Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has reportedly been ruled out of the remainder of the three-match ODI series against England after suffering a lower-back injury.
The experienced leg-spinner and all-rounder was included in Sri Lanka’s squad for the England tour but missed the first two ODIs after experiencing pain in his lower back during a training session.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Hasaranga will now return to Sri Lanka, where he is expected to begin his rehabilitation programme.
The 29-year-old’s absence is another blow for Sri Lanka, who currently trail England 1-0 in the three-match series. England won the opening ODI in Chester-le-Street by 89 runs.
Sri Lanka, however, made a positive start to the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, captain Kusal Mendis and his team had reached 166/1 after 27 overs.
Hasaranga injury adds to Sri Lanka’s concerns
Hasaranga’s absence deprives Sri Lanka of an experienced option in both departments. He has been an important member of the national side across white-ball formats and his bowling and lower-order batting provide balance to the team.
His injury is not expected to affect Sri Lanka’s campaign at the Asian Games 2026, however, as the country has selected a separate 15-member men’s cricket squad for the tournament.
The Asian Games squad features several uncapped players, including Sineth Jayawardena, Sohan de Livera, Wanuja Sahan and Garuka Sanketh, while Sahan Arachchige has been named captain.
Hasaranga’s next assignments
Sri Lanka will be hoping for a quick recovery from Hasaranga with a busy white-ball schedule ahead.
The all-rounder is expected to be an important part of Sri Lanka’s plans for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan in October. The matches are scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13.
Sri Lanka will then feature in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England, scheduled to take place from October 18 to 31.
The Sri Lankan team management will therefore be keen to ensure Hasaranga makes a full recovery before the upcoming assignments.
