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All about pride says Atapattu
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Shocked,disappointed and dazed after Friday nights shameful performance, Sri Lanka is prepared to take on the Australians in the fifth and final one day international to redeem lost prestige and play for pride.

Speaking to the Sunday Times after a net session at the SSC yesterday a dejected Atapattu said, "It's true we have lost the five match series, but tomorrow is another one day game and it is important that we win it. We want to prove that we are a better side than what we have been playing lately. It's all about pride now".

When asked how important today's game will be with the three tests coming up shortly, Atapattu said, "The tests are very important for us and we should win tomorrow's game so that we do not give the Aussies any psychological adavantage in the tests".

Despite a middle order and late order collapse on Friday Sri Lanka are likely to stick to the same side today. Debutant Saman Jayantha and Kaushal Lokuarachchi who played their first game in the series will retain their places for today's game. Sri Lanka's only concern was their main spearhead Chaminda Vaas who strained a hamstring in the second one dayer in Dambulla. However Vaas looked fit and ready to go and will open the attack today.

The confident Australian team opted for a rest day yesterday after a heavy work-out on Friday. The world champions are certain to make a couple of changes in todays line up. Openers Matthew Hayden who was doubtful for the fourth game after a knee injury may earn a rest along with wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist. Brad Haddin is expected to stand behind the wickets today.

Meanwhile the world most successful spinner Australia's Shane Warne arrived in Sri Lanka early last morning to join the team for the three match test series. It will be Warne's first tour after serving a 12 month ban in February last year for using a ban diuretic.

Warne who has fond memories of Sri Lanka following his first overseas tour to the island in 1992 is looking forward to playing in the three tests and increasing his current wickets tally of 491 and race with Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan to world record of 519 wickets held by West Indian Courtney Walsh. Soon after his arrival Shane Warne was quoted as saying, "I think Murali is a wonderful bowler and it is wonderful what he has achieved so quickly. I have the utmost respect for Murali. It helps to bowl 40 to 50 overs in an innings but he keeps fit and keeps coming up with new deliveries and tricks".

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