Reports: Pathum Nissanka ruled out due to quadriceps issue, Nishan Madushka to make debut

A quadriceps strain sustained during the T20I series has forced top opener Pathum Nissanka to miss the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, dealing a serious setback to the Sri Lankan squad. Nishan Madushka is prepared to make his debut in Nissanka’s place.

Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka will have to shoulder the additional duty while Pathum Nissanka is away.

In the three-match series, which will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on October 20, 23, and 26, their performance will be vital. Nissanka, meanwhile, has missed the first game since it is still unclear if he would be available for the rest of the series.

Sri Lanka feels confident going into this series. The team’s morale is soaring after they defeated India in their most recent ODI match and won a T20I series against the West Indies. Sri Lanka hopes to keep up its winning streak under new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka.

However, Shai Hope, the skipper, will be leading a team keen to establish themselves after the visitors lost the most recent ODI World Cup.

Also Read: Sri Lanka announce ODI team for West Indies series

The Caribbean team is trying to gain their trust in this game format with the arrival of new players like Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty.

Sri Lanka squad for WI ODI series: Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.