Chandimal Ruled Out Of World Cup

Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the World Cup due to the hamstring strain he suffered in Sunday's match against Australia. Kusal Perera, who has been training with the squad in Australia since last week, has been included into the squad, coach Marvan Atapattu confirmed.

Chandimal tweaked a hamstring in his right thigh when attempting a tight second run in the 41st over in Sydney. He immediately called for on-field treatment, but despite a rest and a rub-down, was significantly hampered by the injury.

He stayed at the crease to complete his fifty, but was forced to retire hurt in the 42nd over, when running between the wickets proved too difficult. His 52 not out off 24 balls - in his first World Cup innings - had done much to raise hopes of a successful Sri Lanka run chase. Their challenge petered out after his exit.

Chandimal is the fifth Sri Lanka player to sustain an injury during Sri Lanka's campaign. Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, slow-bowling allrounder Jeevan Mendis and batsman Karunaratne have already been ruled out of the tournament, and Rangana Herath is still recovering from a cut to his spinning finger. Herath is also unavailable for the match against Scotland.

(ESPN Cricinfo)