Pasindu Sooryabandara could hardly have expected to get an opportunity to face India in the first Test in Galle. He had been sitting in the dugout when an unexpected call came, requiring him to replace veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal.
The 36-year-old Chandimal was forced off the field after suffering a shoulder and neck injury while attempting to stop a boundary early in India's second innings. He made a desperate dive but landed awkwardly and remained on the ground for some time, visibly uncomfortable and clutching the right side of his neck as the medical team rushed to attend to him.
Sri Lanka Cricket subsequently confirmed that Sooryabandara would replace him as a concussion substitute.
"Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury while fielding during the first session of the day fourth day, hitting his shoulder and head hard on the ground. He was taken for a precautionary scan, which was clear, with no signs of internal injury."
"Chandimal was subsequently assessed for concussion by the doctor and team physiotherapist on the ground and was ruled out after the assessment. Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement," the statement said.
THINGS FALL APART FOR SOORYABANDARA
Sri Lanka were set a daunting target of 372 and immediately found themselves under pressure when Nishan Madushka was dismissed cheaply after Mohammed Siraj executed a well-planned trap.
That brought Sooryabandara to the crease, with the youngster hoping to provide some resistance. He had featured for SLC XI against India in the warm-up match, scoring 35 in the first innings and four in the second.
However, his stay in Galle was short-lived as Indian spinner Manav Suthar got him trapped leg before wicket. The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, but captain Shubman Gill opted to review the decision.
It proved to be an excellent call, with DRS showing all three reds and confirming the dismissal. Sooryabandara had to walk back to the pavilion.
Sri Lanka suffered another setback soon after when Kamindu Mendis was dismissed, leaving the hosts in serious trouble before the close of play on Day 4.
