Newly appointed Test captain Dinesh Chandimal has tested positive for pneumonia. He will miss the first Test against India which will start on July 26 at Galle.

Rangana Herath will lead the side at least for the first Test. He has captained Sri Lanka earlier in four Tests in the 2016-17 season.

Asanka Gurusinha, Sri Lanka's cricket manager said,

“
 

We were actually only told late last night - the blood Test came a bit late. He's got pneumonia, He was admitted to hospital this morning at 9 am, and he's definitely out of the first Test.

”

Chandimal’s chances of playing in the second Test are not certain yet. The Doctors have advised to ‘finish the first Test’ and then they will tell their opinion on whether he will be fit enough to play or not.

Chandimal’s absence will be a major blow for Sri Lanka. Asela Gunaratne, who suffered from tightness in the hamstring during Zimbabwe Test has been cleared to play by the physios.

Pacer Nuwan Pradeep, who missed the Zimbabwe Test has recovered from a hamstring injury and is available for selection. The full squad will be announced late on Friday.

Sri Lanka will play 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 1 T20 against India.

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