Sangakkara concern for Sri Lanka

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Kumar Sangakkara faces a race against time to be fit for Thursday's first Test against South Africa after sustaining a hand injury, while seamer Nuwan Pradeep is out of the tour with a hamstring problem

Kumar Sangakkara will be monitored ahead of the first Test against South Africa from Thursday after sustaining a hand injury, while Nuwan Pradeep has been ruled out of the tour with a hamstring problem.

Sangakkara tore the webbing between the first and second finger on his right hand during the game against the South African Invitation XI in Benoni on Saturday. He departed the field on the second day but, despite requiring three stitches, is likely to be passed fit.

"Doctors feel the injury will heal enabling him to play in the first Test," Sri Lanka's media manager Brian Thomas said.

Pradeep will return to Sri Lanka after sustaining the problem during the same match and will be be occupying the sidelines for around a month.

“An MRI scan was done and after examining it, physiotherapist Stephen Mount is of the view that Nuwan will be unable to play for another three to four weeks," Thomas added. "Team management have requested a replacement player."

Sri Lanka have been hit hard by injuries, but Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Kulasekara have continued their recoveries by starting to bowl again and may return against the Proteas.