Maheesh Theekshana, a spinner for Sri Lanka, has a torn hamstring and will not play in the team's opening ICC ODI World Cup match against South Africa on Saturday, according to coach Chris Silverwood.

 Maheesh Theekshana of Sri Lanka has been ruled out of Sri Lanka's opening game against South Africa on October 7, 2023, in the IC ODI World Cup 2023. Image: AFP




The cunning off-spinner suffered the injury last month, keeping him out of the Asia Cup final, where India humiliated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets.


Theekshana won't be able to play in this game since he is still healing from a hamstring injury, Silverwood informed the media on Friday.

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But we anticipate that he will be available very shortly. The remainder of them are good.


Due to injuries, spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera were already out of the Sri Lankan team's bowling lineup.


Hasaranga's absence will be anticipated to be filled by Dunith Wellalage, and Silverwood had little doubt the 20-year-old would live up to the demands.


"Dunith has shown us what a good young cricketer he is, and he's got an old head on young shoulders," the former England coach remarked.