Sydney: Sri Lanka cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka arrested for sexual assault
What's the story
Sri Lanka batter Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested by police for an alleged sexual assault in Sydney. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a 29-year-old woman in Rose Bay earlier in the week. The police arrested Gunathilaka on Sunday from the team hotel in Sydney's central business district. He was a part of Sri Lanka's ICC T20 World Cup 2022 squad.
Statement
Major allegations on Gunathilaka
As per a New South Wales police statement, Gunathilaka and the woman communicated through an online dating app. The cricketer allegedly sexually assaulted her on Wednesday. "The woman met with the man after communicating with him for a number of days via an online dating application; it's alleged he then sexually assaulted her on the evening of November 2," read the statement.
Investigation
Police investigating the incidence
Gunathilaka has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent. Investigation was carried out at the crime scene. "As part of ongoing investigations, a crime scene examination was undertaken by specialist police at an address in Rose Bay yesterday," read the statement further. "The Sri Lankan national was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court via AVL [audio visual links] today."
T20 WC
Injury shortened Gunathilaka's T20 WC campaign
Gunathilaka got ruled out of the ongoing T20 WC during the qualifying stage due to a hamstring injury. Although Ashen Bandara replaced him, Gunathilaka remained with the team. Sri Lanka's campaign ended with a four-wicket defeat against England in their last league game. After clearing the qualifying stage, SL could only win two of their five games in the Super 12 round.
Information
A look at Gunathilaka's international career
Meanwhile, Gunathilaka has so far played eight Tests, 47 ODIs and 46 T20Is since making his international debut in 2015. The 31-year-old has 299, 1,601 and 741 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively. He has also taken 15 international wickets with his off-spin bowling.