Nuwan Pradeep unlikely for second Test at Galle

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep is in doubt of playing the second Test match against Australia scheduled to take place in Galle. Pradeep was Sri Lanka’s only frontline pacer in the first Test which saw spin dominate proceedings as the Australians were handed a 106-run defeat. Reports suggest that Pradeep will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday in order to see if his hamstring is alright to allow him to play.

Should Nuwan Pradeep be deemed unfit, it will be a major blow for the Lankans with both Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal deemed unfit. While a plausible option being the fact that the Lankans can field an all-spin attack, it is also possible that the Lankans may have to dip into their pool of talented pacers to fill the void.

Left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando is the most experienced of the two candidates, having played 44 first-class matches to 19-year-old Asitha Fernando’s two games. With the Galle surface expected to take significant turn, it appears likely Sri Lanka will field three frontline spinners in their attack again.

Although Pradeep now joins the list of injured players Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal, the 29-year old has clearly been overworked by having been made to play 11 consecutive Test matches amid the One Day Internationals in-between. Should he be ruled unfit, this will certainly be a much-needed break for Pradeep.

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The win at Pallekele certainly came as a welcome victory as far as the Lankans were concerned, especially following the terrible series defeat at the hands of England just last month. That said, they will be hoping that the Australians will fall right into their spin trap.