Marvan Atapattu was restored to the Sri Lankan side after the selectors were forced into an embarrassing climbdown following threats of a walkout by other players. Yesterday the selectors dropped Atapattu from the 14-man squad for the second Test at Kandy after a disappointing performance in the first Test at Galle. But that move apparently came as a surprise to captain Sanath Jayasuriya.

"I can't tell you who my opening partner will be," Jayasuriya said yesterday. "I'll have to have a discussion with the coach and decide on that. Marvan is one of the key players in the team."

The players' dissatisfaction boiled over last night, and led to two team meetings, the last one at 11pm, which culminated in a phone conversation with the Sri Lankan sports minister. After half the side threatened to walk out Atapattu was eventually restored to this morning's line-up.

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