India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj suffered an injury scare after being forced to leave the field on the fourth day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Siraj hurt his side while attempting a difficult catch during Sri Lanka’s second innings, leaving India without one of its key fast bowlers on the field as the team pushed for a series victory.
The incident occurred in the 11th over of the innings when Sri Lanka batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara top-edged a delivery from Manav Suthar.
Stationed at deep square-leg, Siraj quickly charged towards the ball and launched himself into a full-stretch dive in an effort to complete the catch. However, the pacer landed heavily on his side and immediately appeared to be in considerable discomfort.
Siraj remained on the ground following the attempted catch and was seen holding his side as medical staff came onto the field to assess him.
After receiving initial treatment, the 32-year-old was able to get back to his feet but walked off the field. He was subsequently pictured in the dugout receiving further attention from the medical team.
The injury comes at an important stage of the match, with India looking to finish the Test series against Sri Lanka with a victory.
Siraj’s absence could potentially affect India’s bowling options as the visitors attempt to make further inroads into the Sri Lankan batting order during the second innings.
The fast bowler has been an important part of India’s pace attack, making the sight of him leaving the field a concern for the team as the match heads towards its closing stages.
There was no immediate indication of the extent of the injury or whether Siraj would be able to return to the field later in the Test.
The problem was caused by his commitment in the field rather than while bowling, with Siraj covering ground rapidly before throwing himself towards the ball in an attempt to provide India with another breakthrough.
India will now monitor the pacer’s condition while continuing its pursuit of a series-clinching result in Colombo. His availability could prove significant depending on how the remainder of Sri Lanka’s second innings develops.
