Sri Lanka remove Chandika Hathurusingha as selector-on-tour

Sri Lanka have had a torrid time over the last few months. Since October 1st 2018, they have won just one international game and that was against England in an ODI. They’ve failed to put up strong performances irrespective of where they are playing (home or away). They recently completed a winless New Zealand tour where they lost the ODI series 3-0, Test series 1-0 and the only T20I before going to Australia.

Once again they made a losing start to a tour having lost the opening Test in Australia at the Gabba by an innings and 40 runs. They have been completely outplayed in most of the games and thus have been struggling for quite a while now. Under coach Chandika Hathurusingha, Sri Lanka were expected to get better. However, the tide hasn’t turned.

After the drubbing in the first Test, Hathurusingha has been removed as the selector on tour. Sri Lanka Cricket has now decided that the team (playing XI) will be decided by the captain and the team manager in consultation with the national selection committee.

“SLC wishes to announce that the team selection; while the team is on tour shall be made by a Committee comprising of Team Manager and Captain in Consultation with the National Selection Committee. The majority decision of the Manager; Captain and members of the Selection Committee shall prevail on any selection made thereof,” a statement from the SLC read.

Dushmantha Chameera to miss the second Test

The Sri Lankan team has been plagued by injuries. On this Australian tour, players, fast bowlers, in particular, have broken down and the casualty list has only increased. Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out before the first Test as he picked up an injury during the practice game. Lahiru Kumara picked up a hamstring injury during the first Test and was subsequently ruled out of the second Test and the tour to South Africa.  

Dushmantha Chameera is the latest to join the injury list. He injured his left ankle during the first Test and will return home. Chamika Karunaratne has replaced Chameera. Thus, Sri Lanka have quite a few selection and injury concerns ahead of the second and final Test of the tour that begins on February 1st in Canberra.

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