Perera out of first two ODIs

Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the first two ODIs against Bangladesh after suffering a hamstring strain while representing the Sri Lanka Board President's XI during Wednesday's practice match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha confirmed to CricInfo yesterday.

Gurusinha added that the strain was 'very minor' and although there was a chance for Perera to play in the second ODI in Dambulla on March 28, the selectors chose to keep Perera in Colombo.

A replacement is expected to be named on Thursday or Friday, but Kusal will rejoin the squad ahead of the third ODI if he recovers as expected.

The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starts on Saturday.