8 Dec 2015

Sri Lankan cricketer sent home from NZ tour

9:26 am on 8 December 2015

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera has tested positive for a banned substance and has been recalled from the tour of New Zealand.

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Perera.

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kusal Perera. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Perera's sample was provided for a random test by the ICC in the recent home series against Pakistan.

The 25-year-old - who will be replaced by Kaushal Silva in New Zealand - played five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches during the tour.

Sri Lanka Cricket said it would test his B sample in line with anti-doping regulations.

The governing body added it would "make every endeavour" to enable Perera to resume his career "at the earliest opportunity in compliance with the ICC regulations".

Silva, 29, joins the squad for two tests, five one-day internationals and two T20 matches in New Zealand from 10 December to 10 January.

Perera had been picked in all three squads for the tour.

It was another setback for the Sri Lanka team, after it lost pace bowler Dhammika Prasad to a back injury.

Left armer Vishva Fernando has replaced him.

Prasad, 32, has claimed taken 75 wickets in his 25-match test career.

The first test begins in Dunedin on Thursday, with the second to be played in Hamilton.

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