Key players to be rested

Sri Lanka are to rest several key players in the build up to their forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, including Marvan Atapattu, Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, some selection sources claim.

The selectors are worried that some of their key players are being over-worked, and need a rest to get them re-vitalised. The selectors are also keen to look to the future, and help build the Sri Lankan cricket team for when some of their more experienced players retire.

Atapattu has been struggling with various back problems of late, which the break from action will improve, and Muralitharan will miss the one-day section of the tour so that he can see his newly born son for the first time.

The new captain of the team and the finalisation of the squad will be completed when the Sri Lankan selectors meet on Monday.

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are the clear forerunners for the place as new captain, but Sanath Jayasuriya, a previous captain, may take up the role for a short time.

Sri Lanka will leave for Bangladesh on February 17th.