Asitha Fernando replaces injured Binura Fernando in Lankan squad

• Four replacements to the original squad picked for the T20 World Cup so far

SYDNEY: Binura Fernando became the third Sri Lankan fast bowler to be ruled out of the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup when medical reports stated that he has strained his left hamstring. Fernando delivered just five balls of the opening over in Sri Lanka’s match against Australia at Perth on Tuesday before walking off the field holding onto his left back thigh.

“Binura has been declared unfit and he will be going home. We have asked for Binura to be replaced by Asitha Fernando in the 15-member squad. Asitha along with two other players have arrived and will be joining us tonight (Thursday),” said Sri Lanka Team Manager Mahinda Halangoda.

The ICC in a media release yesterday stated that Asitha Fernando has been approved as the replacement for Binura Fernando.

Binura actually came back from an injury and replaced another left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka in the Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad. Madushanka was the first fast bowling casualty for Sri Lanka in a list that has grown by the numbers. 

He was followed by Dushmantha Chameera whose place was taken by Kasun Rajitha, and Promod Madushan (hamstring) and batsman Danushka Gunathilaka (hamstring). Madushanka returned to Sri Lanka but Chameera stayed back in Melbourne to undergo surgery on a troubled left ankle.

Sri Lanka replaced batsman Danushka Gunathilaka with Ashen Bandara in their 15, which meant that overall, there has been four replacements to the original squad picked for the T20 World Cup so far. Sri Lanka retained Madushan in their squad of 15 and according to Halangoda he has recovered from the injury and will be available for selection for Saturday’s match against New Zealand at the SCG.

“I can’t talk about Binura but the other two there was a huge change in the climate (in Geelong). You had to keep on stretching and keep warm all the time. That’s how Madushanka and Chameera got injured. Chameera of course had other injuries as well,” said Halangoda. 

“The injury I was surprised with was Dilshan’s because he was really fit. But I can tell you that going forward, most of the guys are okay and with Asitha (Fernando) coming in there won’t be a requirement any more.”

Sri Lanka has four fit seamers going into the match against New Zealand on Saturday – Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Promod Madushan and Asitha Fernando along with bowling all-rounders Chamikara Karunaratne and skipper Dasun Shanaka.

“Tomorrow (Friday) there is going to be practice. They will have a look at Asitha and take a call. I don’t think they will want to stretch him especially after a long flight,” said Halangoda.

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