7 December 2007

Opening batsman Upul Tharanga will come in as a straight replacement for the retired Sanath Jayasuriya in the second Test against England, which starts on Sunday in Colombo.

Sri Lanka have opted against drafting in another batsman, despite a run of low scores from middle-order batsman Jehan Mubarak.

"We have not added any additional players and Upul (Tharanga) will now open the batting with Michael Vandort," captain Mahela Jayawardene said.

"The middle order is a bit of concern but we have to be fair to the youngsters we have identified and give them a decent run," he added.

He also revealed that they are unlikely to change their bowling attack.

"The bowling combination will depend on the pitch but knowing the SSC it will probably be three seamers and Murali," Jayawardene said.

Sri Lanka won the first match of three in Kandy by 88 runs.

"We have got to take forward the confidence we got with the win in Kandy," said Jayawardene.

"It was a confidence booster for us for the rest of the series and we should not lower our guard and allow England to come back."

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England In Sri Lanka