Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the 2nd ODI with a Groin Strain

According to ESPNCricinfo, the ace Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is set to remain unavailable for the 2nd ODI against Australia on 16th June at Pallekele. It is learned that Hasaranga has suffered from a groin strain sustained in the 1st ODI. In his last two overs in the second half of the game, he was also seen limping during his delivery stride. The medical staff is yet to announce the period of his absence, but he will at least miss the second fixture. 

Also Read: INDIA vs IRELAND T20I series squad announced, Hardik Pandya to lead the team

Although the team could not secure a victory in the 1st ODI. But, the 24-year-old was one of the finest performers with the contribution of 39 runs from 19 balls and four wickets later in hand.

Earlier this year, Hasaranga missed the Zimbabwe series due to a hamstring tear. On the other hand, the covid infection ruled him out of the series against Australia and India. With 11 out of 15 wickets taken by the spinners, the replacement of Hasaranga will likely be a spinner.

The Lions are trailing in the series by 0-1

The current Lions squad for this series includes the likes of Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Praveen Jayawickrama. The team management can also opt to include Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Then they may complete Hasaranga's quota of overs by dividing it between Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva.

Read Also: You will get shocked to see how much BCCI will earn from each ball in IPL

In the 1st ODI, the Sri Lankan batting unit did well to post a score of 300 on the board. Keeper batter Kusal Mendis scored 86. In the bowling unit, Dunith Wellalage was impressive in his debut international game. He scalped two important wickets and gave away 49 runs from 7 overs.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side will look to make a comeback in the series and improve their position in the World Cup Super League points table. They are sitting at the ninth spot with only six victories in 18 matches