Reports: Pathum Nissanka ruled out due to quadriceps strain, Nishan Madushka to make debut

The Sri Lanka team has been hit by a major blow ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies, as star opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out with a quadriceps strain from the T20I series. In Nissanka's absence, Nishan Madushka is all set to make his debut.

In Nissanka's absence, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka will need to take on the extra responsibility. Their performance will be crucial in the three-match series, with games on October 20, 23, and 26, all at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, Nissanka has been sidelined for the opening game as his availability for the remainder of the series is still uncertain.

Sri Lanka enters this series riding high on confidence. Fresh off a T20I series victory against the West Indies and a whitewash of India in their last ODI tie, the team's confidence is skyrocketing. Under the new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka is looking to maintain this winning momentum.

On the other hand, the visitors missed out on the last ODI World Cup, and captain Shai Hope is set to lead a squad eager to prove themselves. With new talents such as Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty coming in, the Caribbean side is looking to earn their confidence in this format of the game.

Also Read: Sri Lanka announce ODI squad for West Indies series

Sri Lanka squad for WI ODI series: 

Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.