Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been arrested for drunk driving.

Karunaratne was reportedly involved in an accident in Colombo on Sunday. He has been granted bail – and is expected to appear in court next week.

The 30-year-old led Sri Lanka to a famous Test series victory in South Africa earlier this year – and is being considered for the World Cup captaincy.

A stint with Hampshire in English county competition was delayed earlier this week, as Sri Lanka Cricket manage Karunaratne’s international cricket commitments.

He has been replaced at Hampshire by Proteas batsman Aiden Markram.

‘Markram replaces Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who had previously signed with the Club as overseas player to begin the season but is now unavailable due to international commitments,’ read a statement from Hampshire Cricket.

‘The 24-year-old batsman will arrive in time for the start of the County Championship curtain-raiser against Essex at the Ageas Bowl beginning on Friday, 5 April, and will feature in both domestic red-ball and white-ball competitions until early May.

‘His availability following this period will then be determined by his involvement in South Africa’s World Cup campaign, with the opportunity for Karunaratne to return in his place should the Sri Lankan captain’s playing commitments allow.’

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