India vs Sri Lanka: Rangana Herath injured; ruled out of third Test

Pallekele: Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has been ruled out of the third Test against India owing to back pain.

With Sri Lanka already losing the series and a hectic Test season ahead, the team management decided to rest Herath.

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 who are injured during the series - all-rounder Asela Gunaratne, pacers Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep.

In the 39-year-old's absence, left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara will be leading the spin challenge.