According to sources, 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.