SL squad unchanged for series decider
Friday, 8 August 2008
COLOMBO, Aug 7 (Reuters): Sri Lanka have retained the same 15-man squad but are expected to make one change to their bowling line-up for the third test against India starting Friday.
India levelled the series 1-1 with a 170-run victory in Galle and Sri Lanka hope that some additional pace will help them at the more seamer-friendly P. Saravanamuttu Stadium Colombo.
Fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekera is likely to be replaced in the final XI by either left-armer Thilan Thushara or the uncapped Dammika Prasad.
"There was no need to push the panic button over just one defeat," a selection committee source said. "The need for a bowler of extra pace to support Chaminda Vaas was discussed and we decided that Thushara or Prasad should be considered."
The final decision will be made after practice Thursday.
Sri Lanka are missing three fast bowlers -- Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof -- due to injuries, limiting their pace bowling options.
India levelled the series 1-1 with a 170-run victory in Galle and Sri Lanka hope that some additional pace will help them at the more seamer-friendly P. Saravanamuttu Stadium Colombo.
Fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekera is likely to be replaced in the final XI by either left-armer Thilan Thushara or the uncapped Dammika Prasad.
"There was no need to push the panic button over just one defeat," a selection committee source said. "The need for a bowler of extra pace to support Chaminda Vaas was discussed and we decided that Thushara or Prasad should be considered."
The final decision will be made after practice Thursday.
Sri Lanka are missing three fast bowlers -- Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof -- due to injuries, limiting their pace bowling options.