Sri Lanka vs South Africa: Kusal Perera fit for the first Test in Galle

Southpaw Kusal Perera, who suffered a harsh injury as he attempted an impossible catch while fielding on the boundary in the third Test vs Windies is all fit to play the first Test at Galle that starts tomorrow. He needed immediate medical attention and had to be taken directly to the hospital from the ground. Perera fought the pain and came to bat on day five, and played a great knock to lead his side to a historic win. In his absence, Danushka Gunathilaka and Mahela Udawatte opened for Sri Lanka.

His return for the Galle Test will be a big boost to Sri Lanka since Perera’s performances have improved a lot in the recent past. Perera was discharged from the hospitals after the scans and thus it wasn’t tough for him to get a fitness clearance for the match. He has been adviced rest but walked out to bat as the team needed his services.

“KJP was discharged from the hospital after scans cleared him. He went back to the ground. He has been cleared, but has been advised to rest. He will bat if required tomorrow,” a Sri Lanka Cricket official had said.

The 27-year-old has by far played 13 Tests, 73 ODIs and 34 T20Is for Sri Lanka, after which he has scored 657, 1856 and 1020 runs respectively.

South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka

South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin with the Galle Test. The last time the two countries played one another, was in the summer of 2017 in South Africa, where the hosts beat the Lankans 3-0 on seam-friendly pitches.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Chandimal might miss the action throughout the series if he fails to clear the sanction for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game – which has been enforced upon him. In that case, Suranga Lakmal will lead the side.

Also, Rangana Herath has recovered from a split webbing and hopefully should be in the playing XI.

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