SL in Eng: Kusal Perera to join Sri Lanka in England

Kusal Perera, the Sri Lanka opener who was cleared from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after nearly six months due to a anti-doping issue, will join the national team in England according to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

"Recently exonerated wicketkeeper-batsman known for his explosive style, Kusal Perera is due to fly out to England. Perera will be replacing the injured Dhammika Prasad on the squad, but is expected to contribute to the team with bat rather than ball," an official statement issued by SLC said.

Sri Lanka Chief Selector Sanath Jayasuriya had stated: “There is no specific need to replace Dhammika Prasad with another bowler; we have enough bowlers in the squad.  Kusal will join the team as soon as possible and acclimatize so he can do some serious work with the bat.” 

Perera who has played in three Tests with a highest score of 70 and 51 ODIs with a highest score of 116, has been in intensive training with the National Academy for the past two weeks and will leave for England no sooner visa formalities are taken care of.