Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore says his team have enough strength to mount a serious challenge on their tour of England, even without leg spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Whatmore, speaking after the opening day of the first tour match against English county side Kent was rained off on Friday, said that Muralitharan could be fit to play in the second Test.
``He`s just had an operation on his shoulder, his arm is in a sling and he won`t make it for the first Test,`` said Whatmore.
``We`re hoping he`ll be fit for the second Test at the end of May.``
The first Test between England and Sri Lanka starts on May 16.
Whatmore said Murali`s absence was the ideal opportunity to blood some new young bowlers. Sri Lanka have brought six fast medium seam bowlers on tour.
Bureau Report