Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Test captain, is facing doubts regarding his participation in the first Test against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury. Over the next 48 hours, he will undergo fitness tests in Colombo to determine his readiness. If deemed unfit, he will not join the team in Galle for the match scheduled to begin on July 16.

In the event that Karunaratne is unavailable, vice-captain Dhananjaya de Silva will step in as the team’s leader. Additionally, Lahiru Kumara is likely to miss the first Test due to a side-strain injury.

According to a source close to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, “If Dimuth is unable to play, 31-year-old all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, who is already the vice-captain, will take charge.” This statement was shared with the Sri Lanka Daily Mirror on Thursday morning.

While the selectors have nearly finalized the squad, their decision is pending the fitness reports of Karunaratne. The composition of the team for the second Test, scheduled to take place in Colombo from July 24-28, will be determined on the third day of the first Test.

“The squad for the first Test has been chosen. The team for the second Test in Colombo from July 24-28 will be finalized on the third day of the first Test,” the source further explained.