Mendis out of hospital after Lahore attacks

Sri Lanka's spin bowler Ajantha Mendis was released from hospital on Monday, two weeks after the squad was attacked by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan, his manager Roshan Abeysinghe said.

Sri Lanka's spin bowler Ajantha Mendis was released from hospital on Monday, two weeks after the squad was attacked by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan, his manager Roshan Abeysinghe said.

HT Image

Mendis, who had shrapnel extracted from his head and back, said he was delighted to go home.

Thilan Samaraweera, who had a bullet removed from his left thigh, remained under observation at a private hospital, doctor Geethanjana Mendis said.

Tharanga Paranavitana, who had a bullet taken out of his chest, and British assistant coach Paul Farbrace were discharged over the weekend.

The convoy of players, officials and coaches on their way to the second Test match in Lahore on March 3 was ambushed by gunmen firing automatic weapons, grenades and a rocket launcher.

Seven Sri Lankan players and Farbrace were injured, and the squad was flown home immediately. Eight Pakistanis were killed by the attackers, who escaped capture.

Mendis said psychologists hired to counsel the team were due to wrap up their programme this week.

"The medical team handling their post-trauma side say the players are a bit shaken up, but those not injured can resume training next week," he said.