SRI Lanka have called up Farveez Maharoof as cover ahead of tomorrow’s first Test against England in Cardiff. Maharoof, who is already in the country as Lancashire’s overseas player, has linked up with the squad and will train with them at the SWALEC Stadium.
Maharoof, a seam bowler capable of big hitting down the order, was not in the initial 16-man touring party but featured in Sri Lanka’s first warm-up match against Middlesex as other players remained on Indian Premier League duty.
A spokesman for Sri Lanka said: “Maharoof has been called up and is already with us. He will be cover for one or two nagging injuries which we will be assessing.”
Dilhara Fernando is thought to be one of those being monitored after he played through some pain in his knee in taking six wickets in the recently concluded victory against England Lions.
Fellow pacemen Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera and Chanaka Welegedara are also in the Sri Lanka squad, but if Fernando is unavailable Maharoof could yet jump the queue.
He has not played a Test since 2007 but has taken to English conditions well this term, averaging 65 with the bat and taking eight wickets at just over 30 for Lancashire. (PA Sport)