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Uncapped left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando has been named as a replacement for the injured Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lanka's Test squad for the two-match series in New Zealand. Prasad sustained a back injury during the tour game against New Zealand Board President's XI in Queenstown, where he bowled only four overs for 20 runs.

Fernando has featured in Sri Lanka's Test squads to the UAE and Bangladesh in 2014 and was also picked in the squad for the home series against India in August this year, but did not get a game.

Fernando was the second-highest wicket taker for Sri Lanka A with five wickets in two matches, behind legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay in the two unofficial Tests against New Zealand A in October. He had come into prominence after claiming 40 wickets in nine Premier League tournament matches, Sri Lanka's first-class competition, in the 2014-15 season at 21.97.

Meanwhile, Prasad's injury comes as a significant blow to Sri Lanka. He had been their most penetrative seamer in the past year and was expected to lead the attack in New Zealand. Prasad is unlikely to regain fitness in time for the ODI series, for which he was named in Sri Lanka's squad.

Fernando has been named as a Test replacement only, for now, but Sri Lanka have made tentative plans to keep him in New Zealand for the ODIs as well.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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AS7777 ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 7:15 GMT

Certainly it is a big loss for Sri Lanka. Last year we didn't play Chameera and here comes his chance to prove what he is made of. Also a huge responsibility for the youngster. Last year we played some poor cricket there in the New Zealand and poor fielding cost us at least one match there. Regarding the bowling combination it is a tricky one. In these conditions Herath may not effective as here in Sri Lanka and Siriwardana can do a equal job and My thinking is playing Vandersay or Dilruwan for a change. Even two spinners can employed even though pitches going to assist seamers.

MANDAR KHANDESHE ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 7:11 GMT

It is unfortunate that not a single Indian channel is telecasting these matches live. I am always a big fan of BLACKCAPS and wants to see them play in some of beautiful and picturesque cricket grounds. I don't know what went wrong between these so called sports channels and NZC but as a genuine cricket lover, it is really annoying.

CHETHANAROMESH ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 6:48 GMT

It is good thing to happen after a long time to groom a left Arm seamer after Vaas. Chameera,Pradeep,Vishwa,Dilruwan should be the bowling attack. Although Lakmal is the experience fast bowler in SL pace attack can't include 3 right arm fast bowlers. Therefore chance should go to Vishwa. Chameera & Pradeep has the pace of 140+. Also should go with Dilruwan ahead of Herath. Herath needs venom of the wicket to trouble batsmen as he is not a big turner. But Dilruwan is a skiddy bowler & will be effective in these condition to take wickets by LBWs.

ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 6:40 GMT

bad luck prasad this is big blow for sri lanka

SAMEOLD ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 5:39 GMT

Very tough luck for Prasad, No doubt he would have been looking forward to bowling in NZ conditions. Hard for SL too, they will miss his penetration. Good luck to Fernando though, hope he can grab his chance.

Meanwhile, here we are, two days out from the start of New Zealand's home Summer, and cricinfo apparently can't find or manufacture one single article about this vibrant, unconventional, and lately quite controversial side. Disappointing, to say the least.

CRZCRIC ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 5:22 GMT

@UT fan:Finally some thing we both can agree mate.When ever SL had a Local coach we sink to the bottom. And not to forget the greedy administration. Last time they ruined SL's WC campaign by playing a suddenly arranged ODI series with IND even by cancelling Fitness program prior to the world cup and ruined sanga's and mahela's ODI farewell. There is no shame to exit WC in quarter final even after that harsh treatments. And once again the same people running for top positions. This time he will get more political support too. Dark days are yet to come for SLC.

N.ANTHONY ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 5:11 GMT

There are people her e saying SL will be no match for NZ and matches will be over in 3 days. I remember so called pundits in SA and ENG made some poor assumptions (Stupid comments) before their series against SL and got humiliated. Cricket is funny thing the team that gets early momentum could win the series. Hope to see some positive cricket from both the teams

RUKSHAN DHARMADASA ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 4:31 GMT

big blow... Guess we'll have to go to our next best option Siriwardane

ROYAL_THORA ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 4:11 GMT

I don't want to insult anyone. NZ is my second favorite country & my second favorite cricket team and I'm a All Blacks fan too. Coming back to cricket of course NZ has the upper hand. They're playing at home, has a far more settled side & they're a team in form. So one can say that SL is going to get whitewashed. But the point is, it doesn't matter. As far as Mathews & co give a fight to the opposition fans like me will follow them, which is evident in the comment section. Actually if it is not the case there must be no any fan base for SL, because we had a that kind of a year. One Indian has said that we'll give excuses. But the thing is we haven't lost it yet to give any excuses. I remember you waited us to give excuses in the last Eng tour instead it was you guys who gave excuses after the end of yours tour there.lol. This team is young, but highly talented & very much capable of giving NZ a run for their money. Wish all the best for both teams!!!

NZCRICKETFAN1 ON DECEMBER 7, 2015, 4:10 GMT

Good luck to Sri Lanka like us you need to rebuild from time to time and after long period of great and I mean great batsman its time to change your guard. I have always liked and respect the SL team.

When Taylor and Mac retire we will face this too. We have Williamson and I guess Latham coming through. Should be an interesting series I hope our team steps up. I would like to see us play Santner and 4 quicks including Wagner. Craig may get a crack at redemption though.