Blow for SL: Kamindu Mendis and superstar opener doubtful for Australia Test series

The Sri Lanka national cricket team suffered injury blows ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against the Australia national cricket team at home. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis and batter Pathum Nissanka are doubtful for the series opener against the Steve Smith-led side due to their respective injuries.

Australia's two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka will begin on January 29 in Galle, with both Test matches part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Australia has already secured a spot in the WTC final against South Africa later this year. After the upcoming Test series, the teams will compete in a two-match ODI series.

Sri Lanka Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Test Series Against Australia

Sri Lankan sports journalist Rex Clementine shared concerning news ahead of the Australia series. Kamindu Mendis injured his hand while attempting a catch in a first-class game, requiring stitches for a split webbing. Pathum Nissanka is already doubtful for the series opener due to a groin strain.

"Not the best news coming from SSC with the Australia series less than two weeks away. Kamindu Mendis split his webbing attempting a catch and required stitches during today’s First Class game between SSC and CCC. Pathum Nissanka is already doubtful with a groin strain," Clementine wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Not the best news coming from SSC with the Australia series less than two weeks away. Kamindu Mendis split his webbing attempting a catch and required stitches during today’s First Class game between SSC and CCC. Pathum Nissanka is already doubtful with a groin strain.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) January 17, 2025

Pathum Nissanka Sustained Groin Injury During the Third ODI in New Zealand

Pathum Nissanka sustained a groin injury during the third ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. Nissanka was batting aggressively and scored a half-century off just 31 balls but had to retire hurt after appearing to injure himself while completing his fifty.

MRI scans confirmed a Grade 1 tear, raising doubts about his availability for the second Test against Australia, which begins on February 6. The Sri Lanka Test squad, which will be announced shortly, is scheduled to begin training in Galle on Monday, January 20.

Senior Sri Lanka Cricket Official Plays Down the Severity of Kamindu Mendis' Hand Injury

With less than two weeks until the series against Australia begins, Kamindu Mendis, who sustained a hand injury, required stitches. However, a senior Sri Lanka Cricket official downplayed the severity, according to NewsWire.

A senior Sri Lanka Cricket official, however, played down the severity, stating, “I think Kamindu will be ok; it’s only 1 or 2 stitches.”

Pat Cummins has opted to skip Australia's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, and Cricket Australia has appointed 35-year-old Steve Smith as the captain. Smith has led Australia in 38 Tests, securing 21 wins and 10 losses, but his captaincy saw Australia suffer a 3-0 loss in Sri Lanka in 2016.

Despite being Australia's top white-ball spinner for nearly a decade, Adam Zampa has not been included in the Test setup. Australia has chosen Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matthew Kuhnemann as their primary spin options for the tour.

Apart from frontline spinners, Australia has included all-rounders and part-time spinners like Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Beau Webster, and Cooper Connolly for the tour. Glenn Maxwell, who last played a first-class match in July 2023, was not included despite his experience in subcontinent conditions.

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