New Delhi:
Hosts Sri Lanka received a big blow ahead of the third Test as their veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was ruled out of the match owing to back pain.
With visitors India already sealing the Test series and a hectic Test season ahead for the Lankans, the team management decided on resting the veteran spinner.
Herath was injured in the first Test while fielding but recovered sufficiently to play in the second Test. Herath joins the list of other Sri Lankan players like all-rounder Asela Gunaratne, pacers Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep, who have all been ruled out of the series.
In the 39-year-old's absence, left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara will be leading the spin challenge, a role he has been prepared for as and when Herath retires.
