Injury leaves Zoysa doubtful for first one-dayer

Sri Lanka's Nuwan Zoysa is a serious injury concern ahead of Sunday's opening one-day match against New Zealand after dislocating his finger during a warm-up match with Central Districts.

The team management is hopeful that he will be able to participate in the tour but there is still uncertainty over the probablt healing time. No decision has so far been made about calling up a replacement from Colombo.

Zoysa had started his tour brightly, whipping out both Central Districts openers, Craig Spearman and Jamie How, but later suffered a deep cut in a finger and a dislocation while attempting a return catch.

Zoysa's finger was put back in place by Sri Lanka's physiotherapist, CJ Clarke, and was then taken to hospital for check-ups and stitches. Fortunately, x-rays showed no signs of a fracture.

Sri Lanka have taken just 14 players to New Zealand to allow room for Muttiah Muralitharan to return once he has proved his fitness. Murali is now bowling up to seven overs per day and very close to being declared fully fit.

Zoysa would have been a certainty for Sunday's game after a successful return to one-day cricket this year but his place will now be taken by Dilhara Fernando or Nuwan Kulasekera.

Sri Lanka are to move to Hamilton for a second practice game against Northern Districts on Thursday.