Sri Lankan Pacer Dhammika Prasad Ruled Out of World Cup

Sri Lanka suffered a body blow as their front-line pacer Dhammika Prasad was ruled out of the World Cup with a fractured hand at training on Saturday. The injury will keep the Sri Lankan pacer on the sidelines for at least four weeks and Sri Lanka would have to name a replacement. (Injured Ishant Sharma Fails Fitness Test, May Not Play World Cup)

"Dhammika Prasad was hit on the outside of the left hand when attempting a return catch while bowling," the official release said. "The x-ray showed a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone. The fracture has been realigned and put in a cast. Dhammika will not be available for the upcoming World Cup."

Prasad was struck in the hand by a ball hit by Thisara Perera during practice. (Really Happy, Want To Play For Another 3-4 Years: Saeed Ajmal)

Although, Sri Lanka have Shaminda Eranga and Dushmantha Chameera on stand-by, the final decision on who will replace Prasad will be taken after Sanath Jayasuriya, the chief selector, joins the team in New Zealand.

Sri Lanka are due to play their first warm up tie against Zimbabwe on February 9 and will play their first game on the inaugural day against hosts New Zealand.