Sri Lankan team has lost their most experienced bowler Rangana Herath for the crucial third Test against India starting on Saturday because of frequent back problems.

The visiting team has roped in Jeffrey Vandersay as the replacement of Herath for the Delhi Test, which Sri Lanka must win to avoid another series defeat. Talking about the same, SL’s chairman of selectors said, “We have recalled Herath and he will return immediately as we decided to rest him. Herath will be replaced by Jeffrey Vandersay.”

The veteran Herath bowled 39 overs of in the second Test in Nagpur that ended with India thrashing the visitors by an innings and 239 runs.

Talking about Herath’s back problems, SL’s team manager Asanka Gurusinha said, “Rangana complained of stiffness in his back during the match. This happens to him whenever he tries to bowl a little faster.”

Herath had to be rested during Sri Lanka’s home series against India earlier this year with the same problem. Now, they are trailing the ongoing series by 1-0 after the first rain-affected Test in Kolkata ended in a draw.

The third and last Test of the series is set to begin from December 2, at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi.