Sri Lanka’s Squad for Asia Cup: Fernando, Madushan, and Hemantha Return
Seamers Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan, along with all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, have made a triumphant return to the Sri Lankan cricket squad just in time for the Asia Cup, commencing this Wednesday. The Sri Lanka team has faced a slew of setbacks due to injuries, resulting in several key players being unable to participate in the upcoming competition.
The Much-Needed Replacements
Fernando and Madushan have been identified as ideal replacements for the voids left by Dushmantha Chameera (suffering from a pectoral tear), Dilshan Madushanka (dealing with an oblique tear), and Lahiru Kumara (sidelined due to a side strain). These injuries have deprived the team of its talents and experience, making the return of these skilled players all the more significant.
“The return of Fernando, Madushan, and Hemantha injects renewed energy and depth into the squad, filling the gaps left by the absence of key players,” commented the team coach in a recent interview.
Dushan Hemantha’s inclusion comes at the expense of Wanindu Hasaranga, the spin bowling all-rounder who is currently recovering from a thigh strain. Hemantha’s dual abilities with the bat and ball make him a valuable asset to the team’s strategy and performance.
A New Leadership Setup
Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the 15-member squad is geared up for the Asia Cup. The opening batter, Kusal Mendis, has been appointed as Shanaka’s deputy, bringing his wealth of experience to the team’s leadership core. It’s notable that this new setup will not feature veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, who have been omitted from the squad for this tournament.
Challenges and Setbacks
The team’s batting prowess is unquestionable, but the impact of recent events has taken a toll. Avishka Fernando, though available for selection, will not be able to participate due to a recent COVID infection. This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, affecting not only individual players but the team’s overall dynamics.
Fixture and Debut Match
The Lions are set to roar in their opening match against Bangladesh on Thursday, and the venue is Pallekele. This match will be a test of the team’s resilience and adaptability, given the changes in the squad’s composition. The fans’ anticipation is palpable as they look forward to witnessing the revamped lineup in action.
The Squad List
Here’s the list of players who will be representing Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | Captain |
| Pathum Nissanka | |
| Dimuth Karunaratne | |
| Kusal Janith Perera (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Kusal Mendis (vc and wk) | Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper |
| Charith Asalanka | |
| Dananjaya de Silva | |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Mahesh Theekshana | |
| Dunith Wellalage | |
| Matheesha Pathirana | |
| Kasun Rajitha | |
| Dushan Hemantha | |
| Binura Fernando | |
| Pramod Madushan |
This comprehensive ensemble of players is ready to take on the challenges of the Asia Cup, with each member contributing their unique skills to the team’s efforts. Their collective determination and teamwork will be put to the test as they vie for victory against strong opponents.
This story has not been edited by Smartkhabrinews staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI