Sri Lanka's uncapped off-spinner Nishan Peiris has been added to the squad for the final Test against New Zealand, following an injury to experienced seamer Vishwa Fernando. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in a statement that the 33-year-old seamer experienced 'tightness' in his right hamstring and will undergo rehabilitation at SLC's high performance center.
Fernando, who missed the first Test due to this injury, was sent to the High Performance Center for recovery. Sri Lanka comfortably won the first Test by 63 runs, but the absence of Fernando could be a concern for the team. Peiris, who has been included in the squad twice before, in 2018 and earlier this year, is yet to make his debut for the national team.
With Ramesh Mendis struggling for form, Peiris could be given his maiden Test cap. Mendis, despite taking three wickets in each inning of the first Test, struggled with his line and length, allowing New Zealand to relieve pressure. In the first inning, Mendis conceded 101 runs in 23.5 overs at an economy of 4.24, and in the second inning, he leaked 83 runs in 25 overs at an economy of 3.32, the highest among Sri Lanka's spinners.
Peiris has a strong record in first-class cricket, taking 172 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He also impressed by taking three wickets in the first unofficial Test between Sri Lanka A and South Africa A. Sri Lanka's victory in the first Test in Galle was their fourth in eight matches, moving them to the third spot with a point percentage of 50%. A win in the remaining Test matches could boost their percentage to 69.23%.
