Overview
- Nissanka flew to London for specialist treatment and had wrist surgery, and he will miss the second Test that begins Friday in Antigua.
- Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed Nissanka has withdrawn from the 2026 Lanka Premier League to focus on recovery, with no confirmed timetable for his return.
- Pace bowler Lahiru Kumara has also been ruled out of the Antigua Test with a hamstring strain, forcing a reshuffle of the touring squad and opening spots for fringe players.
- Selectors have named a reduced 13-player group for the second Test and are considering replacements such as Lahiru Udara or Pasindu Sooriyabandara for the opening slot and Vishva Fernando or Isitha Wijesundara for the pace unit.
- The injuries compound Sri Lanka’s heavy defeat in the first Test and create pressure on preparation for World Test Championship points and the home series against India and England given the tight LPL-to-India schedule.