Covid scare in Sri Lankan camp before the start of Asia Cup; Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando test positive

Aia Cup is just a few days away and according to Sri Lankan journalist Danushka Aravinda two Sri Lankan players Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando are said to be infected by the COVID-19 virus.

Although there is no official confirmation from the Sri Lankan board it is believed that the two are infected by the virus. Sri Lanka is yet to announce their squad for the multi-nation tournament and with two key players Avishka and Kusal infected with the virus the biggest question for the Sri Lankan selectors is who are the two openers they should pick now. 

Possible Replacement

The name that comes to everyone’s mind is that of Sri Lankan test captain Dimuth Karunaratne who was one of Sri Lanka’s best batters during the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe which Sri Lanka won. Interestingly Karunaratne had replaced Kusal Perera in that tournament as the wicketkeeper was nursing an injury.

Perera made a solid comeback during the recently concluded LPL and scored runs for his team Dambulla Aura. Sri Lanka is already without the service of their leading fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera who was ruled out due to an injury while Wanindu Hasaranga is also a doubtful starter for Sri Lanka as the all-rounder is also nursing an injury which he suffered during LPL. Asia Cup will kick off on August 30 with Sri Lanka playing its first match on August 31.

The Challenge

Fernando had also tested positive for the contagious virus in February last year ahead of Sri Lanka’s ODI series against Zimbabwe. He was infected two weeks after being administered a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, Perera tested positive for the virus in August 2021 ahead of Sri Lanka’s limited-overs series against South Africa at home. Sri Lanka will be without the services of four key players and the onus will be on senior players like Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva to take the team forward.