Sri Lanka opening batter Pathum Nissanka is likely to miss the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, starting on Sunday, August 23. The hosts are facing major selection challenges while trying to level the two-match series, with three first-choice batters set to miss the final Test.
Sri Lanka suffered a 165-run defeat against India in the series opener at the Galle International Stadium. The hosts had named a squad only for the first Test, leaving the team management with the task of rebuilding the top order ahead of the second Test, set to commence on Sunday (August 23) in Colombo.
Pathum Nissanka in Doubt for Second Test Due to Wrist Injury
Pathum Nissanka is still recovering from wrist surgery he underwent in June. The right-handed opener Pathum Nissanka is closer to match fitness but continues to experience pain and discomfort while batting in the nets. The medical team remains cautious about clearing him for a demanding five-day Test.
The medical team remains hesitant to clear Pathum Nissanka because of the physical demands of Test cricket and the lingering soreness in his wrist. With little time between the Galle and Colombo Tests, Sri Lanka may have to consider alternative options at the top of the order.
Pathum Nissanka has been an important part of Sri Lanka's Test batting line-up. He has scored 1,310 runs in 19 Tests at an average of 42.26, including four centuries and seven fifties. Notably, he managed only five runs across two innings against West Indies in June.
Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal Ruled Out of Colombo Test
Kusal Mendis is unavailable for selection as he recovers from a severe hamstring tear suffered during the early stages of the Lanka Premier League. Sri Lanka replaced him with wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who scored 80 in the first innings in Galle and is likely to retain his place.
Dinesh Chandimal is also ruled out of the second Test under ICC concussion safety protocols. Players who are replaced because of concussion-related issues must complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period. Chandimal suffered a neck and shoulder injury while fielding on Day 4 in Galle.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara made his Test debut as a concussion substitute. Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a first-ball duck in his maiden Test innings, but he could retain his place in the playing XI.
India Take 1-0 Lead After Dominant Galle Victory
India secured a 1-0 series lead after beating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, August 19. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 off 230 balls to help India post 462.
KL Rahul contributed 82, while Dhruv Jurel added 51 as India built a strong first-innings total. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 284 in 79.4 overs, with Manav Suthar taking 4/76 and Ravindra Jadeja claiming 3/57 to give India a 178-run first-innings lead.
India were dismissed for 193 in their second innings, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 66 off 69 balls. Chasing 372, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs as Suthar claimed 6/55 to complete a 10-wicket match haul. Padikkal was named Player of the Match.
