Colombo, Aug 1: Beaten in the T20I series 3-0 by visitors Team India, hosts Sri Lanka would be eager to bounce back with vengeance against the same opposition in the three upcoming ODIs.
However, on Thursday, just a day before the first ODI, the hosts had to cope with the shocking news of losing their two key fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka from the 50-over series.
Pathirana was ruled out with a shoulder problem while Dilshan Madushanka has an hamstring injury. This is not the first time Pathirana has been ruled out due to injuries. He had similar problems earlier too.
It was expected that Pathirana and Madushanka would feature in the Lanka XI in the first ODI against India on Friday. Their absence is likely to hurt the hosts led by Charith Asalanka.
As per recent match records, Sri Lanka have lost their last 10 matches across formats against India.
It can be recalled that the hosts are also without pacer Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with illness, and fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who fractured his thumb. Both these players had missed the T20Is as well.
As replacements for Pathirana and Madushanka, uncapped right-arm seamers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been roped into Sri Lanka ODI squad. Besides, three players were also put on standby, which includes batter Kusal Perera, seamer Pramod Madushan and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, sources revealed.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India are likely to fancy their chances against a depleted Sri Lankan side, even if the conditions are expected to suit the home team more.
