Dhammika Prasad ruled out of World Cup

Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has been ruled of the World Cup because of a fractured sustained on his left hand. He sustained this injury two days prior to Sri Lanka’s first warm up game on Monday against South Africa.

Dhammika Prasad sustained the fracture while in nets when he was hit by Thisara Perera shot of his own bowling. The official release said, “Dhammika Prasad was hit on the outside of the left hand when attempting a return catch while bowling.”

The release added, “The x-ray showed a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone. The fracture has been realigned and put in a cast. Dhammika will not be available for the upcoming World Cup.”

There has been no decision taken on the replacement. The decision will be taken once Sanath Jayasuriya, the chief selector will travel to New Zealand and decide on Dhammika Prasad’s replacement after consulting with skipper Angelo Matthews and team management. The name of the replacement will then be put forward to World Cup’s technical committee who would approve of the replacement.

As of now, fast bowlers Shaminda Eranga and Dushmantha Chameera are on standby for Sri Lanka. But there are chances that one of the batsmen among Upul Tharanga or Kusal Perera might be named as replacement as well. Reason being that Sri Lanka’s batting was not impressive in the ODI’s against New Zealand.

Among the two bowlers who are on standy, Shaminda Eranga is a safer option because of being the more experienced one. Shaminda Eranga has represented Sri Lanka in 17 ODIs while Dushmantha Chameera has played only one ODI for Sri Lanka.