Sri Lanka will have to go into the second and final Test of their series against Bangladesh without Kasun Rajitha. The right-arm pacer, who picked up a five-fer in the second innings of Bangladesh in the first Test, suffered a back injury due to his efforts in that Test.
Sri Lanka have already announced the replacement for the in-form bowler – Asitha Fernando. While the latter isn’t the worst option, losing a bowler coming off an eight-wicket match is bound to hurt the visitors. The second Test begins on March 30 at Chattogram.
In a statement released to the media, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said:
“Kasun Rajitha will not be available for the second Test match as the player has suffered an injury to his left upper back area. Kasun will return home to start rehabilitation work.”
First Test saw Kasun Rajitha’s heroics
The first Test at Sylhet saw a very green track. The decision to go for a green track might have been taken by the Bangladesh team management in order to nullify the spin threat posed by the Lankans. However, the decision backfired as the visitors saw a brilliant performance from their three-man pace attack. The trio of Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara proved too hot to handle for the hosts.
Kasun Rajitha picked up figures of 3/56 in the first innings. In the second innings, he led the way and delivered a knockout blow to the Bangladesh team with figures of 5/56.
Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando’s career stats
In his career, Rajitha has played 18 Tests and taken 55 wickets. The five-wicket haul in the first Test was his second in the longest format of the game. He bowls at a decent pace and possesses the ability to swing the ball in helpful conditions.
Asitha Fernando has been around for over three years. He made his debut in 2021 in South Africa. So far in his career, he has played 13 Test matches and picked up 41 wickets. This includes one five-wicket haul and one 10-wicket haul in a match.
With a defeat behind them, it would be interesting to see if Bangladesh ask for a green top again. The absence of Mushfiqur Rahim makes their batting line-up even weaker, which may tempt them to go for a flat track.