NISHAN PEIRIS CALLED UP AS DANANJAYA REPLACEMENT
Off-spinner Nishan Peiris was yesterday called up for Sri Lanka’s third and final Test against England, starting on Friday (23) at the SSC Grounds in Maitland Place.
The 21-year-old will replace Akila Dananjaya, who is scheduled to undergo an official bowling action assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, Australia on Friday.
After Dananjaya was reported for suspect action in the first Test in Galle, he went on to play the second game where he registered his career-best figures of six wickets for 115.
“Unfortunately he’s not available, because he has to go and do the testing within 14 days. He’s going to Brisbane to do the test on the 23rd, so he’s not available,” Sri Lanka Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha had told the media after the second Test.
Peiris played both the two-day warmup matches against England in the lead up to the Test series, and was among the wickets in the first, where he accounted for Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali. Peiris, made his First-class debut for Badureliya Sports Club during the 2015-16 Inter-club domestic season and has bagged 38 First-class wickets at a creditable average of 29.52.
With a total of 36 wickets to his name he was also in fine form during the 201718 First-class season.
He achieved his career-best haul of six wickets for 67 in First-class cricket for Kandy District against Galle District last season.
England have already clinched the three-match Test series by winning the first two games in Galle and Pallekele respectively.