Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the first two ODIs against Bangladesh due to a hamstring strain, team manager Asanka Gurusinha confirmed on Thursday (March 23) according to an ESPNCricinfo report.

Perera suffered the injury in his left thigh while batting for Sri Lanka Board President's XI against the touring Bangladesh in a warm-up game and was forced to retire hurt.

However, Gurusinha alleviated concerns by describing the strain as a "minor one". It is understood that Perera could have even made it for the second ODI but the selectors strayed on the side of precaution. He is expected to join the squad ahead of the third ODI on April 1 at the SSC in Colombo.

Perera was making a comeback to the limited-overs squad after being dropped from the tours of Australia and South Africa due to a poor run of form. His replacement is expected to be named later today or on Friday.

The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starts on Saturday (March 25).

(Cricbuzz)