Manzur Hossain Chowdhury, the BCB doctor, said that Mendis had to be taken to the hospital for “proper diagnosis and better management” of his condition.
According to Chowdhury, Mendis was suffering from dehydration leading into the match, which could be a reason behind his discomfort. He suspected gastritis as a possible reason for Mendis’ discomfort. It is unclear at this stage how long he will be in the hospital, and on his participation in the Dhaka Test.
The conditions in the first Test were extremely trying with the humidity getting to the players. Tamim Iqbal was forced to retire hurt due to severe cramps on day three, while on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough, too, had to leave the field during the fourth day because of the scorching heat. Players were often spotted having drinks breaks under giant umbrellas throughout the course of the Test.
Sri Lanka also had to use a concussion substitute for fast bowler Vishwa Fernando after he was struck by a Shoriful Islam bouncer on the second day in Chattogram. Kasun Rajitha was his replacement. This is Sri Lanka’s last match on this Bangladesh tour.