Why Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga Are Not Playing ENG vs SL 1st ODI? Reason Revealed

England and Sri Lanka are currently playing the first ODI against each other at Chester-le-Street. However, both the teams have been dealt with injuries, leading to some forced changes in the playing XI.

Adil Rashid and Wanindu Hasaranga, two of the best ODI bowlers, have been ruled out of this match due to the respective injuries to them. Both the leg-spinners are key for their respective teams in the middle overs and their absence can impact the game.

Why Adil Rashid is Not Playing Today in ENG vs SL 1st ODI?

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid didn't a chance to play the first ODI match due to an injury to his right hand. According to Cricbuzz, Rashid has been ruled out of the entire series.

Adil Rashid injury forced England to field Rehan Ahmed for this match. Just like Rashid, Rehan can be lethal in the middle overs and is also a capable batter lower down the order. However, England will miss Adil Rashid's experience in this series.

Why Wanindu Hasaranga is Not Playing Today?

According to the reports, Wanindu Hasaranga is not playing the ENG vs SL 1st ODI due to a minor injury concern. The Sri Lanka team management decided against taking the risk to field their star bowler ahead of the upcoming matches.

Wanindu Hasaranga injury absence leaves Sri Lanka with a void in the middle overs given his exceptional wicket-taking skills. The team will expect the left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage to lead the spin bowling attack. Wellalage doesn't have many variations like Hasaranga but can be economical. He can score a few runs down the order with the bat, making him a perfect replacement for Hasaranga.

The ENG vs SL ODI injury list has somehow dampened the significance of this series. With some world-class players missing, both sides have weakened a bit. Both England and Sri Lanka are preparing for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will take place next year in the Africa continent.