Welegedara ruled out of Test series

Sri Lanka fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara has been ruled out of the ongoing three-Test series against Pakistan because of a torn shoulder muscle. Dilhara Fernando is likely to replace him in the squad for the second Test at the SSC, starting on June 30.

Welegedara missed the first Test in Galle with a stiff shoulder and right-arm seamer Nuwan Pradeep played instead.

"Welegedara has a muscle tear in his shoulder. We are waiting for an expert to give us a feedback [on] whether he needs surgery or not," Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said, after his team beat Pakistan by 209 runs in four days in Galle. "It's very unfortunate for Chanaka as he was bowling really well. He will be out of this series."

Before the series against Pakistan began, Jayawardene had expressed confidence in Welegedara, saying he had the experience to be the leader of the bowling attack.

Welegedara had also suffered a groin injury earlier this year which had ruled him out of the second Test against England at P Sara Oval.