Sri Lanka off-spinner Akila Dananjaya free to play despite ICC probe into bowling action

Sri Lanka have confirmed off-spinner Akila Dananjaya will play in tomorrow’s Second Test against England despite being reported for a suspect action following the series opener in Galle.

Dananjaya has 14 days to get his action tested by the International Cricket Council.

The bowler is expected to do that before the start of the final Test in Colombo, which starts on Friday week. Until then he is free to play.

Suranga Lakmal, standing in as captain for the injured Dinesh Chandimal, confirmed Dananjaya, who took match figures of two for 183 in the First Test, will play at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy this week.

Lakmal said: “The umpires have taken that decision, but Dananjaya can play in this game.

“I talked to him and said don’t worry about anything — just focus on this game. I’m sure he will get cleared for the next match. He’s bowled well in the past and he has to do that again. Getting reported is just another thing. Forget that and bowl well in this game.”

Lakmal has no concerns the 25-year-old will be called by the on-field umpires at Pallekele despite the delivery in question being his stock ball — the off-spinner. “He got one warning,” said Lakmal. “They never said he cannot play again so I don’t think there will be an issue. He will still play.”

Sri Lanka have two big holes to fill in their team, with Chandimal likely to be replaced in the top six by Roshen Silva, who averages close to 40 across the eight Tests he has played.

Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan is likely to come in for Rangana Herath, who retired after the Galle Test.

Lakmal said: “No matter what, we are still playing at home. Just because we’ve lost a game doesn’t mean we’re mentally low. This is a vital match for us because we’ve got to stay in the series.”