Injured Thushara ruled out of T20I series against India, Madushanka comes in

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 International series against India after sustaining a finger injury during training.

The 29-year-old injured his left thumb while fielding in a training session on Wednesday. Despite the injury being on his non-bowling arm, it is severe enough to prevent him from participating in the three T20Is, which are set to begin on Saturday. Another fast bowler, Dilshan Madushanka, has been named as his replacement.

Thushara’s injury is a significant blow for the hosts as he has been in excellent form recently, emerging as the team’s highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup last month.

He took eight wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 5.62, boasting best figures of 4/18.

Thushara is now the second Sri Lankan pacer to be ruled out of the series, following Dushmantha Chameera, who was withdrawn from the squad due to illness. Asitha Fernando is stepping in as Chameera’s replacement.