Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Hamstring injury rules Lahiru Kumara out of the Test series

In a massive blow for Sri Lanka, fast bowler Lahiru Kumara has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. The speedster sustained a hamstring injury in the ongoing first Test at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. He underwent MRI scans, which revealed the presence of an injury. In the first innings, he bowled 28 overs and picked up one wicket for 88 runs.

It’s the second instance when Kumara has pulled out midway from a Test match. Last year, the pacer withdrew from the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion after complaining about a groin problem. In fact, the Pallekele Test was his first Test since that game. It remains to be seen who the Lankans replace the seamer with.

In the fast-bowling department, apart from Kumara, left-armer Vishwa Fernando and the very experienced Suranga Lakmal are part of the current Test. Angelo Mathews rolled his arms over, but only for seven overs in which he gave away 14 runs.

It was the 29-year-old Fernando, who did most of the damage with the ball in hand as he picked up four wickets in the 35 overs he bowled. Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando are the other fast bowlers in the Lankan squad.

Karunaratne and De Silva make hay

After Bangladesh declared their innings at 541 for seven, the Lankans have made an incredible comeback. Though a result seems unlikely as of now, the hosts have made sure that they have almost secured a draw going into the second Test, starting Thursday, April 29.

At the end of the fourth day’s play, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva have guided the Islanders to safer shores. Even as the Lankan skipper stayed unbeaten on 234 off 419 balls with 25 fours, De Silva was not out on a 278-ball 154 with the help of 20 fours.

The duo has already put forth a partnership of 322 runs and played out the entirety of the fourth day. The Tigers’ bowlers toiled hard without much success. With 512 runs on the board, Sri Lanka are trailing by only 29 runs with seven wickets left in the first innings.