Gunathilaka has represented Sri Lanka in 19 ODIs thus far

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Sri Lanka have called up opener Danushka Gunthilaka after batsman Chamara Kapugedara was ruled out for the rest of the Champions Trophy with a knee injury.

Kapugedara, who was dismissed for a golden duck in Sri Lanka’s 96-run loss against South Africa, sustained the injury while training on Wednesday and was replaced by Gunathilaka as he was already in England on stand-by.

“Kapugedara [had] a heavy pounding on the right knee when he landed on it awkwardly during a fielding drill this morning, and radiographic investigation has revealed a meniscal tear coupled with an acute tendon injury,” a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) statement said. “Tournament and SLC Medical experts have recommended a supervised convalescence of two weeks, followed by a review of the injury.”

Gunathilaka is highly likely to be picked for Sri Lanka’s second group stage game against India on Thursday since fellow opener Upul Tharanga was banned for two games for maintaining a slow over-rate when he stood in as captain for the match against the Proteas.