SL vs AUS: Pathum Nissanka in doubt for Australia Tests after suffering groin strain

Sri Lanka have been dealt a body blow ahead of the two-Test series against Australia, with opening batter Pathum Nissanka in major doubt for the series due to a groin injury.

Sri Lanka are yet to announce the squad for the series beginning January 29, but, according to DailyFT, Nissanka has suffered a grade one tear and is certain to miss the first Test.

“Pathum Nissanka (NCC) who suffered a groin injury in the third ODI against New Zealand at Auckland has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia,” a report in the DailyFT read.

“MRI scans have revealed that he has a Grade 1 tear and he being available for the second Test starting 6 February is also doubtful.”

The series is a dead rubber due to Australia and South Africa having already sealed World Test Championship (WTC) qualification, but losing Nissanka will still be a blow for the hosts. The right-hander has scored 629 runs at an average close to 40 across his last 10 Tests. In September, Nissanka smashed an unbeaten 127 at The Oval to help Sri Lanka win the third Test in England.

Meanwhile, according to renowned Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine, Kamindu Mendis also suffered an injury scare in a first-class game earlier this week after splitting his webbing attempting a catch. The seriousness of Mendis’ injury, however, is yet to be fully known.

Not only Sri Lanka but Australia, too, have been affected by injuries. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is a major doubt for the tour after severely injuring his thumb in a Big Bash League (BBL) encounter.