Kasun Rajitha named 'concussion substitute' for Chamika Gunasekara during SL vs AFG one-off Test

Sri Lankan pacer Kasun Rajitha has replaced Chamika Gunasekara as a concussion substitute on Day 3 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Colombo. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board confirmed Kasun Rajitha’s inclusion in the team on Sunday, February 4.

Sri Lanka is currently competing against the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The home team bundled out the opposition for 198 runs after opting to bowl first. Rahmat Shah top-scored with 91 off 139 deliveries, including 13 boundaries.

In response, the Sri Lankan cricket team posted a formidable total of 439 runs in the first innings. The Dhananjaya de Silva-led side took a 241-run lead after the completion of both teams’ first innings. Debutant Chamika Gunasekara was hit on the back of his helmet.

Kasun Rajitha Replaces Chamika Gunasekera In Sri Lanka Line-up

During the 107th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings, Naveed Zadran’s bouncer struck the back of Chamika Gunasekara’s helmet, and the ball went to the boundary. Gunasekara was late to duck, leading to the batter undergoing a concussion test conducted by the physio.

Gunasekara seemed to be initially comfortable and continued to bat. However, he walked off the field during the 110th over. The Sri Lanka board took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm that Kasun Rajitha replaced Gunasekara as the ‘concussion substitute’.

“Kasun Rajitha has been approved as the ‘concussion replacement’ for Chamika Gunasekera, who was hit on the helmet while batting during Sri Lanka’s 1st inning,” Sri Lanka Cricket wrote.

Here’s what the ICC rule book states –

1.2.8.1 In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match, and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated Concussion Replacement.

1.2.8.2 If the ICC Match Referee believes that the inclusion of the nominated Concussion Replacement, when performing their normal role, would excessively advantage their team, the Match Referee may impose such conditions upon the identity and involvement of the Concussion Replacement as he/she sees fit, in line with the overriding objective of facilitating a like-for-like replacement for the concussed player.

Angelo Mathews And Dinesh Chandimal Score Centuries In the First Innings

Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal added an impressive 242-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Matthews contributed 141 runs off 259 balls, featuring three sixes and 14 boundaries. Chandimal scored 107 off 181 deliveries, including one six and 10 boundaries.

Naveed Zadran delivered a standout bowling performance for Afghanistan, securing impressive figures of 4/83. Meanwhile, Nijat Masood and Qais Ahmed each contributed two wickets. However, other Afghan bowlers failed to pick up any wickets in the first innings.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 198 (Rahmat Shah 91, Noor Ali Zadran 31, Vishwa Fernando 4/51, Asitha Fernando 3/24, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/67). Sri Lanka 439 (Angelo Matthews 141, Dinesh Chandimal 107, Naveed Zadran 7/83, Nijat Masood 2/76, Qais Ahmad 2/98)

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