Sri Lanka in South Africa, Oct

Sri Lanka forced to make changes for second Test
Charlie Austin - 14 November 2002

Seven days ago Sri Lanka were preparing for the opening Test in high spirits: the batsman had the luxury of having spent time in the middle during the two warm-up games and fast bowlers were looking forward to plying their trade on the more responsive pitches typical in South Africa.

But a week is a long time in international cricket and after a crushing innings and 64 run defeat at Wanderers, they have now lost their services of their leader, Sanath Jayasuriya, during the second Test at Centurion that starts Friday for the first time in a Test match since 1999.

Jayasuriya damaged ligaments in his right ankle whilst warming up for net practice playing football on Tuesday and is also in doubt for at least the first part of the one-day series that follows soon after this game.

Muttiah Muralitharan, their premier bowler, is also struggling with a hernia, but, fortunately for Sri Lanka, he is currently pain free and despite a swollen lower abdomen is expected to play a full part in the Test before undertaking surgery.

Jayasuriya's injury means that left-hander Jehan Mubarak, the only other specialist batsman available in a 17-man squad laden with fast bowlers, will play his second Test match and open the innings with stand-in captain Marvan Atapattu.

Russel Arnold, who bagged a pair at Wanderers as opener, edging into the slip cordon in both innings, will drop down into the middle order.

Sri Lanka are also considering a change to their bowling attack. Left-armer Ruchira Perera was banned from bowling in the first innings at Wanderers after persistently running onto the danger area and the management are reluctant to risk a repeat performance at Centurion.

One option is to pick wicket-keeper Prassana Jayawardene to take the load off Kumar Sangakkara at number three and go into the match with only four frontline fast bowlers. That would add depth to a frail looking lower order but the management have all but discounted such a move, preferring instead the option of four seamers and one spinner.

Thus Chamila Lakshitha Gamage, a right-arm fast bowler who claimed a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket when he made his debut against Bangladesh in July, is set to play his second Test.

Sri Lanka will, at least, be pleased to see that the groundsman at Centurion has ignored the South Africa's preference for a well-grassed, quick surface. The mowers were pressed into action on Wednesday afternoon and the result is a brown, flat looking pitch that promises a fair contest between bat and ball.

However, no matter how the pitch behaves, acting captain Atapattu, taking charge for the first time in a Test, is looking for his team to learn from the mistakes made at Wanderers.

"We did so many things wrong in the first Test and we are trying to put them right," said Atapattu. "We have discussed where we went wrong and we will try out utmost to correct that in the next match.

"As a batsman, once you get a start you have to go on, especially in conditions like these which we are not very used to - hopefully we will put it right this time."

He doesn't expect it to be easy, however: "We know what we are up against and the task that we face. Whatever the pitch we have to do the basics right."

And he doesn't want the players dwell over the loss of Jayasuriya: "It is a great loss but we have to understand that these things are going to happen from time to time. We have got to keep our heads high and perform."

A frontrunner for the captaincy should Jayasuriya decide to handover the reins after the World Cup, he is looking forward to the challenge of leading the side: "It is a great privilege to captain your country and I enjoy it. It is a bit different for me half way through the tour but hopefully I will handle it well."

Likely Eleven:

Marvan Atapattu (Capt), Jehan Mubarak, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jaywardene, Russel Arnold, Hashan Tillakaratne, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Chamila Gamage Lakshitha, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Teams	South Africa, Sri Lanka.
Players/Umpires	Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Jehan Mubarak, Kumar Sangakkara, Russel Arnold, Hashan Tillakaratne, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Chamila Gamage, Muttiah Muralitharan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Ruchira Perera.
Tours	Sri Lanka in South Africa