Colombo: In a major blow to Sri Lanka, right-arm pacer Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan because of dengue. He has been replaced by youngster Asitha Fernando in the squad.

Lakmal has been spearheading the Sri Lankan bowling in Test matches in last few years. He has played 59 Tests so far, picking 141 wickets whereas Fernando has not played any international cricket since his debut in 2017 against Zimbabwe in an ODI. He has been playing for Sri Lanka's U23 and Emerging teams and is currently in Nepal as part of Sri Lanka's squad for the South Asian Games and thus will join the national squad only for the second Test.