Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against India. Earlier, Dushmantha Chameera was also ruled out of both the ODI and T20I series due to bronchitis and respiratory infection. This is a big blow for the home side as they aim to put behind a poor show at the T20 World Cup and start afresh under new captain Charith Asalanka.
Thushara sustained a finger injury while doing fielding practice ahead of the opening T20I that is to be played on July 27 (Saturday). SLC has confirmed replacements for both injured players including Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madhushanka in the squad. Thushara’s absence will hurt the hosts more as his slingy action like Lasith Malinga is tough to pick for batters and it has been evident in different T20 leagues he has played so far.