SL vs IND: Nuwan Thushara ruled out due to broken finger, replacement announced

In a major setback for Sri Lanka's cricket team, fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against India due to a broken finger. This injury, sustained during a fielding practice session, marks the second blow to the host nation's pace attack in recent days, after Dushmantha Chameera.

The injury occurred Wednesday evening during a training session under lights, as confirmed by team manager Mahinda Halangoda. Thushara, who has been a consistent presence in Sri Lanka's T20I line-up this year, broke a finger on his left hand, which, although not his bowling hand, is severe enough to sideline him for the series.

This setback comes after another loss to Sri Lanka's bowling arsenal. Just a day earlier, the team announced that pacer Chameera would miss the series due to bronchitis and a respiratory infection. Asitha Fernando was named the righ-arm pacer's replacement in the ODI and T20I squads.

Also read: Asitha Fernando replaces injured Dushmantha Chameera for India white-ball series

Preparations have been really good: Sanath Jayasuriya

Thushara's absence will be keenly felt to the Lankan Lions, given his recent performances. He was among Sri Lanka's standout bowlers at the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming eight wickets in three matches. 

Earlier this year, he also pulled off a T20I hat-trick against Bangladesh, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 20. Currently, Sri Lanka have not named a replacement for Thushara, but left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has now been roped in as Thushara's replacement for the upcoming series, starting July 27.

Despite these setbacks, the island nation is not without its advantages. Every squad member recently participated in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), providing them with valuable match practice and familiarity with the conditions, particularly in Pallekele, where one leg of the tournament was held.

Also read: Dushmanta Chameera set to miss India series due to injury, replacement to be named soon

In preparation for the series, the team is currently engaged in a training camp in Kandy. They are working with Rajasthan Royals' high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, on a short-term basis, an arrangement facilitated by former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who serves as the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals. The interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya spoke about the training.

"It was great training with Zubin, as we did a lot of things that we had not done before. There was a lot of work done with him, we learnt a lot from him, and I hope the players have learned about more optimal practicing and techniques. So I think preparations have been really good and we have another two more days in Kandy," Jayasuriya said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.