Wednesday’s encounter could shape to be another meaningless dead rubber in a series already short on context, but Sri Lanka’s selectors have stepped in to ratchet up interest, if only among the host nation’s fans. Sri Lanka have named two uncapped players and a young opener to the 15-man squad and chosen to rest three top players. The match will now serve as a trial for the generation coming through, while the youngsters already embedded in the side now have an opportunity to move closer to their preferred batting positions.
Some experience has been retained in the top order, via Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan, who are the series top-scorers and its only centurions. But with both Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga rested and Nuwan Kulasekara still unavailable due to injury, Sri Lanka’s attack now appears light on experience. The match may also be a trial for Angelo Mathews’ captaincy, who does not have a reliable bowler to call upon if the likes of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers or JP Duminy begin to mount imposing scores.
Read more: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-south-africa-2013/content/story/656617.html
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
