Asela Gunaratne ruled out of action for a minimum of 6-8 weeks

Hosts Sri Lanka has been hit with a huge blow as star player Asela Gunaratne will take no further part in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. The right handed batsman is reported to be out of action for at least 6-8 weeks which is a major matter of concern for the Sri Lankans.

Background:

Gunaratne, who is also effective with the ball, was rushed to the hospital after he fractured his already injured thumb during the first day’s play at Colombo. The incident took place when Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan edged a Lahiru Kumara delivery back to slips. Gunaratne who was guarding the position not only fractured his thumb but also dropped the catch.

Shikhar Dhawan was then batting on just 31 runs and he capitalized on the opportunity in style. He made full use of his second life and played a trailblazing 190 run knock to mark his return to the Test format.

SLC official’s statement:

However, Sri Lanka will now have to deal with life without the crucial Asela Gunaratne for the rest of the series. According to an SLC official, Gunaratne”sustained an intra articular comminuted fracture to his left thumb”. He also added that the cricketer had to undergo “reconstructive surgery” last evening.

The official notified that Gunaratne will be out for 6-8 weeks and would not be allowed to get back on the field before completing a proper and full rehabilitation period.

Sri Lanka now finds themselves in an uncomfortable position in the Test as India registered a mammoth 600 runs on the board. Centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara were flamboyant with the bat where AS Ajinkya Rahane played a crucial supporting role. Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami chipped in with late power hitting cameos down the order to take India to the 600 run mark.

Coming to bat, Sri Lanka has lost 3 wickets already within the 100 run mark and the Indians are clearly on the driving seat. Upul Tharanga looks a man in form as he registered a half century.