Fitness doubts over Jayasuriya (24 August 1999)

24 August 1999

Fitness doubts over Jayasuriya

Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Fitness doubts surrounded Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya after an injury resulted in two stitches being inserted in his right hand.

Jayasuriya split the web between thumb and forefinger while attempting to stop a forceful drive by Australian batsman Ricky Ponting during Sri Lanka's opening match of the Aiwa Cup tri-nation tournament at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday.

Jayasuriya was unable to shake hands with the Australian players after the match because of the injury and offered his left-hand instead.

"It's a bit painful, but I am determined to play in tomorrow's (Wednesday) match against India," said Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya bowled with a lot of pain after the injury to capture five Australian wickets for 28 runs - his third five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.

Sri Lanka lost the opening match to Australia by 51 runs. McGrath injured

Australia also suffered a casualty with ace fast bowler Glenn McGrath relegated to the sidelines because of a strained thigh. McGrath did not play in the match against Sri Lanka on Sunday and was also missing from the Australian line-up for their match against India yesterday.

McGrath suffered the injury during the one-day practice match against a Board President's XI at the SSC grounds on Thursday.

Source :: The Daily News (https://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/)