Sri Lanka opener Marvan Atapattu may be unable to bat in the first innings of the third and final Test against England after splitting the webbing between the middle and index fingers on his left hand.

Atapattu required four stitches after sustaining the injury while catching Gareth Batty at mid-wicket off Upul Chandana during the first day's play on Thursday.

The experienced batsman was unable to put his hand into his glove on Friday morning and Kumar Sangakkara had to step in and open Sri Lanka's first innings with Sanath Jayasuriya.

"Marvan required four stitches and it is difficult to say at this stage whether he will be able to bat during this innings," Sri Lanka manager Ajit Jayasekera told reporters after his team had bowled England out for 265 in their first innings.