Sri Lanka have suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out due to a wrist injury. The right-handed batter has travelled to London for surgery after struggling with the problem during recent international matches.
The second and final Test of the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies will begin on Friday, July 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Nissanka's absence leaves Sri Lanka without one of their most reliable batters as they look to level the two-match Test series.
Pathum Nissanka Ruled out of 2nd Test; Undergoes Wrist Surgery
According to a Newswire report, Pathum Nissanka has undergone wrist surgery in London after being ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies. The Sri Lanka opener struggled in the first Test, scoring just 2 and 3 against the West Indies pace attack.
Nissanka had also withdrawn from the 2026 Lanka Premier League to focus on his recovery. Sri Lanka Cricket decided to send the 27-year-old to London for specialist treatment as they aim to have him fit for the upcoming series against India and England.
Despite his disappointing outing in the first Test, Nissanka has been one of Sri Lanka's most consistent batters in red-ball cricket. He has scored 1,310 runs in 19 Tests at an average of over 42, including four centuries and seven fifties. Notably, he has never been dismissed for a duck in 33 Test innings.
Double Injury Blow for Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka's absence is another setback for Sri Lanka, with fast bowler Lahiru Kumara also ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring injury. Kumara suffered the injury during the opening Test against the West Indies.
The injuries to Nissanka and Kumara have forced Sri Lanka to change their plans for the second Test. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and the team management will now have to rely on other players to fill the gaps in the playing XI.
The setbacks come at a crucial stage of Sri Lanka's World Test Championship campaign. After a heavy defeat in the first Test, the visitors now face a difficult task as they try to level the two-match series.
West Indies Eye Series Sweep
The West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the first Test at North Sound. It was their first win in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship under captain Roston Chase.
Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase added a record 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the highest for that wicket in Test cricket. Jangoo scored his maiden double century and was named Player of the Match, while Kemar Roach took four wickets in the second innings and reached 300 Test wickets.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva scored a century in the first innings, but the visitors were bowled out for just 101 in the second innings. They will need a much better performance in Antigua to avoid a series defeat.
