Asela Gunaratne likely to join Sri Lankan squad

Sri Lankan all-rounder Asela Gunaratne may join the Sri Lankan squad for the final Test of the ongoing series against India. Both the sides are currently competing in the 2nd Test match in Nagpur. The visitors were bowled out for 205 on the first day of the 2nd Test. In the first match in Kolkata, Dinesh Chandimal’s side managed to hold on to their last few wickets to earn a draw.

They were earlier beaten by a 3-0 margin in the Test series during India’s tour of the island nation, earlier this year. The visitors are looking to clinch their maiden win on Indian soil and they look to be a team with intent this time around.

The all-rounder may get a call-up

According to Pakistan Observer’s report, the Lankans are trying to send the all-rounder for the final game. “He has to undergo the fitness tests and if he is fully fit, we are considering him to send to India for the final Test”, the source added.

“If we decide to send him, he will be an additional member of the touring party. All our players are fit enough now. No replacement is sought till now. Touch wood”, the source added.

The all-rounder has been out of action since July, after fracturing his right thumb during the Galle Test against India. Sri Lanka’s chairman of selectors Graeme Labrooy had earlier said that the cricketer will need time. “He has played two games now since the injury,” Labrooy told Cricbuzz on  November 18. “He bowled, batted and fielded and has come good. We discussed about him, but feel this is not the moment to bring him back, but he will be certainly back for the ODIs,” he added.

“There’s no point of sending him to India and making him to sit on the bench. We are better off getting him to play some competitive games. We will also see what’s the requirement of team management, leave it to them and then make a call.” Labrooy had said.