ICC CWC\'19: Nuwan Pradeep and Malinga available for today\'s match against Australia

Mumbai: Sri Lankan fast bowler Nruwan Pradeep is recovering well and could bowl at the nets, according to the team manager and chief selector, Ashantha De Mel.

The 32-year-old right arm fast bowler was ruled out of the match against Bangladesh. The match, however, was abandoned without toss due to rain.

"Pradeep can bowl now and his fitness is being monitored by team physio. If he can field and catch properly, the team management may risk and play him on Saturday for the match against Australia at the Oval".

Latest feedback received from the team management in England is that Nuwant Pradeep is "most likely" to play Saturday's game and also, Lasith Malinga, who is reaching London at 8 PM on Friday, in all probability will play the match.

Rain forecast, however for Saturday is not encouraging in London.

"There is 40 % of chance to rain and will decide our final eleven only on the morning after seeing weather and the wicket", the manager added.

Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes had jokingly proposed to have reserve day.

"Here there is rain on a reserve day as well. So this solution is not going to serve the purpose. More and more matches are being affected by the rain, which we usually don't see in England in June and July".

"We keep our fingers crossed", de Mel said.