Lanka recall De Silva for decisive Test

Sri Lanka missed a golden opportunity of clinching the rubber at Kandy, and now find themselves fighting to save the series.

Having won the first Test convincingly by an innings and 15 runs at Galle, Sri Lanka gave South Africa a new lease of life when they lost the second Test at Kandy by seven runs.

“Despite the loss, which was disappointing, our morale is very high. We are going to give it our best shot,” said Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya.

The SSC pitch usually helps seam bowlers, and it was at this venue that South Africa recorded an innings win seven years ago to clinch the series.

Staff at the ground said although the pitch has been shorn of grass, wicket was firm and would last five days. Pitches at Galle and Kandy were tailor-made for spinners.

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock said the Proteas were determined to steal the series.

“Nobody can complain that we are still unaccustomed to the condition and the pitches here. We have been here long enough for that. We are looking to go out there and finish the job,” said South African captain Shaun Pollock.

“Our confidence is up with the victory at Kandy. It looked as if we were out of the tour till that fine comeback,” said Pollock.

South African chairman of selectors Rushdi Magiet said the team may probably undergo one change depending on the state of the pitch.

Left-arm spinner Paul Adams, who struggled in the Sri Lanka second innings at Kandy, may make way for an additional fast bowler David Terbrugge.

Terbrugge bowled South Africa to victory over Pakistan in the Singer Triangular series match at this venue last month with a spell of four wickets for 20 runs.

The Test marks the final appearance of former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga from international cricket, and his career ends on his home ground at the SSC.

Teams (from): Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Maravan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Dharmasena, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Dilhara Fernando, Ruchira Perera, Dinuk Hettiaratchi.

South Africa: Shaun Pollock (captain), Gary Kirsten, Neil McKenzie, Jacques Kallis, Darryl Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, Monantau Hayward, Paul Adams, David Terbrugge, Boeta Dippenaar.

Umpires – Bulathsinghalage Cooray (Sri Lanka) and Ed Nicholls (West Indies).

Third umpire: Tyronne Wijewardene (Sri Lanka).

Match Referee: Brian Hastings (New Zealand).