KANDY, Sri Lanka, April 2 - Sri Lanka cricketer
Sanath Jayasuriya plans to end his 15-year test career on a high
with a big score and an historic home series win against
Pakistan.
Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka highest run scorer in tests and
one-dayers, has announced that he will be retiring after the
second test against Pakistan that starts on Monday in Kandy.
The opening test in the two-match series in Colombo was
drawn after a match-saving 148 not out from opener Shoaib Malik
denied Sri Lanka their first home win against Pakistan in 20
years.
"I'm hoping for a big score but I'll just be looking to play
my natural game to help win this series," Jayasuriya told
Reuters after training.
"It is sad to be preparing for my last ever test match but
we're just focusing on the positives from the last test as we
prepare for this game," the 36-year-old added.
"We bounced back really well against Pakistan with some fine
batting in the second innings and we need to put them under the
same kind of pressure here."
Sri Lanka will once again miss Chaminda Vaas, their premier
pace bowler, who has not yet recovered from a side strain.
The hosts are also considering possible changes to their
bowling line-up with medium pacer Nuwan Kulasekera and left-arm
spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon pushing hard for places.
Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando's inconsistent bowling rhythm
is a key concern and he is likely to be dropped for Kulasekera.
Sri Lanka's preparations for the match have been marred by
wet weather in Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill-country capital, with
local experts predicting rain interruptions in the test.
Coach Tom Moody has also had to leave the team to attend the
funeral of his father-in-law, leaving assistant coach Trevor
Penney in charge.
Pakistan have been boosted by the news that Mohammad Yousuf
has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss
the first test.
But Yousuf's likely return will leave them with a selection
dilemma because his replacement, Faisal Iqbal, impressed with a
fine second innings 60 that help Pakistan escape with a draw in
Colombo.
Fast bowling all rounder Adbul Razzaq is also struggling
with a knee injury that may pave the way for an extra specialist
pace bowler on a well-grassed pitch promising early assistance
for the bowlers.
"It has rained a lot here and when we went to the ground
today the outfield was damp," Woolmer told Reuters.
"The pitch is well grassed, still slightly damp and is being
rolled -- there should be some early moisture," he added.
"A couple of the guys have flu but nothing serious to worry
about. Razzaq has a slight knee niggle and Mohammad Yousuf is
available for selection."
Squads
Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara,
Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Tillakaratne
Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez
Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dilhara Fernando,
Muttiah Muralitharan, Malinga Bandara, Sajeewa Weerakoon
Pakistan: Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Mohammad
Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik,
Salman Butt, Danish Kaneria, Rao Iftikhar, Imran Farhat, Faisal
Iqbal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Arshad Khan.