Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera is yet to join the Lankan squad for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa. The 22-man squad that was announced for the series will be led by Dasun Shanaka.

The former skipper Perera had contracted covid-19 in August. He was put into isolation following which he was supposed to join the home side. However, a source has now stated that he may participate only in the T20I series.

Kusal Perera becomes the newest Sri Lanka ODI captain (Photo- Getty)
(Photo- Getty)

Kusal Perera Likely To Miss ODI Series Against South Africa

He has been cleared by Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the Chairman of the Medical Panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and therefore was included in the squads but as he has not been training. He is most likely to be out of the ODI matches and will be considered to play the T20Is,” the source was quoted as saying.

Breaking News: Kusal Perera Likely To Miss ODI Series Against South Africa
Kusal Perera. (Credits: Twitter)

The series will begin on September 2, Thursday with the 3 ODI’s being played after which the 3 T20I’s will be played on September 10,12, and 14. The squad’s preparation began with the night training session on Tuesday.

Yes, this was their first-night training session and they trained between 8 pm and 10 pm at the R. Premadasa Stadium,” the source confirmed.

Perera’s absence gives Minod Bhanuka another chance to prove himself at the top. Against India, he had a decent outing but couldn’t convert his start. Avishka Fernando on the other hand will be keen on continuing his form from the Indian series.

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Avishka Fernando
Avishka Fernando (Image Credit: Twitter)

Sri Lanka squad for series against South Africa:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Binura Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akhila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Madushanka, Pulina Tharanga, Maheesh Theekshana

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