Sri Lanka start LG Abans tri-series as firm favourites

Friday afternoon in Colombo was anything but normal, as a new government swept to power, a countrywide curfew was imposed and shop shelves were stripped bare after panic buying. But, whilst the country as a whole prepares for a new era, the cricket team hopes to continue with business as usual.

Sri Lanka's one-day form during the past two years has been exceptional and with a transitional period now completed a youthful, settled and experienced side start the LG Abans triangular ODI series against Zimbabwe and West Indies as overwhelming favourites.

Sri Lanka have not lost a one-day competition at home for over three years, but captain Sanath Jayasuriya and coach Dav Whatmore warned today against complacency.

"We cannot underestimate Zimbabwe and West Indies; both are good sides and Zimbabwe have been having plenty of one-day practice during the past two months," said Jayasuriya.

Whatmore added: "It is good to go into the series having won a Test series, but with the exception of Bangladesh and Kenya, I don't think there are any easy games. And if you go out thinking it's going to be easy, then you are asking for trouble."

The home side are set to revert back to six batsmen, five bowler formation, with recalled fast bowling all-rounder Suresh Perera likely to bat at number seven.

"Suresh (Perera) has rehabilitated pretty well and is in the squad on merit after two good performances for the Board XI side against Zimbabwe," said Whatmore. "He should be confidant of being successful. He gives us an extra edge with the bat if we need to accelerate in the middle order and greater bowling options."

Pace bowler Nuwan Zoysa will also play, ahead of Charitha Buddika Fernando and Prabath Nissanka, who were both blooded in Sharjah and could still play later in the tournament, especially if Sri Lanka qualify early for the final.

Leg-spinner Upul Chandana comes back and will contest the second spinners slot with Kumar Dharmasena. Sri Lanka may even play three spinners for the games at Premadasa International Stadium, where the pitches tend to be slow turners.

The unavailability of injured wicket-keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana gives Kumar Sangakkara an opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent place in the one-day team. He is expected to bat in the middle order, a position that he appears unsuited to, but Whatmore didn't rule out the possibility of a chance in the top order at some stage.

Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka's opponents in the first game at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Saturday, come into the tournament with three wins against Bangladesh under their belt, but two early tour losses during their warm-up games.

Captain Stuart Carlisle, though, was upbeat about his team's chances: "I think we have a good chance of getting to the finals. Sri Lanka are going to be very hard to beat: they are on top of the world at the moment and playing good cricket. But we have had some good contests against the West Indies recently and it depends on who is going to play the best cricket. If we can get to the final then anything can happen."

As always the touring batsmen have to mindful about Muttiah Muralitharan and Carlisle admitted that the 29-year old was uppermost in their thoughts.

"Everyone has got to develop their own game plan against Muralitharan," he said. "It is a matter of picking the straight ball. Some may sweep, some may hit over the top; it depends on the individual concerned."

But Zimbabwe's chances were dealt a blow on Friday with injuries to promising all-rounder Sean Ervine (suspected stress fracture of the back) and seam bowler Gary Brent (shoulder). Brent still could play if he passes a late fitness test, but it looks like they will have to make a choice between Muleki Nkala and Trevor Gripper for the final slot.

Sri Lanka:

Sanath Jayasuriya (capt), Marvan Atapattu, Avishka Gunawardene, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Suresh Perera, Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Charitha Buddika Fernando, Prabath Nissanka

Zimbabwe:

Stuart Carlisle, Grant Flower, Andy Flower, Dion Ebrahim, Craig Wishart, Douglas Marillier, Tatendra Taibu, Travis Friend, Henry Olonga, Heath Streak, Mluleki Nkala, Trevor Gripper, Gary Brent, Sean Ervine,