Sri Lanka suffered yet another setback on the eve of the third Test against the West Indies with their board announcing that veteran spinner Rangana Herath had hurt his hand during training on Friday.
“Rangana Herath is injured and is doubtful for the 3rd test match. Herath split the webbing on his right hand between the fourth and fifth finger during a practice session held ahead of the third Test,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.
Herath’s injury means the Sri Lankans are without a possible leadership option for the deciding day-night Test in Barbados with regular skipper Dinesh Chandimal’s participation looking unlikely.
Chandimal faces a lengthy ban. He appealed the one-Test ban for ball tampering in the second Test but admitted to the more serious offence of ‘conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.’
The third day of the second Test in St Lucia last Saturday was held up by two hours after the tourists failed to come out, in protest at the umpires’ decision to impose a five-run penalty and replace the match ball.
If Chandimal doesn’t play, seamer Suranga Lakmal will most likely lead Sri Lanka.
