Sri Lankan Keeper Tests Positive

Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Perera has been sent home from their tour of New Zealand after a positive drug test.

A statement by Sri Lanka Cricket confirms Perera tested positive for a banned substance in a random test by the ICC in the recent home series against Pakistan.

Kaushal Silva will replace Perera in all three squads for the New Zealand tour.

Sri Lanka Cricket says it will test his B sample in line with anti-doping regulations while also endeavour to get Perera back to cricket as soon as possible.

Perera becomes the second Sri Lankan cricketer to fail a doping test after batsman Upul Tharanga was suspended for three months after testing positive during the 2011 World Cup.

Meanwhile a bowler-friendly wicket is due to welcome the Black Caps and Sri Lankan teams in the first test starting in Dunedin on Thursday.

Commentator Bryan Waddle said it's not unlike previous Dunedin pitches, but curator Tom Tamati said there's more grass than usual.

The moisture content is good, and there should be good bounce for the seam bowlers.

Tamati says if the sun shines over the next couple of days, then it should be just how he wants it - although there's no sunshine guaranteed.

Dunedin was ravaged by a cold southerly blast yesterday.

Radio Sport