Sri Lanka's physiotherapist Stephen Mount (L) applies ointment to the finger of spinner Rangana Herath during a training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 17
© AFP
Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath was rated as only "fifty-fifty" by captain Angelo Mathews for Wednesday's World Cup quarter-final against South Africa in Sydney.
The 36-year-old Herath needed four stitches in the spinning finger of his left hand after he tried to stop a full-blooded drive from England's Jos Buttler during Sri Lanka's nine-wicket win in Wellington on March 1 and hasn't played since. (Complete World Cup 2015 coverage | Who plays whom in quarters | Pics | Stats)
Herath's left-arm spin would be a useful addition to Sri Lanka's attack on a Sydney Cricket Ground pitch taking turn. (Sri Lanka vs South Africa - a thriller on the cards)
But Mathews speaking before practice at the SCG on Tuesday, said of Herath: "He's still fifty-fifty. He hasn't had a bowl yet. The physio has to have a look at him once again today. (Jayasuriya hails 'unbelievable' Sangakkara)
"If he bowls at practice today he'll be in contention for selection. If not, he won't be playing." (Sangakkara firm on retirement plans)
Herath's chances of featuring against South Africa appeared slim after he managed just five balls in the nets on Tuesday before consulting the physio. (Mathews banks on 'home support' in World Cup 2015 quarters)
If Herath is ruled out, Sri Lanka have slow bowling alternatives in the off-spin of Tillakaratne Dilshan, primarily a batsman, leg-break bowler Seekkuge Prasanna and off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake.
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