Binura Fernando injury
There is another blow for Sri Lanka’s Squad as the Team suffered one more injury in the form of Binura Fernando. The left-arm seamer suffered a hamstring injury while playing against Australia on Tuesday. Let us look into the details of Binura Fernando injury.
How it Happened?
Australia faltered under duress and fell to 89 for 3 in the 13th over while chasing 158. Sri Lanka had a good chance of pulling off a huge shock in the unfamiliar bouncy conditions. Marcus Stoinis batted Australia’s quickest T20I half-century and finished with a game-winning 59 off 18 balls. He overpowered Sri Lanka’s undermanned attack, which was also without Fernando, who hobbled off the field before finishing the innings’ opening over.
Although the coach Silverwood is not that worried about the injury. He says. “We’ll obviously assess him [Fernando] and the physios are working with him. We’ll find out exactly the extent of the injury and we’ll have to make some decisions from there.”
Coach’s View on Sri Lanka vs Australia
Silverwood was especially inspired by Sri Lanka’s tenacious batsmen, who were able to successfully defy Australia’s premier quicks on a fast Optus Stadium track that closely resembles the renowned WACA down the street.
“I can’t fault the way the guys at the top of the order played,” he said. “The ball did move around early on. Life was difficult for us. We’re not used to that sort of bounce that we get here in Perth. The way they went about their business to set that platform…they did very well.”
But with Danushka Gunathilaka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka also out injured, Fernando is in a battle against time to play against New Zealand after grabbing at his right hamstring only five deliveries into Australia’s innings.
Coach Talks About Sri Lanka’s Winning Chances
Talking about Sri Lanka’s chances in a Group 1 which is full of giants, Silverwood looked optimistic. He says, “I truly believe that we can not only challenge this group, but come out victorious. I think we’ve shown we have the capabilities and the skills within the group.”
“We showed that in the Asia Cup and the confidence is growing within the group. The important thing from today is to regroup and get ready for the next game.”
Travel journey of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, which will play its opening match in Geelong, has had tough travel after playing Ireland in Hobart on Sunday before making the lengthy journey through the Nullarbor to Perth.
Silver talking about the same said, “It’s been hectic at times…it’s something you’ve just got to get used to. You’ve got to try and plan the best you can with training and give people time to rest.”
What is next for Sri Lanka?
Australia made a slow start with the bat and had a dismal bowling performance. But Maxwell‘s appearance and Stonis’ onslaught netted them two points while also raising their NRR. They will go to Melbourne to fight against their closest foes, England. New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in Sydney in the meanwhile.
