SL v AUS 2022 | Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana ruled out from the 3rd T20I

Sri Lankan fast-bowling duo of Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana have been ruled out of the final T20I against Australia due to their respective injuries.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) confirmed the development on the morning of the final T20I of the series through a tweet.

The statement revealed that both players suffered their respective injuries during the training session. While Rajitha has suffered a left-hip injury, Pathirana is being troubled by an injury in his right elbow.

The national selection committee has named Asitha Fernando and Pramod Madushan as replacements for Rajitha and Pathirana, respectively.

"Injuries -  Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana have suffered injuries, while training and will not take further part in the T20I series," the statement stated.

"Rajitha has suffered an injury on his 'Left Hip,' whilst Pathirana has suffered an injury on his 'Right Elbow’.”

The statement further added:

"In the meantime, Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee made the following replacements to the T20I squad, in place of the two injured players.

1. Asitha Fernando comes in place of Kasun Rajitha

2.Pramod Madushan comes in place of Matheesha Pathirana" 

That said, it is unlikely to affect Lanka's starting XI as the duo did not find a place in the team for the first two games.

Meanwhile, the home side will look to bounce back after suffering consecutive humiliating defeats against the world champions and end the series on a high.

As has been the case in the last 5-6 years, the Lankan batting has proved to be their nemesis in this series as well. The middle-order has failed to capitalize on the starts provided by the top-order, paving the way for fatal collapses.

In the first game, Sri Lanka collapsed from 100/2 to 128 all-out, while in the last match, they suffered a similar fate as they meandered to a pain-staking 124/9.

The final T20I will offer the home side batters a chance to find some much-needed form and confidence as they head into a crucial five-match One-day International series against the Aaron Finch-led unit.