Sri Lanka lose Suranga Lakmal for South Africa Tests

The 24-year-old right-arm quick joined Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga, who trio were not considered for the selection, on the list of injured pacers.

“We are hopeful that by the time the first Test ends at Centurion on December 19, one of the inured fast bowlers would be fit to fly to South Africa and replace Lakmal,” Sri Lanka’s chairman of selectors, Duleep Mendis said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Lakmal expected to be fit before ODI series

However Lakmal, who has claimed 18 wickets from 10 Test matches for Sri Lanka, is expected to gain the sufficient amount of recovery before the subsequent one-day series.

Mahela Jayawardene, who missed the last one-day and Twenty20 against Pakistan in the Abu Dhabi after sustaining knee injury, has been fully fit and will tour South Africa according to schedule.

Sri Lanka are due to play three Tests and five one-dayers in South Africa. The first Test starts in Centurion on December 15.

Sri Lanka Squad

Tillakaratne Dilshan (Captain), Angelo Mathews (Vice-Captain), Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne, Chanaka Welegedara, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.