Binura Fernand, one of Sri Lanka's most efficient fast bowlers in the first T20I on February 11, has been pulled out due to COVID-19, only days before the second T20I against Australia on Sunday.
Binura, along with Wanindu Hasaranga, was one of the most successful bowlers in the first of five T20Is played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with stats of 2/12 in four overs (SCG).
Binura's COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test came back positive, and his PCR results are pending.
Binura has been ruled out of Sunday's second T20I, which is now underway with Australia batting. An official for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed this to IANS. Top-order batter Kusal Mendis tested positive with COVID-19 after arriving in Australia on Monday (February 7).
Nuwan Thushara, an uncapped bowler in Sri Lanka's 20-man squad touring Australia, and team trainer Dilshan Fonseka both tested positive for COVID on January 31.
Under the DLS Method, Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 20 runs in their first T20I since winning the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in November. Australia received a score of 149/9. However, due to the weather, Sri Lanka was set a goal of 143 runs in 19 overs. In their run chase, they finished with a score of 122/8.