Muralitharan to play, Arvinda recalled

Muralitharan to play, Arvinda recalled
ASSOSIATED PRESS

COLOMBO, FEBRUARY 20: Sri Lanka’s match winning spinner, Muthiah Muralitharan, is most likely to play in the first Test against England on Thursday, the team’s physiotherapist was quoted saying on Tuesday.

Aravinda De Silva, Sri Lanka’s all-time leading run-maker with more than 13,000 in Tests and one-day internationals, has also been included after two of the selectors strongly favoured him. De Silva was initially dropped from the squad.“He is a sort of dynamic character. He puts everything in the field,” the state-run Daily News quoted Alex Kontouri as saying of Muralitharan. “He is looking much better every day and very comfortable.”

Muralitharan hurt his groin while playing in New Zealand earlier this month. He bowled several overs at the nets yesterday and day before and did not appear in any discomfort. Sri Lankan selectors will take the final decision on Thursday morning.

The selectors are, however, considering playing three spinners in the first Test at the southern Port city of Galle as insurance against Muralitharan breaking down during the game. Besides Muralitharan, the two other spinners will be Kumar Dharmasena and left arm spinner Dinuk Hettiarachchi, who will be making his debut.

The selectors have also included spinners Muthumudalige Pushpakumara and Kaushal Lokuarachchi. Both are still attending high school and have already played against England during practice games.

The strategy of three spinners would leave room for either Tillakaratne Dilshan or De Silva.