Injured Rajitha ruled out of second Test against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka received a blow ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh as pace bowler Kasun Rajitha is ruled out of the series concluding match, scheduled at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from March 30. Asitha Fernando joined the squad as a replacement for Rajitha while the latter returned home to start rehabilitation work.

“Kasun Rajitha will not be available for the second Test match as the player has suffered an injury to his left upper back area,” SLC said in a statement on Wednesday. Rajitha, who grabbed eight wickets in the opening Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet, played a key role behind their win by picking a five-fer in the second innings to help them earn a massive 328-run win.

The right-arm medium fast bowler sustained the injury while playing the first Test and played the game by managing his injury. Both the teams reached Chattogram ahead of the second game and will start their preparation from Thursday for the second Test which is part of the ICC Test Championship.

Shakib Al Hasan, who made himself available for this contest, will be joining the team as well before they begin their preparation. The ace all-rounder featured for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club against Gazi Group Cricketers in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, the country’s traditional list A tournament, at BKSP on Wednesday (March 27).

Shakib scored a 65-ball 53 and later picked two for 14 run to help his side win the game by 39 runs and in the process prepare for the important encounter against the islanders.