AUS vs SL: Wanindu Hasaranga Tests Covid Positive Ahead Of 3rd T20I

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has tested Covid positive ahead of the third T20I against Australia. The hosts lead the five-match series 2-0 and have a chance to enforce a series win if they win the third game in Canberra. Both teams have concerns with their respective teams heading into this all-important game.

The official Twitter handle of the Sri Lanka cricket board confirmed the development of Wanindu Hasaranga. “Wanindu Hasaranga has tested positive for Covid-19. The player was found to be positive during a routine Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted this morning (15th February). Hasaranga is currently undergoing Covid-19 protocols and is placed in isolation,” SLC tweeted.

Wanindu Hasaranga In Isolation After Testing Covid Positive

Player Update #<!---->A<!---->U<!---->S<!---->v<!---->S<!---->L?:
Wanindu Hasaranga has tested positive for Covid-19.
The player was found to be positive during a routine Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted this morning (15th February).
Hasaranga is currently undergoing Covid-19 protocols and is placed in isolation.

— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) F<!---->e<!---->b<!---->r<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->2

The Lankan cricket board had earlier confirmed that Kusal Perera had recovered from COVID-19 and will be available for selection for the third T20I. While Hasaranga is a big concern for the Lankan side, Steve Smith has been ruled out of the final three games of the series. He suffered a concussion blow to his head in the second T20I and was advised rest by the Australian medical team. Moises Henriques is likely to replace Smith in the Australian playing XI.

The Lankans need to win the third match to stay alive in the series. They lost the second T20I on the Super Over after staying ahead during the initial 40 overs in the match.

” It was a thrillier. At the start we bowled well, but gave 10 runs extra. In the second phase we lost too many wickets early on” said Lankan spinner Dasun Shanalka after losing the game.

Heading into the third T20I, Australian T20I skipper Aaron Finch said “It was a thriller. At the start we bowled well, but gave 10 runs extra. In the second phase, we lost too many wickets early on” reflecting on the Super Over win.

IN the recently concluded IPL 2022 mega auction, Wanindu Hasaranga was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 10.75 crore. The likes of Smith and Finch went unsold in the bidding event.

Also Read: AUS vs SL: Steve Smith Ruled Out Of Remaining T20Is Against Sri Lanka Due To Concussion