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| August 6, 2005 | Saturday | Jumadi-us-Sani 29, 1426 |
Sri Lankan trio pass fitness tests
COLOMBO, Aug 5: Sri Lanka’s trio of injured players — Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa — have passed fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s tri-series clash against the West Indies. Jayasuriya (shoulder), Vaas (hamstring) and Zoysa (back) could come into the team for match practice ahead of the tournament final next Tuesday afternoon.
Sri Lanka’s major concern is the availability of Jayasuriya for the final, almost certainly against India, after he dislocated his shoulder during the opening match of the tri-series last weekend.
“Sanath [Jayasuriya] had a full batting session today and he did not have any pain while playing a full range of strokes,” physiotherapist CJ Clarke told Reuters. “He is still on anti-inflammatory drugs and would have his shoulder strapped up for the game,” Clarke added.
Although there are concerns about him falling awkwardly in the field, he is keen to return before the final and coach Tom Moody hinted that he will be picked against West Indies.
“We are going to see how he pulls up after training today and make the final decision tomorrow, but if he pulls up okay I can’t see any reason why he won’t play,” Moody told Reuters.
Sri Lanka will also have to decide whether to risk Vaas, their leading fast bowler, to gain some match practice or save him for three extra days for the final. Zoysa missed Sri Lanka’s three matches in Dambulla following fears that he may have sustained a stress fracture.—AFP
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