Sri Lanka will be missing the services of their speedster Dilhara Fernando in the opening Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Dilhara Fernando was ruled out because of a knee injury that he had sustained during the 3-day match against the Indians. The Sri Lankan bowling attack as such looks to be depleted with the absence of the injured Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof.
The biggest plus for the Sri Lankans is the inclusion of Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spinner. Ajantha Mendis will certainly making his Test Debut on the 23rd and one will have to see if he can consistently trouble top batsmen with his repertoire. The openers picked by Sri Lanka are Michael Vandort and Malinda Warnapura. Both the left handers will be followed up with Kumar Sangakkara, Skipper Mahela Jayawardena and Thilan Samaraweera. Fighting for the no.6 spot will be right handers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Chamara Silva. Sri Lanka most probably will be going with the four bowlers – Vaas, Thushara, Murali and Mendis.
Sri Lanka Squad for 1st Test : Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene (Wicket Keeper), Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara and Chamara Kapugedera