Uncapped Mohammed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga named as replacements for Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka for India ODIs

Sri Lanka fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, led by Rohit Sharma. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named two uncapped pacers as replacements for Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka for the series.

The Sri Lankan national cricket team has been plagued by injuries since the start of the white-ball series against India at home. Dushmantha Chameera and Binura Fernando were ruled out of the T20I series due to illness. Nuwan Thushara also missed the recent three-match T20I series due to a finger injury.

Matheesha Pathirana sustained a shoulder injury during the third and final T20I match, which forced him to miss the ODI series. Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka injured his hamstring during a practice session. Both fast bowlers were expected to be included in the playing XI for the series opener against India.

Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka Ruled Out Of ODI Series

On August 1, Sri Lanka Cricket announced the inclusion of Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as replacements for the injured Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka. The board confirmed that Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay have been added to the squad as standbys.

"Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will not take part in the ODI series as the players have sustained injuries."

"The Cricket Selectors have brought in Mohammed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga as replacements for the above two. In the meantime, the following three players have been added to the squad as standbys. Kusal Janith, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay," the statement said.

Mohammed Shiraz has an impressive domestic record. The young bowler has taken 80 wickets in 47 List A matches at an average of 17.52 and an economy of 4.57. Shiraz has also played 23 T20 matches and 49 first-class games in domestic cricket. Eshan Malinga has taken 12 wickets in seven List A matches.

Sri Lanka updated squad for ODI series against India: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Sri Lanka To Face India In First ODI Match On August 2

Sri Lanka suffered a humiliating 3-0 sweep in the three-match T20I series against India, led by Suryakumar Yadav. The home team collapsed in the final overs during all three matches. They failed to chase 138 runs in the third and final game, losing the match in a Super Over in Pallekele on Tuesday, July 30.

Charith Asalanka was appointed as the skipper of the ODI team, replacing Kusal Mendis. The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The remaining two matches are also scheduled to be played at the same venue on August 4 and 7.

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