Kusal Perera tipped to captain T20 team

ABU DHABI, Monday: Kusal Perera who has not played international cricket since the Champions trophy match against India in June is tipped to lead Sri Lanka in the third T20 international against Pakistan at Lahore on October 29.

Perera’s appointment is subject to him passing an MRI scan today on his hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing for the past four months.

It is learnt that the left-handed opener cum wicket-keeper is being asked to lead the side as regular T20 skipper Upul Tharanga is among several players who have declined to make the tour to Pakistan which includes T20 specialist Lasith Malinga.

All-rounder Thisara Perera is expected to be Kusal Perera’s deputy for the match.

Sri Lanka is due to name an initial squad of 22 by October 17 and a final squad of 15 by October 20. – ST