Can depleted Sri Lanka turn things around?

Minod and Asitha set to make Test debuts

Four of Sri Lanka’s players who featured in the opening Test match have been ruled out of the second Test in Johannesburg which begins today and they might lose a fifth if Wanindu Hasaranga is ruled unfit. The leg-spinner will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game.

The series of injuries means Sri Lanka will be left with an inexperienced line-up and there will be two debutants in Minod Bhanuka and Asitha Fernando.

Bhanuka, a 25-year-old from Kurunegala, represents SSC in First Class cricket and has been a prolific run scorer in domestic cricket.

Asitha Fernando bowls medium fast and he is another player to emerge from outstations – Katuneriya. He represents the native Chilaw Marians in domestic cricket.

Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Dhananjaya de Silva are ruled out up to eight weeks and they will miss the two Tests against England as well.

Dinesh Chandimal too, is down with groin injury. Suranga Lakmal and Oshada Fernando, who had gone on the tour and missed the opening Test were expected to play the second game but they had aggravated their injuries during training.

Lahiru Thirimanne along with Dushmantha Chameera will make their comebacks. While the former will bat at number three, the latter will share the new ball with Vishwa Fernando.

If Hasaranga is ruled out, Sri Lanka will choose between Lasith Embuldeniya and Dilruwan Perera.

South Africa are likely to play an unchanged side. Although Kagiso Rabada has returned to the squad, Head Coach Mark Boucher was keen on taking a cautious approach with fast bowlers who are returning from injuries.

Sri Lanka (Probable XI)

Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga or Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera.

South Africa (Probable XI)

Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen, Francois du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (Captain), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla or Kagiso Rabada.