Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan batsman, Oshada Fernando, who twisted his ankle during the Lanka Premier league (LPL) and had to miss both the Test matches on the South Africa tour is also likely to miss the first Test match against England beginning on January 14, it is learnt here.
The 28-year-old right-handed batsman has been included in the squad for the two Tests. “He has begun training in the nets and is able to run also but is out of match-practice for over a month. We may include him in the second Test (Jan.22-26)”, one of the sources close to the team management said to this reporter from South Africa.
There was some confusion about his lateral ligament strain injury. The injury was first diagnosed by a Sri Lankan radiologist as Grade 1 injury. The same was also endorsed by a doctor in England (the reports were sent there) but then the doctor labelled it as Grade 3.
Oshada was given aircast immobilisation for one month and therefore his return to competitive cricket was delayed.
In the meantime, two different Lewis will be in action this month. Jon Lewis, who was Sri Lanka’s batting coach will now be joining the Bangladesh national team as their batting consultant.
Another Lewis, the former seam bowler from Sussex/Gloucestershire is England’s bowling consultant.
