The Lankan chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said that the Lankan team will be at full strength for today’s first ODI which will be played the Sooriyawewa Stadium from 2.00 p.m. onwards.

Jayasuriya said “For the first game we will go at full strength and how the game goes on. If it becomes an one-sided affair there may be changes from the second game onwards. If they are not at full strength I don’t see why we should be at our full

Angelo Mathews and Kyle Mills at the launch of the Limited Overs Series at SLC - Pic by Amila Gamage

strength. I have spoken to the Minister of sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage and obtained his approval to make any changes from the second game onwards if I see that we could hold our own with changes.”

The prevailing practice in Sri Lanka cricket is that the selectors have to obtain approval from the Sport Minister to select any sportsman to represent the country.

Meanwhile on Friday the two skippers Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and New Zealand’s Kyle Mills spelt out their views at a pre-match press briefing held at the SLC auditorium prior to their departure to Hambantota.

Angelo stated that were taking the series seriously despite New Zealand not possessing most of their key players. Mathews said that it was unfortunate that key players were not available for the tour. However he said that the Lankans will not take the series lightly.“We will go into the game flat out with our full team and will put them under pressure, leaving no room for comfort. Our aim is to win the first match which will give the team the confidence and thereafter clinch the ODI series.” Mathews saidThe Sri Lanka skipper added that the team is in good form with most of them having played the triangular tournament which was followed with two practice matches in preparation for the New Zealand ODI and T20 series.

Speaking further regarding the depleted New Zealand team Mathews said “we are not playing against individuals but the New Zealand team, so it’s important to keep that in mind and approach the game with the aim of winning both series. Of course we are disappointed that their top players — regular skipper Brendon McCullum, former skipper Ross Taylor, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson have been unable to make it to the tour. However as mentioned we won’t take it easy”. He also hinted that they would consider giving opportunities for youngsters but was optimistic saying that would be decided after the first game on Sunday.

Kyle Mills the stand-in New Zealand skipper said that he was happy to have been selected as captain. He also hopes that most of the youngsters who had been a part of the New Zealand ‘A’ team would know the ground situation of Sri Lanka.

He said “The youngsters have got an opportunity to showcase their abilities and give a good account of themselves if they are looking forward to move on in the future. So I am confident we could see a good contest despite Sri Lankan team comprises experienced players.

Talking on the 3-0 defeat to Bangladesh, Mills said “though we were beaten the youngsters showed a lot of confidence playing in the top league and I believe that they would put their best foot forward.”

When the two sides met the last time Sri Lanka took the five match ODI series with a 3-0 win with the other two matches being abandoned due to bad weather.

Following the match today the two teams will play their second match on November 12 ending with third and final ODI game on November 16 at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

The twp teams will then clash in the two T20 games scheduled to be played on November 19 and 21 at the Pallekele Stadium. However with the weather unsteady it’s no doubt going to play a crucial role in the two series.

The squads:

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (Capt), T.M. Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Ashan Priyanjan.

New Zealand: Kyle Mills (Capt), Corey Anderson, Anton Devcich, Grant Elliot, Andrew Ellis, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Ron Nicol, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom.