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Australia-Sri Lanka Aiwa Tri-Nation clash at Galle today...

Cricket lovers will be treated to exhilarating and fiercely fought out cricket when present world champions Australia and two former world champions India and Sri Lanka battle-it-out on the field at the Tri Nations Aiwa Cup '99 starting today, said Rienzie Wijetilleke, chairman Interim Committee at a press briefing held at Taj Samudra Hotel on Friday night.

Wijetilleke said that this is a special occasion and he is happy and excited to welcome the current champions Australia, former champions India and the Aiwa Cup will present a carnival of cricket. The three teams will be under the guidance of three S's - Steve, Sachin and Sanath.

``Our new patronage will be with the Sony Enterprises-Aiwa and it will be challenging one as this our first commitment with them,'' said Wijetilleke.

Dhammika Ranatunga, chief executive, BCCSL said that plans have all been finalised for the smooth conduct of matches. There will be fine cricket starting at the Galle International Stadium when Sri Lanka take on Australia in the first Aiwa Cup '99. The opening ceremony will be held at 8.00 a.m. at the Galle International Cricket Stadium and a special Gold Coin will be used for the toss at this game. Ranatunga announced all match details and other matters relating to the Tri Nation Tournament.

Steve Waugh, the Australian skipper said that the team will play good and serious cricket. The team has no pressure at all and they will try and win, playing serious cricket. ``I'm expecting a keenly contested series among three of the best one-day sides in the world, all of them World Cup champions on previous occasions. The three teams include the best one-day players in the world.

Steve Waugh said that the Australian team has no problems with the Sri Lanka players. ``We will be tough on the field and friendly after the game. I consider it a gamesmanship. Players should control themselves in the middle at all times'', said Steve. Replying to a question with regard to security, Steve Waugh said that the team is very relaxed and have no problems whatsoever with regard to their safety.

Sachin Tendulkar - the Indian captain said that it is a great honour to lead a country. ``I have previously led India and I will not be under pressure at any juncture. Asked about former skipper Mohamed Azharuddin not being selected to the side, said that he had to think of his 15 players and not others. True I had a stiff back couple of days ago and the doctors asked me to rest and I am fine and I will not worry about my back injury,'' Tendulkar said.

``This is the first occasion I will be captaining the Sri Lanka team'', Sanath Jayasuriya who along with Manager C. T. A. Schafter attended the press briefing having come from Galle where the Sri Lanka had been practising. Jayasuriya said that he is under no pressure as all 15 players have agreed to give their full support and co-operation.

Jayasuriya said that he is very happy with his team. ``We have to forget about the last World Cup, that is past and I am looking forward to Tri-Nation Cup. We should play serious cricket to try and build up the lost image,'' Jayasuriya said.

Jayasuriya was of the view that Sri Lanka players should have good relationship with both the Australian and Indian players.