Herath likely to recover for Proteas clash
Spinner Rangana Herath is likely to recover from injury to take his place in Sri Lanka's team for their World Cup quarter-final clash against South Africa at the SCG on Wednesday.
Left-arm spinner Herath split the webbing between two fingers on his bowling hand when they played England on 1 March and has subsequently missed the last two group matches, against Australia and Scotland.
The 36 year-old Herath will be a crucial player against the Proteas as they have a history of not playing spin well, and the SCG pitch tends to favour the slower bowlers.
Chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya said: "Rangana is recovering fast and I hope he will be alright. The stitches have been taken off and he'll be ready for the match. That's what I'm thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow."
Although they will attack South Africa with their spinners, Jayasuriya made it clear that their seam bowlers should not be taken lightly.
Jaysuriya continued: "We have fast bowlers, we have spinners, we don't have any concrete plans, we'll just stick to the basics."
Latest
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.