Nissanka set to replace Gunaratne for India clash

Sri Lanka are set to make one change for their World Cup Super Sixes match against India at the Wanderers on Monday.

Skipper Sanath Jayasyuriya and left-hander Hashan Tillakaratne are both expected to play but Prabath Nissanka has been earmarked for inclusion.

Nissanka's extra pace on a traditionally spicy Wanderers pitch is seen as a valuable weapon against the Indians and Pulasthi Gunaratne will make way.

Jayasuriya, suffering from a badly bruised forearm and chipped thumb, played gingerly in the nets on Sunday but is determined to lead the side.

"There is a little pain in my thumb but I am definitely playing," said Jayasuriya on Sunday evening.

The Sri Lankans are sticking by middle order batsman Mahela Jayawardene who has had a wretched tournament thus far with the bat scoring just 16 runs in seven games.

"We intend batting Mahela low down in the order. He is batting so well in the nets, it is a matter of time before he gets a big score," said Jayasuriya.

But a change was seriously considered: "Considering the importance attached to this game we don't want to take a chance with someone else because the reserves hardly had any match practice," said Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya said the Australia loss had not dented his side's confidence.

"We lost to Kenya and came back and played well. So did India after losing badly to Australia. When you play a lot of one-day games one has to win and lose," said Jayasuriya.

"Any game against India is important. They are playing well at the moment. We'll have to keep it as tight as possible," he said.

Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore said the Indian team had some incredible match winners in their side, but he knew of their strengths and weaknesses having played against them a few times.

"The main thing that I want to see is for everyone in the team to lift up a gear or two for the encounter. India are also on top of their game at the moment," said Whatmore.