Dhananjaya de Silva out for two weeks

All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva had to be taken out of the field after sustaining an injury on Friday

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva’s participation in the ongoing Test against South Africa is ruled out, according to the team manager and the selector on tour Ashantha De Mel.

The 30-year-old de Silva had to be taken off the field when he found himself in discomfort. 

“We have received his Ultrasound Scan reports. He has a 2nd grade tear on the thigh. He is certainly out of this Test and “very unlikely” for the second Test too,”  de Mel, speaking exclusively over the telephone from his hotel room, said on Sunday morning. 

The 2nd Test between the two countries will be played at Johannesburg (Jan 3 – Jan 7 2021). 
Dhananjaya, though almost out of the Test series, will not return home, but will stay with the team. 
“Our physio and trainer will look after him to ensure early recovery, and we hope he will be available for the Test matches against England,” the manager further added. 

Two Tests against visiting England will be played at the Galle International Stadium (January 14 – 18 and January 22 – 26).   Dhananjaya had scored 79 runs off 105 balls with the help of 11 fours and one towering six. Dhananjaya was in full control of the game but suddenly found discomfort with his leg and physio was out to assess the damage.  

The docs came out in full PPE with a motorised stretcher and was taken off the ground. He was hobbling onto the back of the buggy, and this could be a very sad end if he can not resume the inning where he left.