teams-sr sport cricket-world-cup Virgin Media
Victorious in 1996 when the tournament was last held on the sub-continent, Sri Lanka have since failed to capture the form which made them world champions. Some of the greats from ten years ago, such as influential skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and superb one-day batsman Aravinda Da Silva, have since retired but even if they have not scaled the heights of old, Sri Lanka do remain a force to be reckoned with. They find themselves in Group B alongside India, Bangladesh and World Cup debutants Bermuda, and should fancy themselves to win this group if they play to their potential. They were forced to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy last year as their ranking had slipped, but ended up putting in a positive performance and just missed out on the semi-finals.
Marvan Atapattu has been captain of Sri Lanka's one-day side since April 2003 and has established himself as a strong leader. On the surface he seems quiet and reserved, but in the dressing room he is a straight-talking skipper who knows how to handle his players in a fair and firm manner. At 36 years old he has bags of experience that will be vital to his side in the Caribbean.
No question about it, Muttiah Muralitharan is a freak of nature and is now the most feared spinner in the world game. Questions have been raised over his action, but the fact that debates rage over who is better out of him and Shane Warne serves to show how effective his off-spinners are. He has the ability to bring an attack by opposition batsmen to a grinding halt, and he should get plenty of turn on the West Indian pitches.
Upul Tharanga has burst onto the scene since making his debut against the West Indies in 2005 and at the age of just 22, holds great promise for the future. Scored back-to-back hundreds at the start of the ICC Champions Trophy last year but has so far lacked a bit of consistency. Nonetheless the World Cup will be an excellent opportunity to show that he has 'made it' on the world stage.
With India's inability to travel well, Sri Lanka should top their group to reach the next stage. However they can only be considered dark horses to get any further.
