Game on: An armed policeman stands vigil at a practice session at the Sinhalese Sports Club © Getty Images Enlarge

Even as doubts persisted on South Africa's participation in the tri-series following yesterday's bomb blast in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka and India went about their preparations for Wednesday's day-night encounter at the Premadasa Stadium.

With the rain clouds having migrated, Sri Lanka practised under a blistering hot sun at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. Tom Moody, their coach, insisted that there had been no let-up in intensity on the part of his boys, saying: "Regardless of whether South Africa stay on or leave, we're playing India tomorrow." His confident assertion may also have had much to do with an awareness of behind-the-scenes parleys between Sri Lanka Cricket officials and their Indian counterparts.

As for the Indians, they skipped an Independence Day function at the Indian High Commission this morning and went for their practice session in the afternoon amid tight security. The Indian team has been provided with bullet proof cars as part of an enhanced security ring.

Earlier today, the first match of the Unitech Cup, between Sri Lanka and South Africa, was called off. The match was supposed to have been replayed on Tuesday after wet weather caused the game to be abandoned on Monday, but despite the weather clearing up, the match was cancelled apparently due to the scare generated by the bomb blast.

But even as the South Africans dithered over whether to stay behind or head home the Indian board today extended full support to Sri Lanka Cricket, saying they wanted to continue with the series. "We are backing the Sri Lanka board and even if South Africa withdraws we will stay back and play the matches," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said in Chennai today.

When asked whether the board had received any offers of playing a bilateral three or five-match series with the hosts if South Africa pulled out of the tri-series, Shah said they has not got any such proposal from Sri Lanka as of now. "We have not got any proposal as yet from the Sri Lanka board. The CEO of Sri Lanka cricket is hoping that South Africa will stay. Once a decision is taken there then only question of any offers will arise."

Shah also expressed satisfaction over the extra security provided to the team after yesterday's blast. "Such incidents can take place anywhere in the world. Security has been beefed up to a large extent and there is no security worry as of now. Our manager is in constant touch with the Indian High Commission as well as Sri Lankan authorities."