The home side have brought in two new spinners Batheesha de Silva and Dinuk Hettiarachchi following their innings defeat in the second test at Kurunegala. Both are expected to play a major role in this decisive test which Sri Lanka need to win if they are to level the series 1 all.
The visitors however are quite confident and would probably retain the same side that played at Kurunegala. Their top order batsmen seem to be in good form and have crossed the 400 run mark twice on this tour. They hammered 471 for 8 in a warm up match against the Sri Lanka Board President's XI and followed up with another massive total of 402 for 8 in the second test.
In addition the South African pace attack could be a major threat to the home side with Allen Dawson and Garry Gilder capable of exploiting the conditions. Both played a significant role during the second test along with all rounder Nicky Boje and Derek Crookes.
Sri Lanka 'A' have also strengthened their middle order by including home town boy Indika de Saram and wicket keeper batsman Lanka de Silva. Avishka Gunawardena and Upeka Fernando will open the innings with test cap Dulip Samaraweera, Manoj Mendis and Malintha Warnapura occupying the middle order.
The teams:
Sri Lanka 'A': Dulip Samaraweera (captain), Avishka Gunawardena, Upeka Fernando, Manoj Mendis, Malintha Warnapura, Indika Gallage, Indika de Saram, Lanka de Silva, Batheesha de Silva, Dinuk Hettiarachchi, Eric Upashantha. Reserves: Malinga Bandara, Ruchira Perera, Tilan Samaraweera.
South Africa 'A' (from): Dale Benkenstein (captain), Nicky Boje, Mark Bruyns, Herschelle Gibbs, H.D.Ackerman, Loots Bosman, Martin Van Jaarsveld, Ashwell Prince, Nic Pothas, Derek Crookes, Herman Bakkes, Alan Dawson, Henry Williams, Claude Henderson.