Murali availability remains a concern

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara might have played the perfect diplomat when refraining from accepting his team were favourites going into Tuesdays semi-final,but for the rest of this country,the result already seems a foregone conclusion. Sri Lanka is already preparing for April 2 and the only debate doing the rounds is regarding their opponents in the final.

And despite already being written off in most circles,the in-form Kiwis have found something to take solace from despite participating in almost all the practice rituals of the team on the eve of the big match,Muttiah Muralitharans fitness continues to be shrouded in suspense. Murali and everyone around him is trying to get him fit enough to play. Its no use thinking about the final and saving him till then. This is a crunch game and if he can play tomorrow thatll be great for us, said Sangakkara.

He knocked his knee at Mumbai and he just aggravated a quadricep muscle,a very slight strain,in the game before so its not the same injury. Well just have to monitor how it goes and hope he is fit enough to play for us, added the Lankan skipper. The uncertainity,however,is sure to gladden Kiwi hearts,who have struggled against spin.

While mixed opinions continue to float around Muralitharan Sri Lankas highest wicket-taker in the competition so far despite his presence during practice,Lasith Malinga,on the other hand,didnt turn up for the practice session on Monday. Malinga,however,is a certainty to play,but New Zealand will definitely fancy their chances against a Muralitharan-less Sri Lankan team on a tacky wicket at the Premadasa Stadium. And plans for the final across the country might just have to wait a tad longer.