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February 03, 2007

Sri Lanka led by Mahela Jayawardene has arrived in Mumbai for taking part in a four ODI-Series. The team is without its main bowling weapons - Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, who have been rested with just a month to go for the World Cup. Sri Lanka is one of the strong contenders to lift the World Cup with the team pulling off some memorable victories on its away tours.

The Lankans had a disastrous 1-6 defeat against India in 2005 under the leadership of Marvan Atapattu. Sri Lankans had also lost a warm up match against a second string Mumbai side on that tour. This time they would be looking to give a stiff battle for the Indians under their relatively new captain, Mahela Jayawardene. The team has only improved from the 2005 series with consistent performance from several youngsters along with the return of form for Sanath Jayasuriya. With Marvan Atapattu back into action, the Sri Lankan batting looks a formidable one.

This Series against India is SL's last before the World Cup. They have decided to test out Russel Arnold and Upul Chandana, two key performers for them over the years. Both these all rounders have been recalled after a long absence. Also back is left arm seamer, Nuwan Zoysa who seemed to have got this opportunity in the absence of Chaminda Vaas. The other left arm seamer, Ruchira Perera who was picked for the New Zealand tour has failed to retain his place. The first of the four ODIs is on the 8th at Kolkata.

Sri Lanka Squad : Mahela Jayawardene (C), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Marvan Atapattu, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Farveez Maharoof, Malinga Bandara, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Zoysa, Nuwan Kulasekara, Upul Chandana, Russel Arnold

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