Sri Lanka wary of depleted Pakistan

The Sri Lankan team management refuses to take a depleted Pakistan side lightly in Tuesday's ICC Champions Trophy Group B match, to be played at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur.

Sri Lanka comes into the game on a high, having scored a thumping victory over the West Indies in their final qualifying match in Mumbai on Saturday, while Pakistan's preparations suffered another jolt as their pacers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif, were withdrawn from the team following positive drug tests.

"Whatever has happened last night and this morning is disappointing, but we are still preparing as hard," said captain Mahela Jayawardene.

"There is a lot of talent in the side and sometimes things like these help teams to find another gear."

Akhtar and Asif tested positive for Nandarlone, a banned anabolic steroid, according to initial reports. The Pakistan Cricket Board, which had arranged to test 19 players at the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Malaysia, have asked for reconfirmation of the reports.

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody informed that his team did not undergo any dope tests, but the players were briefed about banned substances, since the ICC has instituted random testing at the ongoing tournament in India.

In winning all their three qualifying matches, Sri Lanka have made a solid start to the tournament and look better-prepared for the competition ahead.

"The guys have worked hard and the team has built up nicely for the main rounds. I am happy with the intensity and aggression they have shown, though, as a captain, I can't ask more than that from them; I'm sure they will be able to raise the bar higher if required," a confident Jayawardene said.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer believes that Sri Lanka playing the qualifying rounds had its pros and cons.

"There are certain advantages and disadvantages. Since they have been playing some good cricket they are warmed-up well and have the feel of the conditions. But at the same time our team is fresh and ready to go. We would like to think that the glass is half-full for us," Woolmer said.

The last time that Sri Lanka toured India earlier this year, they were crushed 6-1 in the ODI series; it included a nightmarish experience at the same Sawai Mansingh stadium, where Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammered 10 sixes in a 145-ball 183 that gave India a six-wicket win.

"We have come a long way since then. The team has changed and the players have developed. We played at some of these (Champions Trophy) venues last time and know the conditions well," said Jayawardene.

But the re-laid Jaipur strip has packed a surprise, dishing out low-scoring games and variable bounce at times.

"It is a very different wicket from last year. We saw two magnificent hundreds from (Kumara) Sangakkara and Dhoni then. Even if the bounce or pace vary, the boys have to adjust to it. We may have plenty of discussions about how to play but it is up to the players to adapt and make decisions on the wicket."

As far as Pakistan is concerned, after almost two months of turmoil they will be happy to finally fight their battles on the cricket ground.