Suranga Lakmal, Dhanajaya de Silva newest additions to Sri Lanka's injury list

It seems that injury worries have refused to let go Sri Lanka after fast bowler Suranga Lakmal and all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva joined the long list of injured men in the team. This is a big setback ahead of Tuesday’s opening Test match against Australia.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said that Lakmal, who had recovered from a knee injury he had sustained in England, has hamstring stiffness and that De Silva was hit on a finger while bowling. Their replacements are yet to be announced.

The Sri Lankans are already a depleted. Fast bowlers Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay were injured during Sri Lanka’s recent tour to England while seamer Shaminda Eranga was suspended by the International Cricket Council after his bowling action was found to be illegal.

The 15 man squad already looks pretty inexperienced. The batting responsibility rests on the two most experienced men the squad – Skipper Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. While, Nuwan Pradeep is the senior-most bowler in the squad. The team has four fresh faces along with players with little Test match experience.

Meanwhile, the Australians looked geared to face the hosts at Pallekelle. The visitors have announced a strong playing XI and have opted for a two-man spin attack keeping in mind the damp conditions due to persistent thunderstorms at the venue.

Lanka, who have defeated Australia just once in Test cricket history out of their 26 Test encounters, will definitely have a tough time countering the full strength Australian team who start out as the favourites.