COLOMBO, June 17: The Indian cricket team, which landed here yesterday, for the Independence Cup triangular cricket tournament amidst unprecedented security had little workout today due to inclement weather.
India, who meet Sri Lanka in the opening day-night tie at the Premadasa Stadium on June 19, were looking to avenge for their poor showing in last year’s Asia Cup and the subsequent series here.
Team officials expressed hope the weather would improve tomorrow to permit at least fielding practice.
Meanwhile, Aravinda de Silva was today reinstalled vice-captain of the Sri Lankan team in place of Sanath Jayasuriya while the seasoned Roshan Mahanama was recalled into the national side.
The 14-member team to be led by Arjuna Ranatunga, named by the national selectors, includes three fresh bowlers in Suresh Perera, Aviska Gunewardene and Niroshan Bandarathileke.
De Silva’s return as vice-captain in place of Jayasuriya virtually confirms recent differences in the team. While elevating Jayasuriya, theselectors had explained that being younger to de Silva and Ranatunga, the left-hander could be groomed as future captain. But de Silva, a former captain, reportedly protested the decision to strip him of the vice-captain status.
The team: Arjuna Ranatunga (capt), Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Mahela Jayawardene, Roshan Mahanama, Kumara Dharmasena, Muttiah Muralitharan, Pramodya Wickremasinghe, Suresh Perera, Avishka Gunawardena, Niroshan Bandaratileke, Upul Chandana.