Bristol, July 11: England have gained a psychological advantage ahead of the final on Saturday and India will be looking to wrap up the last league match against Sri Lanka on Thursday at Bristol to go into the finals on a winning note. The Sri Lankans -- who salvaged some pride by beating England at Old Trafford -- will also try to improve their record against India in the series. India have already beaten them twice in the league games. Sri Lanka -- who are already out of the series -- will be under no pressure. The day-night affair promises to be a gripping match with Ganguly going in with a full strength Indian squad. In the bowling department, Zaheer, Agarkar and Nehra have performed well though they have gone for runs initially. Kumble seemed to be limping in the match against England and apparently is suffering from cramps. But given the fighting spirit of the leg-spinner, Kumble will most certainly be seen trooping into the middle on Thursday. The Sri Lankan coach David Whatmore has not been happy with the tight schedule of the tri-series with back to back matches. Interestingly, only India and Lanka have had to play back to back matches while England avoided such an eventuality.
But India with two wins already under their belt against Lanka in the series, look favourites to wrap up the match under lights at Bristol on Thursday.
Bureau Report