Galle : Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow as batsman Asela Gunaratne was ruled out of the ongoing first Test of the three-match series against India at the Galle due to a fractured thumb.
Gunaratne sustained the injury on his left thumb while attempting a catch of Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan off Lahiru Kumara’s delivery in the 14th over of the first morning.
The 31-year-old, who was fielding at second slip, dived to his left to intercept an edge off Dhawan’s bat, only for the ball to hit him on the end of the thumb.
Soon after the incident, Gunaratne had a preliminary test in Galle before he was rushed to Colombo. Now, a specialist would be consulted and decision would be taken whether the batsman would require too undergo surgery.
He is now doubtful for the remainder of the Test series as well, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Gunaratne’s injury means Sri Lanka would bat with only 10 players in both their innings of the ongoing Test, something which could also hamper the hosts’ chances to stage a comeback against the Virat Kohli-led side.(ANI)