Sri Lanka's captain Tillekaratne Dilshan has been reprimanded for his cavalier approach to batting by the country's national selectors who are concerned by his failure to lead by example in the series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Dilshan has been told in no uncertain terms to "pull up his socks and perform as a batsman", according to a report in Sri Lanka's 'Daily Mirror'.
The dashing batsman has had a poor run of form with managing scores of 19, 9, 7 and 3 during the two Tests in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It required a monumental double century from former skipper Kumar Sangakkara and a fighting knock from wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardena for Sri Lanka to escape with a draw in Abu Dhabi but Pakistan crushed them by nine wickets with a day to spare in the second Test.
Dilshan was appointed captain after Sangakkara stepped down after leading Sri Lanka to the World Cup finals. But Dilshan has failed to arrest Sri Lanka's 11-match winless streak before the UAE tour losing the series in England and at home to Australia 1-0.
His future as captain in the long-term has also been put into question unless he raises his game despite being named for Sri Lanka's upcoming tour to South Africa.
The "national selectors have pointed out to Dilshan that he has been appointed the captain for Sri Lanka’s forthcoming South Africa tour which begins in December, but cautioned him to avoid taking things for granted as continued failure with the bat would result in any player being dropped irrespective of the position he holds in the team", the report added.
He may be forced to revert to opening the batting in the third Test which begins at Sharjah on Thursday because Lahiru Thirimanne has failed to make an impact in the four Tests he has played so far.
Dilshan, 35, attempted to give solidity to the middle order at the expense of another veteran Thilan Samaraweera, but has not succeeded despite scoring 83 against Australia.
Meanwhile, middle order batsman Dinesh Chandimal is likely to be called up for his maiden Test appearance replacing Thirimanne in the side.
The 21 year-old is expected to keep wickets in the coming ODI Series replacing former skipper Sangakkara behind stumps but Sri Lanka is likely retain the services of gloveman Kaushal Silva who made his debut against Pakistan in the second Test, according to the report.
Silva stepped in as a replacement regular Test wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardene who is likely to miss the forthcoming South Africa tour as well after undergoing a hernia operation in Dubai.