A trial for all players - Mel

Chris DHAMBARAGE

The national selectors are certain to have a close look at the three day warm up match between the Board President›s XI and the touring Indian team which begins today at the NCC ground before naming their squad for the first Test starting on July 23.

The national selectors in delaying their decision to announce the squad for the three test series means that they are really following a couple of players who are yet to prove their fitness and form in the longer version of the game.

The Chairman of National selectors Ashantha de Mel revealed that this game is virtually a trial for all the players in the team and a notable performance will certainly guarantee a place in the test series.

The former Sri Lanka opening bowler said that not only the fast bowlers but even the batsmen are under scrutiny which makes this game even more significant.

De Mel stressed the importance of having a solid batting line up for this gruelling series and a few others who could provide the back up support to the main strike bowlers.

Sri Lanka’s main concern is their bowling attack and the players who will be keen to make an impact are Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welagedera, Sujeewa Silva and Dhammika Prasad who have been in and out of the national team.

In fact Fernando will be looking to put a side the dismal performance in the recent Asia Cup tournament in Pakistan where he completely disappointed the Selector despite given plenty of opportunities.

Fernando will be hoping to prove something after the Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautham Gambhir took 28 runs from his first three overs during their Asia Cup Super Four match which the Lankans lost by six wickets at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Fernando will have the opportunity of bowling against the same pair but under different conditions which are certain to suit his type of bowling.

In addition Chanaka Welagedera is another promising fast bowler who will be determined to produce a good speed having made a memorable test debut against England at the Galle International Stadium last year.

In addition Sujeewa Silva and Dhammika Prasad the two opening bowlers of CCC and SSC respectively are also in the line up.

Among the batsman the two openers Upul Tharanga and Mahela Udawatte are under pressure to regain their places together with Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera and Thilina Kandamby. This will be India’s only warm up match ahead of the test series which begins on July 23 at the SSC grounds in Maitland Place.

Sri Lanka Board XI (from): Jehan Mubarak (captain), Mahela Udawatte, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushal Silva, Chanaka Welagedera, Sujeewa Silva, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath and Dilhara Fernando.