November 12, 2024: Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury comes as a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s ODI preparations, as he has been one of their most reliable performers in recent times, especially in T20 cricket. His ability to turn the ball and provide crucial breakthroughs has been pivotal, and losing him for the upcoming series against New Zealand is certainly a setback.
Hasaranga’s hamstring issue, which has been recurring over the past few months, will see him miss the three-match ODI series starting November 13. The fact that he had to cut short his efforts in the second T20I against New Zealand due to this injury is a clear indication of how severe it might be. The Sri Lankan cricket board has moved swiftly to replace him with Dushan Hemantha, who has been in good form, having finished as the Player of the Series in the recent T20I leg against New Zealand. Hemantha, who has five ODI appearances to his name, will have a great opportunity to make his mark in the absence of Hasaranga.
This injury to Hasaranga follows a troubling trend for the talented spinner, who had a similar hamstring issue back in August during the home series against India. It seems that these recurring injury problems are limiting his ability to contribute at full capacity. His presence in the Sri Lankan squad would have been a valuable asset, particularly against a strong New Zealand side that is always competitive in limited-overs formats.
In addition to Hasaranga’s injury, New Zealand is also dealing with the absence of pacer Lockie Ferguson, who had been in good form, including his hat-trick performance in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. However, the recall of Adam Milne to the squad is a solid replacement. Milne brings a wealth of experience and will add strength to the Kiwi pace attack.
With both teams missing key players due to injuries, the ODI series is likely to be an intriguing contest, and it will be interesting to see how the replacements like Hemantha and Milne adapt to the pressure and challenge of international cricket.
