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Lankans battered by super-sub and power play
Daminda Wijesuriya reporting from Ahmedabad
Vice captain Mahela Jayawardane rejoined the team as Sri Lanka is looking forward to salvage some pride at Ahmedabad today, in their already lost ODI series to India. Having conceded the series in four matches, Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu said that they'd be thinking of the process of what they should be doing, rather than the results today.

"Whatever the Indians have done all this time have paid off for them. Hopefully, it's our time from tomorrow" Atapattu said at the team hotel at Ahmedabad yesterday. Sri Lankan tour selectors have not decided the final 12 by afternoon yesterday but there is a likelihood for Dilhara Lokuhettige to come in. May be even replacing Maharoof who conceded 192 runs in 24 overs, giving away eight runs per over. His wicket taking average lies at 96.00 apiece.

Despite an aggressive 29 off 20 balls, with three sixes and two fours at Nagpur, Lokuhettige did not take any part in the last three games.
"Now the series have gone from us. But we'll try and accommodate as many players as possible and give them chances to prove themselves" Atapattu said.

Mahela Jayawardane arrived early hours of yesterday and he walks into the side today. His inclusion in this game is very vital for Sri Lanka. Over the comments made by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, that Sri Lanka would lose the series 7-0, Atapattu remained undisturbed.

"It's news to me. But then it's one person's view. We are happy to go game by game and do the best we can, without getting too much worried about what out siders say" said Atapattu. The skipper readily agreed that the new rule of the ICC is playing havoc with the team at the moment.

"We've been exposed to the new rule of 'SUPER SUB' and 'POWER PLAY'. That's for sure and we've got to accept that" the skipper said. "We've been exposed to a side, who plays their cricket well in their territory, in their conditions and to a greater extent. We haven't really maximized that".

"That is one area, we've been exposed in this series and we got to overcome that in preparation and get ourselves prepared for the World Cup in 2007" he said.

However, the new rules of 'SUPER SUB' and 'POWER PLAY' are still in a trial period. It will be reviewed in the next meeting of International Cricket Captains. "If these rules stand, then we'll have to adapt and play accordingly. Make our own plans and strategies to come up with a good plan and counter attack".

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