Veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s third Test against India owing to back pain.
With Sri Lanka already losing the series and a hectic Test season ahead, the team management decided on resting the veteran spinner.
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Herath was injured in the first Test while fielding but recovered sufficiently to play in the second Test.
Herath joins the list of other Sri Lankan players like all-rounder Asela Gunaratne, pacers Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep, who have all been ruled out of the series.
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In the 39-year-old’s absence, left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara will be leading the spin challenge, a role he has been prepared for as and when Herath retires.