Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath was rated only as 50-50 by captain Angelo Mathews ahead of the quarter-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday in Sydney.
Rangana Herath had four stitches in the spinning finger of his left hand after he tried to stop a full-blooded drive during the pool game against England in Wellington.
Rangana Herath’s presence or absence can be a deciding factor in the quarter-final clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa. Speaking about his fitness, Sri Lanka captain Mathews said, “He’s still fifty-fifty. He hasn’t had a bowl yet. The physio has to have a look at him once again today.”
“If he bowls at practice today he’ll be in contention for selection. If not, he won’t be playing,” Mathews added.
Rangana Herath’s chances of playing in the quarter final are looking very slim after he bowled only five deliveries in the nets on Tuesday before consulting the physio.
Chief national selector Sanath Jayasuriya said Rangana Herath was finding it painful to bowl as the injury had not healed.
“He had the stiches removed two days ago. But it might take more time for it to be fully healed. His chances of recovery in time for the crucial quarter-final are still less than 50 percent,” he said.
The sources within the Sri Lankan camp have stated that Rangana Herath is not likely to feature in the match as the injury has gotten infected and it is taking longer to heal.
However, there was good news regarding skipper Angelo Mathews’ availability for the game. Mathews, who had gone off the field against Scotland in Hobart due to an Achilles niggle, has recovered and will feature in the quarter final clash on Wednesday in Sydney.
