SL vs PAK: Maheesh Theekshana Ruled Out Of The 2nd Test, Lakshitha Manasinghe Added In The Squad

Pathum Nissanka has fully recovered from a bout of Covid-19 and will rejoin the Sri Lanka Test team, according to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). He will be joined by right-arm offspinner Lakshitha Manasinghe, who will replace Maheesh Theekshana.

Theekshana had suffered an injury to one of his fingers on his right hand – his bowling hand – during the first Test against Pakistan, which Sri Lanka lost by four wickets, according to the SLC. He had only made his Test debut earlier this month, in the second Test against Australia, after being pushed into the Test squad following a series of Covid-related withdrawals.

Lakshitha Manasinghe Is Expected To Make His Debut In The 2nd Test

He held his spot in the squad for the opening match against Pakistan, but was generally ineffectual, taking just two wickets – but he did impress with the bat, his part in a tenacious ninth and tenth wicket stand in the first innings rescuing Sri Lanka from a dangerous situation on the first day.

Manasinghe, his successor, has not much experience either, but his 17 first-class outings outnumber Theekshana’s five. In his 17 games, the 22-year-old Manasinghe has taken 73 wickets at an average of 26.38, including six five-wicket hauls. He most recently took 13 wickets for Sri Lanka A in two unofficial Tests against Australia A. He also has a fair amount of expertise with the bat as he has scored 5 half-centuries.

Manasinghe is expected to make his debut in the second Test, which will also be played in spin-friendly Galle, as Sri Lanka will likely go with a spin-heavy assault.

Nissanka’s return to the playing XI seems less clear, with his substitute at the top of the order, Oshada Fernando, impressing with scores of 35 and 64 in his absence.

Also Read: SL vs PAK: Pakistan Shouldn’t Have Promoted Hasan Ali To Bat In The Chase – Shahid Afridi