DAMBULLA (Sri Lanka), Aug 1: Opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has escaped major tendon damage after dislocating his shoulder during a one-day match against India on Saturday, Sri Lankan officials said on Monday. Jayasuriya took painkilling injections after the injury, then guided Sri Lanka to a three-wicket win with 43 not out before being taken to Colombo for an MRI scan.

His decision to bat had prompted fears he could aggravate the injury, tearing the tendons around his shoulder, which had been dislocated previously during a one-day tournament in 2002. But the scans showed no major tendon damage and Sri Lanka’s team management are confident he will make a quick return to the field, possibly against India on Wednesday.

“The doctor told him he was very lucky,” team manager Michael Tissera said. “There appears to have been no tendon damage and only some fluid build-up in the joint.

“We are not sure at this stage about exactly when he will be able to return but he will definitely play again in this tournament.” Sri Lanka’s next game is against West Indies on Tuesday and skipper Marvan Atapattu said a decision on Jayasuriya’s fitness would only be taken in the morning.

“We will assess his position tomorrow and if he is fit he will obviously play,” Atapattu told reporters after the team’s practice on Monday morning. Sri Lanka are set to open the innings with 21-year-old uncapped opener Upul Tharanga if Jayasuriya is rested.—Reuters