According to The Express Tribune, Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England with a hamstring injury, a significant blow to the visitors.
The right-hander hurt his left thigh during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England, which also kept him out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan earlier this month. He had been expected to recover in time for the tri-series, but his rehabilitation has not progressed enough.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Thursday that Nissanka had not been medically cleared, and selectors named Lahiru Udara in the 16-member squad. Udara is yet to make his ODI debut but has played five Tests and seven T20Is, including the recent series against Pakistan, and has 3,017 List A runs in 102 matches at an average of 32.09.
The tri-series begins on October 18, when hosts Pakistan face Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with England the third side. Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka and keep wicket. More on The Express Tribune.