SL vs NZ 2024: Uncapped Nishan Peiris replaces injured Vishwa Fernando in Sri Lanka's squad ahead of second Test

Sri Lanka suffered an injury setback ahead of their second Test against New Zealand as experienced pacer Vishwa Fernando has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by uncapped off-spinner Nishan Peiris.

Fernando had been experiencing stiffness in his right hamstring while practising. The left-arm pacer, who last featured during Sri Lanka’s memorable win at the Oval against England earlier this month, has been sent to the High Performance Center for rehabilitation.

Fernando played two out of the three Tests which Sri Lanka played against England. He took seven wickets at an average of 29.29. The 33-year-old didn't feature in the first Test against New Zealand as Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando were the two frontline pacers picked in the playing XI.

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The first Test was played at the Galle International Stadium and Sri Lanka thwarted a spirited New Zealand side to emerge victorious by 63 runs. The second and final Test match will also be played at this venue, starting on Thursday, September 26.

Who is Nishan Peiris?

The 27-year-old was in the Sri Lanka squad for their tour of Bangladesh but didn’t get the opportunity to make his debut. Peiris has played 41 first-class fixtures and has 172 wickets at an average of 24.37 and a strike rate of 42.60. Peiris also has 12 five-wicket hauls in his first-class career and best figures of 8/94 in an innings.

The Negombo-born also has 86 wickets from 61 matches in List A cricket and 43 wickets from 39 games in T20s. It will be tough for him to break into the playing XI straightaway as Sri Lanka have off-spin-bowling all-rounder Ramesh Mendis already in the side. However, he will get some good experience being around the senior players in the Sri Lankan setup.

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Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's win in the first Test helped them displace New Zealand in the World Test Championship standings. The Island nation are at the third place behind India and Australia. The Blackcaps, on the other hand, dropped to No. 4.