Sri Lanka has included uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris in the squad for the final Test against New Zealand, following an injury to experienced seamer Vishwa Fernando. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in a statement that the 33-year-old Fernando experienced "tightness" in his right hamstring and will undergo rehabilitation at SLC's high-performance centre.
The second Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at Galle International Stadium from 26 to 30 September.
"Vishwa Fernando had developed a tightness in his right hamstring while practicing, hence, he has been sent to the High Performance Center for rehabilitation," SLC said in a statement on Tuesday.
Fernando missed selection for the playing XI in the first Test, which Sri Lanka won comfortably by 63 runs.
Meanwhile, Nishan Peiris has been included in the Sri Lankan squad twice before, in 2018 and earlier this year, but has yet to make his debut for the national team.
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Nishan Peiris could be in line for his maiden Test cap, especially with Ramesh Mendis struggling to find his form. In the opening Test, Mendis took three wickets in each innings but struggled with his line and length, allowing New Zealand to ease the pressure on their batter.
In the first innings, he conceded 101 runs in 23.5 overs at an economy rate of 4.24. His difficulties continued in the second innings, where he leaked 83 runs in 25 overs at an economy of 3.32, the highest among Sri Lankan spinners.
Peiris, on the other hand, has a solid record, having taken 172 first-class wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He also impressed with three wickets in the first unofficial Test between Sri Lanka A and South Africa A.
Sri Lanka's 63-run victory over New Zealand in Galle marked their fourth win in eight matches, moving them to third place with a point percentage of 50%. If they can secure victories in their remaining Test matches, they have the potential to achieve a point percentage of 69.23%.
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