Jayasuriya unable to bowl

Sri Lanka have been forced to re-think the composition of their side for the Asia Cup because Sanath Jayasuriya, a key allrounder in the one-day game, has suffered a side strain that will prevent him from bowling.

Jayasuriya first suffered the injury during Sri Lanka's recent tour to Australia. Although the injury has been described as a "moderate side strain" by C.J. Clarke, the physio, he's in considerable pain and will not bowl for at least two weeks.

"Ideally, we would have liked to have played with seven batsmen [in this tournament] but Sanath's injury means that we will now have to have a look at the best composition of the side," said Marvan Atapattu, Sri Lanka's captain.

Sri Lanka may be forced to rely on six frontline batsmen, a strategy they are traditionally uncomfortable with, to create enough bowling options. The alternative, and more high-risk, plan would be to squeeze 10 overs of offspin out of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Saman Jayantha. Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's most capped player and highest run scorer in one-dayers, will keep his place at the top of the order, and will probably open with Jayantha, who has flown over from England after a high-scoring stint with the A team.

Sri Lanka are expected to rest at least two senior players against UAE - probably Marvan Atapattu and Chaminda Vaas, and possibly Dilshan - to make room for the players who have just arrived from England. Aside from Jayantha, Avishka Gunawardene will be given an opportunity at number three, pushing Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene down to four and five, and Thilina Kandamby will slot into the middle order.

Sri Lanka are being rushed into the tournament after their Test series in Australia, but Atapattu expects his team to throw off any jet-lag and adapt quickly to the conditions. "We had only 24 hours with our families but we knew this tournament was on and I think the players are experienced enough to understand the differences in the wicket and conditions," he said. "We should be able to adapt fast."

"It is important for us to do well as expectations are high," he added. "We have two very strong sides in this tournament, but if we play to our potential then I think we have a big chance." Atapattu also welcomed the return of Muttiah Muralitharan, who boycotted the Australia tour: "Having a guy like Murali is always an inspiration and it will be a great morale booster to have him back in the side."