Sri Lanka take on depleted West Indies in their last league engagement at the Premadasa Stadium on Saturday with the good news that their three injured players are fit to make a comeback.
Sanath Jayasuriya, Nuwan Zoysa and Chaminda Vaas passed the fitness test on Friday. Jayasuriya had hurt his shoulder while fielding against India while both Vaas and Zoysa were struggling with their hamstring and back for quite some time. However, team sources say it may still be premature to say that these three key players would be included for Satuday’s game.
"All these three players have passed the fitness test and are available for selection," said Sri Lanka manager Michael Tissera after the team's practice session on Friday. Earlier, skipper Marvan Atapattu had hinted that Vaas and Jayasuriya would be considered only for important games. But he may be tempted to play Zoysa in the league game to give him the much needed match practice.
On the other hand, West Indies will have a last chance to salvage some pride in the tournament, having lost their opening two games against the hosts and India.
{{/usCountry}}On the other hand, West Indies will have a last chance to salvage some pride in the tournament, having lost their opening two games against the hosts and India.
{{/usCountry}}A loss to Sri Lanka will end the Caribbeans’ dreams as India have eight points and they are yet to open their account.
The new-look side has so far failed to show any character. Even the return of hard-hitting Ricardo Powell has not made any difference. Skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul, too, has been struggling with his own form. The saving grace has been Dwayne Smith's hurricane knock in the last match.
However, the bowlers have shown some promise as Jermaine Lawson and Tino Best have posed some problem to the batsmen.