India facing a batting Test

The injury-hit Indian team face a major batting challenge as they prepare for the start of the second Test in Sri Lanka on Wednesday after a humiliating defeat in the first.

India's batting, left weakened in the absence of injured Sachin Tendulkar and Vangipurappu Laxman, caved in as the hosts won the first Galle Test by 10 wickets last week.

The visitors suffered another injury blow when pace bowler Javagal Srinath was ruled out after fracturing his hand while batting in Galle.

With young Ashish Nehra sidelined for the series because of groin trouble and leg-spinner Anil Kumble still recovering from a shoulder surgery, their bowling also wears a thin look.

Sri Lanka are upbeat having scored only their second win in 21 Tests after 16 years and will be looking to clinch the series at the Asgiriya stadium in the central hilly town of Kandy.

A hard and grassy pitch has added to the Sri Lankan confidence after their pacemen Dilhara Fernando and Chaminda Vaas were so effective in Galle.

The Indian batsmen were on the defensive against sharp short-pitched bowling and were uncertain against off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who took eight wickets at Galle.

Both Muralitharan and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara -- who hit 105 not out for his maiden test hundred in Galle -- will both have the added advantage of playing on home turf in Kandy.

POOR BATTING

Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, who managed only 15 and six in Galle and has not reached 50 in his last six Tests, could be playing for his job, even though none of the Indians -- barring vice-captain Rahul Dravid -- managed to reach 50 in Galle.

Hemang Badani, who scored only six and five in the first Test, may lose out to 29-year-old Jacob Martin, who played a key role in helping Baroda win the Ranji trophy national title this year.

India might go in for a minor batting re-shuffle after Dravid was criticised for batting at number four, leaving 20-year-old Mohammad Kaif to play in the crucial number three spot.

"That is very much an option," Ganguly said.

Coach John Wright was clear what he thought was required from his team.

"We have been in this situation before and we have to fight our way back," he said, referring to India's 2-1 comeback win over Australia at home earlier this year.

The Indian cricket board has ruled out sending any replacement for Srinath, and Harvinder Singh is likely to play as the third seamer. He took only two wickets at 49 runs apiece in his first two tests, but bowled well in the national championship.

Harbhajan Singh will be looking for a better performance after taking only one wicket in Galle. He took 32 wickets as he spurred India to the sensational series win over Australia.

But Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya has said his team will continue with the plan of not taking any risks against the young off-spinner.

PERERA REPORTED

The Sri Lankan management has yet to announce whether they will persist with Suresh Perera after the 23-year-old all-rounder was reported for suspect action by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor in Galle.

Perera's absence may not really affect Sri Lanka after he bowled only 14 overs in the Indian first innings.

A Sri Lankan victory in Kandy would be only their second series win over India after a 1-0 home triumph in 1985-86.

Mail Cricket Editor