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Sri Lanka were dealt with a major blow on the first day of their second Test match against Bangladesh as their star batter Kusal Mendis was taken off the field after the batter complained of chest pain. Mendis complained of some discomfort in his chest during the 23rd over of the Bangladesh innings. He was then assisted off the field by the Sri Lankan support staff.

Reports have suggested that Mendis has been hospitalized in a hospital in Dhaka. 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. Chowdhury also shed light on the possible cause behind Mendis' condition.

He opined that the Sri Lankan batter was suffering from dehydration leading into the match, which could be a reason behind his discomfort. Chowdhury also suspected gastritis as a possible reason for Mendis' discomfort. Now, with Mendis under supervision, it is unclear at this stage how long he will be in the hospital, and on his participation in the Dhaka Test.

Worries for Sri Lanka

Mendis' unavailability at the moment comes as a huge blow for the visitors as the batter had looked in good touch in the first Test. Mendis had scored a brilliant half-century (54) in the 1st innings of the match and was also involved in a 98-run partnership with Angelo Mathews. In the second innings, Mendia played a counterattacking knock (48 off 43) and helped Sri Lanka draw the match.

Although Mendis played two handy knocks, it seems spending so much time in the middle in scorching heat took a toll on his body. The conditions in the first Test were extremely trying with the humidity getting to the players. Bangladesh batter Tamim Iqbal was also 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.