Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I Series: Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their T20I series against Bangladesh as wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the series due to a "respiratory infection".
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced Niroshan Dickwella as Perera's replacement in their squad.
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The 30-year-old Dickwella last played white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka in June 2022 and his last T20I appearance came a year before that against England in Southampton.
His return to the national team came on the back of his recent consecutive half-centuries in the National Super League limited-overs tournament.
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The SLC said in a statement:
"Kusal Janith Perera, who was included in the T20I squad, will not take part in the series as he is suffering from a respiratory infection. Perera did not join the team, which left for Bangladesh yesterday."
"The Cricket Selection Committee has named Niroshan Dickwella in place of Kusal Janith Perera. Dickwella will join the team tomorrow."
On the other hand, Perera was seen in action in only the third and final T20I match during the Afghanistan series where he was dismissed for a duck.
However, Sri Lanka were clinical enough to clinch the victory in the three-match series by 2-1.
Dickwella was dropped from Sri Lanka's T20I side due to a horrible run of form after their tour of England.
He has 480 runs to his name from 27 innings at an average of 18.46 and a strike rate of 131.14.
Earlier, it was also confirmed that star opener Pathum Nissanka would also miss the series due to a hamstring issue. Avishka Fernando took his place.
Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will be leading the Sri Lankan side in the series against Bangladesh but he will be missing the first two matches due to a suspension.
A ban was imposed on Hasaranga for openly criticising the umpiring following the last T20I against Afghanistan so Charith Asalanka will be leading the side in his absence.
The first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be played on Monday, March 4 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka's updated T20I squad for Bangladesh series
Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dilshan Madushanka.