Sri Lanka will be without the services of paceman Nuwan Pradeep for the forthcoming Test series against Australia, beginning Thursday under lights at the Gabba.
Pradeep was only able to get through two overs in Sri Lanka’s warm-up fixture against a Cricket Australia XI in Hobart last week, before sustaining a hamstring injury.
“Nuwan Pradeep, who is part of Sri Lanka’s Test squad touring Australia for the two Test series; has sustained an injury and will be out of the series,” Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed. “He has sustained a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring.”
Pradeep did not play in Sri Lanka’s recent two-Test series against New Zealand, and in fact played the last of his 28 Tests in October 2017.
In Hobart, where Sri Lanka were allowed to play their full squad owing to the unofficial status of the match, Pradeep opened the bowling alongside Kasun Rajitha in the first innings.
Dushmantha Chameera and Suranga Lakmal were the other quicks to take part for the visitors in the match.
Lakmal, a veteran of 54 Tests, played both recent matches against New Zealand, while Chameera and Rajitha played one Test each.
Should Sri Lanka opt for three quicks on the traditionally pace-friendly Gabba, that trio - all of whom are right-armers - appears the most likely selection.
FREE TICKETS FOR LANKA TEST
Meanwhile Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket are to offer complimentary tickets for next week’s day-night Test at the Gabba to those who attended Thursday’s Big Bash match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder.
The BBL clash was abandoned just three overs into the Heat’s chase of 187, after a power outage led to a blackout in a section of the Gabba’s lighting. Those in attendance will now be offered the chance to watch one day of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka for free.
In a statement from Cricket Australia, Executive General Manager of Fan Engagement, Anthony Everard said: “Last night’s match was unable to be completed due to an external power issue that was outside the control of the Brisbane Heat and Cricket Australia.
“Under Cricket Australia’s established terms and conditions, the 23 overs of play including the full innings of the Thunder meant that refunds are not applicable in this instance.
“However, the Heat and Cricket Australia would like to extend an offer to fans to attend next week’s day-night First Domain Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba for free.’’
The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka is set to begin at the Gabba on 24 January.
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