SL vs AUS: Three Sri Lankan cricketers, Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Asitha Fernando, tested positive for Covid-19, prior to the second Test against Australia. The second Test will get underway at the Galle International Stadium, on July 8 (Friday).
“All three players were found to be positive during a Rapid Antigen Test conducted yesterday,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Thursday. Australia easily defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test. They won by a margin of ten wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
In the second Test, Sri Lanka hopes to change the momentum. To complete the task, the hosts would mainly rely on their spinners. The first Test’s pitch was exceedingly spinner-friendly, and for the second Test, it is anticipated to be the same.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka was without the services of Angelo Mathews, their most seasoned and effective batsman. This was because he tested positive for covid on Day 2 and sat out. Oshada Fernando came in as his replacement on the morning of Day 3. However, Mathews has healed and he will most likely play for Sri Lanka in the 2nd Test. Any player who submits a positive test result is required to be quarantined for five days under the series protocols.
Dunith Wellalage & Maheesh Theekshana to earn maiden Test cap
Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, a spin duo, will most likely get their maiden Test caps for Sri Lanka. This is due to the absence of De Silva, Fernando, and Vandersay for the Test match. During the recent ODI series against the Men in Yellow, both young spinners demonstrated some remarkable bowling abilities.
Australia defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in the T20I series, but the hosts prevailed 3-2 in the ODI series to claim the trophy. Australia will aim to take both the series and the second Test.
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