Bhanuka Rajapaksa passes fitness tests, available for India tour

Sri Lanka's top order batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa is available for the upcoming India tour, it is learnt, after he passed the required fitness tests.

"He did the fitness tests on Monday at the Sugathadasa Stadium. He completed the 2-km run in 8 minutes and 35 seconds,” a source close to the player said. 

"He appeared for all the fitness tests including running and skin-fold.”

Rajapaksa was not considered for the Australia tour where a series of five T20Is is being played, having announced his retirement from international cricket, only to reverse it days later after meeting Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa.

"Though most of the players are scheduled to travel to India directly from Australia, selectors are giving thought to sending him from Colombo and he may be selected for the three T20I to be played ahead of the two Test matches,” another source in Sri Lanka, said.

Interestingly, Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the only batter from Sri Lanka selected to play in the IPL.

The other four players who were bought are predominantly recognized for their bowling. 

By Bipin Dani