ENGLAND have been handed a massive boost in their Test series with Sri Lanka after a scan revealed Dushmantha Chameera is almost certain to miss the rest of the tour.
The fast bowler who ended the Jonny Bairstow fairytale at Headingley has suffered a stress fracture to his lower back.
An MRI scan revealed he faces up to four months on the sidelines and will likely sit out the remaining Tests and limited-over matches.
Chameera took three wickets in the First Test but Alastair Cook’s side romped to victory by an innings and 88 runs.
The 24-year-old, whose place in the home series against Australia may also be in doubt, will return home to Sri Lanka to continue his treatment.
A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket read: “Dushmantha Chameera has sustained an injury to his lower back, and will be returning to Colombo for further treatment and rest.
“Chameera underwent an MRI/CT Scan this morning, which has indicated a stress fracture to his lower back, and medical recommendation is treatment and rest for as much as four months.
“National selectors headed by Sanath Jayasuriya will meet within the next 24 hours, to decide on a suitable replacement.”
Chameera’s injury will come as welcome news to England boss Trevor Bayliss after he learned Ben Stokes is out till mid-July.
The all-rounder requires knee surgery and is unlikely to return to action for England until the First Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on July 14.
A scan on Sunday revealed minor cartilage damage to his left knee and Stokes will see a specialist in London with surgery due today.
Stokes has been replaced in England’s 12-man squad for the Second Test at Chester-le-Street on Friday by Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes.
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