NAGPUR, India: Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath is a major doubt for the crucial third Test against India starting Saturday because of recurrent back problems.

The tourists have called up Jeffrey Vandersay in case the 39-year-old Herath cannot make the match in New Delhi, said team manager Asanka Gurusinha on Tuesday.

The veteran Herath bowled 39 overs of his left-arm spin in the second Test in Nagpur that ended with India thrashing the visitors by an innings and 239 runs.

"Rangana complained of stiffness in his back during the match. This happens to him whenever he tries to bowl a little faster," said Gurusinha.

Herath had to be rested during Sri Lanka's home series against India this year with the same problem.

"We are expecting a report on Rangana's fitness from the team physio either tonight or tomorrow on whether he will be able to play," added the manager.

Vandersay has played 11 one-day internationals and seven Twenty20 matches for Sri Lanka but has yet to make his Test debut.

The tourists have another spin option in left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan.

Sri Lanka trail the series 1-0 after the first rain-hit Test in Kolkata ended in a draw.—AFP