Kusal Perera recalled from Test squad against New Zealand following doping charges

Perera will be replaced by right-hand batsman Kaushal Silva.

A back injury has forced leading fast bowler Dhammika Prasad out of Sri Lanka’s cricket tour to New Zealand, days before the first of two tests.

Earlier, in September, Kusal Perera etched his name in record books during the third Test between India and Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo. Fernando was the second-highest wicket taker for Sri Lanka A with five wickets in two matches, behind legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay in the two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A in October.

“Sri Lanka Cricketer has been advised that a sample provided by Kusal Janith Perera for a random testing carried out by the ICC during the recent Pakistan tour has yielded a positive result for a banned substance”, a SLC statement said.

The loss of Prasad is a blow for the tourists.

He’s been replaced in the squad by left armer Vishva Fernando, with Prasad returning to Sri Lanka for treatment. Fernando has been named as a Test replacement only, for now, but Sri Lanka have made tentative plans to keep him in New Zealand for the ODIs as well.

The 32-year old has 75 test wickets at an average of 35.97, and 32 ODI wickets at an average of 30.5.