CSK Young Gun To Be Included In Sri Lankan Squad For NZ White-ball Leg

image-lf6jfvtuMatheesha Pathirana in action [Source: Twitter]

As per emerging reports, Sri Lankan pace spearhead, Dushmantha Chameera, is poised to miss the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand as he is yet to recover from an ankle injury. Young pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to replace him in both the ODI and T20I squads.

Chameera, who underwent knee surgery in Australia last year, had recovered and received medical clearance to join the Sri Lanka white-ball squad for the New Zealand series.

However, he has reportedly complained about ankle pain, rendering him unavailable for the limited-over series in New Zealand. 

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the right-arm pacer took to Twitter to provide an update on his fitness. The cricketer stated that he had recuperated from the surgery and is looking forward to returning to action. 

He also expressed his eagerness to play ODI games but stated that he would begin by playing for the Kandy team at the NSL tournament.

Sri Lanka's prospects for the upcoming limited-over series have taken a hit with the absence of Chameera. However, it remains to be seen if Pathirana can rise to the occasion and fill in the void left by the senior bowler.

It is pertinent to mention that the lanky seamer's injury woes have persisted since the T20 World Cup 2022. He had suffered a grade two tear in the calf of his landing foot during the match against the UAE. 

The 31-year-old had pulled up while running to bowl the last over of his spell and hobbled off the field, wincing. The injury was reportedly linked to the ankle and calf complaints that kept him out of the Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand did not get off to an ideal start as they lost the first Test by two wickets, despite having dominated the game for the most part. 

Consequently, they are now out of contention for the World Championship Final. The second Test will begin on Friday, March 17, in Wellington, after which the two sides will compete in three ODIs and as many T20Is.