Herath will be sidelined for the third Test against India
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Veteran Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath has been rested for the third Test against India in Pallekele due to a stiff back.
With pace bowler Nuwan Pradeep also out of action with a hamstring injury, Sri Lanka will call up two players before the match begins on August 12.
The decision to sideline Herath was made due to the fact that India already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Furthermore, since Sri Lanka will be taking on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October, it will give Herath adequate time to rest and recover.
“This is where our player management comes in, because we don’t want to break anyone,” Sri Lanka cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha said. “We made the call not to risk Herath because he’s also bowled close to 200 overs in the three Tests. That’s a lot for his body.”
Instead of travelling with the team to Pallekele, Herath has revealed that he will stay behind in Colombo in order to get his back treated.