Wellington, March 1 (IANS): Sri Lanka's left-arm spinner Rangana Herath split the skin on the inside of his spinning finger during their World Cup Pool A encounter against England at the Westpac stadium here on Sunday.

The injury can sideline him for their next game against Australia due in a week’s time, March 8. Herath required four stitches on his left index finger, and will also undergo an X-ray to ensure there is no damage to the bone.

"The doctor says he's out for 8-10 days, but we'll see how he heals up and then reassess," team manager Michael de Zoysa was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.

Herath bowling the 49th over of the England innings when he attempted to take a return catch on his fifth delivery off Jos Buttler. The ball hit his finger, leaving Herath on the ground in pain holding his hand.

He was forced to leave the field and could not deliver the last ball as blood began pouring out of the wound.

Sri Lanka clinched the game with nine wickets and 16 balls to spare.