Arnold to lead President's XI against Australia

Russel Arnold will lead a Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI against Australia on February 17. The warm-up match will be Australia's only chance of acclimitising to match conditions in the subcontinent before the opening one-dayer against Sri Lanka on February 20 at Dambulla.

A collection of A team players will also have a chance to push their claims for a place in Sri Lanka's final squad, which is due to be announced soon after the game. Simultaneously, in Dambulla, the main national players will play a day-night practice match.

Australia are due to play five one-dayers and three Tests during a six-week tour.

Squad Russel Arnold (capt), Avishka Gunawardene, Saman Jayantha, Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Silva, Bathiya Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Dinusha Fernando, Chamila Gamage, Buddika Fernando, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad, Dhammika Sudarshana, Pradeep Hewage.