Sri Lanka hit by flu bug

A flu bug that has already laid low Marvan Attapattu, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Chaminda Vaas, has seriously handicapped Sri Lanka's preparations for their crucial second-stage Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan.

Atapattu, the first to be laid low as the team travelled to Dambulla last week, was so weak that he was forced to hand over the captaincy to Mahela Jayawardene during Sri Lanka's 12-win against India on Sunday night. Both Atapattu and Dilshan are receiving antibiotics and the management remains hopeful that they will be able to play on Wednesday. Vaas first complained of the bug on Tuesday morning and the seriousness of his condition was not yet known.

"There is not really a lot we can do about the situation apart from making sure they take on plenty of fluids and rest," said CJ Clarke, the team physio, talking to reporters. "The problem is that the players are very tired after Australia and all the travel, and their resistance to these bugs is therefore very low."

There was better news, though, on Sanath Jayasuriya, who appeared to be recovering well from his side strain, an injury that forced him out of the match against India . He resumed bowling on Tuesday morning and should be available for selection.

Meanwhile, John Dyson, the coach, was delighted with Sri Lanka's performance in the first round, an effort that he believes has now set the team up well for the next stage. "The team played very well in both games in Dambulla and they are feeling pleased with their game and looking forward to the rest of the tournament," said Dyson. "It was good boost for the rest of the tournament. It lifts you up and makes you look forward to the next game.

"It was difficult to come straight in from Australia as it is a long journey back and when you add the bus drive to Dambulla the guys were pretty tired. They have recovered pretty quickly. They are pretty fit and watch what they eat and make sure they get enough sleep so they are ready to play."

But Dyson remained wary of Pakistan. "Pakistan are a very exciting and dangerous team and they are a side that can do anything and our boys will need to be right on their game."