The third and final Under 19 cricket Test against India, which Sri Lanka must win to square the series starts at the Uyanwatte Stadium today at 10 a.m., but the team selectors have been forced to make changes mainly due to the existing circumstances.
The latest victim of the chicken pox virus is opening batsman Shantha Kalawitigoda of Nalanda, who like Antonian wicket-keeper Dilshan Witharana, has been sent home. Witharana contracted the disease during the second Test played at Kurunegala.
Kalawitigoda, who came in for the injured Rajith Basnayake scored a half-century in the Second Test which ended in a tame draw. With Upekha Fernando, he laid a solid foundation with an opening stand of 75 which saw Sri Lanka reach 420.
Sri Lanka will be expecting similar contributions from Sean Mackay on whom has fallen the responsibility of playing the dual role of opening batsman and wicket-keeper. The stockily built right-hander from Raddoluwa MV represented the Sri Lanka Board President's Under 19 XI against the Indian Under 19 tourists in the 3-day game at Moors SC grounds, and made 19 and 33, falling on both occasions to fast bowler Ajit Agarkar.
The other foreseeable change is for the middle-order berth which is between right-hand bat Bathiya Karunaratne of S. Thomas', Mount Lavinia and left-hander Ruwan Galappathi of Richmond, Galle. Although sentiments are for the boy from down South, Karunaratne may probably get the nod.
Sri Lanka's chances of winning and squaring the series, rests heavily on the pitch which is expected to have more bounce than the flat bed at Welegedera Stadium, Kurunegala, although it is not expected to have as much grass.
The pitch has received a top dressing since it was used for the four-day unofficial Test against West Indies last November. How- ever, the prevailing drought should turn this game into another high-scoring affair.
India are unlikely to make any major changes, for the sake of giving the other players exposure on the tour. Coach Anshuman Gaekwad is of the view the best team should play, and changes made only if necessary, depending on the conditions.
The teams: SRI LANKA UNDER 19 (one to be eliminated) : Nimesh Perera (captain), Upekha Fernando, Sean Mackay, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Kumar Sangakkara, Indika Konara, Bathiya Karunaratne, Ruwan Galappathi, Hemantha Boteju, Pradeep Hewage, Dilhara Fernando, Rangana Herath.
INDIA UNDER 19 (to be named).
UMPIRES : N.S. Arunasiri and Gamini Silva (stand-by Saman Amarasinghe).