Bowlers
Nuwan Kulasekara
It could be a rather fascinating tussle for the role of second specialist seamer. Nuwan Pradeep shone in the warm-up game against Australia by picking up the wickets of David Warner, Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell. But Kulasekara should pip him for the spot as his extensive experience in the limited-overs formats supersedes any signs of potential from the other contenders.
Lasith Malinga
There are plenty of question marks over the threat possessed by Malinga. On the wrong side of 30, his below par fitness could prevent him from regaining the efficiency of yore. Having not played an ODI since November 2015, a reasonable performance against South Africa should go a long way in helping him get into the groove. He will be eager to have a go at the Proteas’ brittle lower-order in the death overs.
Lakshan Sandakan
Putting the mystery in spin, chinaman exponent Sandakan is the latest in Sri Lanka’s assembly line of unique slow bowlers. His repeatable action as well as supple wrists should enable him to make an impression in the middle-overs. If the seamers do not strike early, he will have his work cut out against a powerful batting lineup.
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