Atapattu to miss SAF series

Sri Lankan captain Marvan Atapattu will miss the upcoming Test series against South Africa due to an acute disc problem in his lower back which has kept him out of all cricket since March this year.

Atapattu under went surgery in Australia in May but his rehabilitation process has been slower than expected.

In discussion with the Sri Lankan selectors, Atapattu will now aim to return to the Sri Lankan squad for the Champions Trophy in October.

Mahela Jayawardene who captained Sri Lanka in England has been confirmed as captain for the series against South Africa with the squad being named next week.