also seen limping during his delivery stride. The medical staff are yet to announce the period of his absence, but he will at least miss the second fixture. 

Although the team could not secure a victory, the 24-year-old was one of the finest performers with the contribution of 39 runs from 19 balls and four wickets with the cork in hand.

Earlier this year, Hasaranga missed the Zimbabwe series due to a hamstring tear. On the other hand, the covid infection ruled him out of the series against Australia and India. 

With 11 out of 15 wickets taken by the spinners, the replacement of Hasaranga will likely be a spinner. 

The current Lions squad for this series includes the likes of Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Praveen Jayawickrama. The team management can also opt to include Bhanuka Rajapaksa and complete Hasaranga’s quota of overs by dividing it between Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva.

In the 1st ODI, the Sri Lankan batting unit did well to post a score of 300 on the board, on the back of an unbeaten 86 from Kusal Mendis. In the bowling unit, Dunith Wellalage was impressive in his debut international game by scalping two wickets and giving away 49 runs from 7 overs.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side will look to make a comeback in the series and improve their position in the World Cup Super League points Table, wherein they are sitting at the ninth spot with only six victories in 18 matches.