Sri Lanka Monday recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera from New Zealand after he tested positive for a banned steroid, the national cricket board said. The 25-year-old was randomly tested during the recent Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka and the just released results were positive, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. "In view of this and in terms of the applicable ICC regulations, SLC has recalled Perera from New Zealand," the board said, adding that they would test a "B" sample in line with anti-doping regulations.
Sri Lanka is sending Kaushal Silva, 29, who is also a wicketkeeper-batsman, to take his place. Perera becomes Sri Lanka's second international player to fail a doping test. Left hand batsman Upul Tharanga was suspended for three months after testing positive during the 2011 World Cup. Tharanga blamed a "herbal remedy" he had taken for a long standing shoulder injury for failing the doping test. Sri Lanka will play two Tests, five ODI games and two T20 matches in New Zealand from December 10 to January 10.