Skipper Kumar Sangakkara expects Sri Lanka to put in a solid performance as they seek to clinch the series with a win in the third and final Test against the West Indies starting Wednesday. The series is tied 0-0 following rain-hit drawn matches in Colombo and Galle and the weather is expected to play the spoilsport again at the new Pallekele International Stadium.
"The series will probably be decided on this Test provided there's play on all five days. We'll come back tomorrow morning, assess the situation and work hard for a win," Sangakkara told reporters on Tuesday. The hosts were strongly placed in the second Test in Colombo where they bowled the tourists out for 243 after posting 387-9 declared, but rain denied them a chance to press home the advantage. The West Indies have lost five and drawn three of their eight Tests in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka (from): Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushal Silva, Shaminda Eranga.
West Indies (from): Darren Sammy (capt), Brendan Nash, Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Nelon Pascal, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas.
Umpires: Asad Rauf (PAK) and Bruce Oxenford (AUS)
TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)
Match referee: Alan Hurst (AUS).