Jayasuriya dropped from test side

In a shock move, Sri Lanka have left out Sanath Jayasuriya from the squad which takes on India in a three test series beginning early next month. His form in the one-day series has been quite poor, with a highest score of 27. Of course, he could turn it all around by biffing the bowling around tomorrow at Baroda. But at this stage, there is no clarity on whether his omission is because of his injured shoulder or because of his poor batting form.

The inclusion of Lasith Malinga, more famous for felling Don Bradman and his slingy action, which has caused headaches for batsmen and umpires, is interesting. Will a skiddy bowler of his type do well on Indian wickets? Someone like Sami was only partially successful during Pakistan's series in India earlier this year. In fact, he was largely listless and anonymous for the first half.

I predict Sri Lanka's lineup for the first test to read: Atapattu, Gunawardene, Jayawardene, Sangakkara, Dilshan, Samaraweera, Maharoof, Vaas, Murali, Bandara, Fernando.

The lineup gives Sri Lanka two opening bowlers (Vaas and Dilhara), a first change seamer (Maharoof), two full-time spinners (Murali and Bandara) and a couple of part-timers (Samaraweera and Dilshan). I don't think Malinga will play, primarily because Maharoof offers Sri Lanka an all-round option and Dilhara Fernando has bowled better than the other seamers so far. But he breaks down ever so often. So for all you know, Lasith Malinga could sneak in. The batting seems quite shaky to me. I have a feeling Atapattu will move to #3 and have, perhaps, Samaraweera open the batting.