Asela Gunaratne ruled out of the first Test against India with a fractured thumb

The much-awaited encounter between India and Sri Lanka kicked off from today from Galle. The two nations locked themselves in a 4 match Test series, with the first match being played today. Hosts Sri Lanka went into the match with newly appointed skipper Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of the first Test due to a lung infection.

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To pile on the misery, the Rangana Herath side has been hit with a huge blow. Asela Gunaratne, who is an integral part of the side, fell victim to an injury on his left thumb during the first day’s play. The batsman has been reported to have fractured his thumb while taking a catch in the slip off a Lahiru Kumara delivery. Gunaratne, one of the top fielders in the Sri Lankan side, not only fractured his thumb but also dropped the catch. The reason behind the same might be his already injured finger which took a nasty blow again.

Shikhar Dhawan was batting on 31 when he edged a delivery from Lahiru Kumara back to the slips. It went straight to Gunaratne and was an easy grasp for the fielder but he provided the left handed batsman with another life by dropping the sitter.

The news has been confirmed by Cricbuzz on their Twitter handle that the player has been taken to a hospital in Colombo immediately to undergo a surgery on this thumb. Is also reported that the player will not be a part of the Test anymore which is a deep blow to the Sri Lankan camp.

Sri Lanka Chairman of selectors, Sanath Jayasuriya gave a confirmation of the news to Cricbuzz as Sri Lanka prepare to deal without Gunaratne in the first test. However, Dhawan has now cemented his roots on the 22 yards and looks in prolific form. The batsman has already reached his 5^th Test hundred and it might turn out very costly for the hosts.