Ntini doubtful for series opener

South African paceman Makhaya Ntini is a doubtful starter for Monday’s ODI against Sri Lanka, in the tri-series that also involves India.

Ntini is battling with a hamstring strain, and as of yesterday evening, was considered 50-50 to make it to the first match.

Fellow pacer Shaun Pollock who will bat five is also struggling, with a back strain, and if he is ruled out, is likely to be replaced by Ashwell Prince.

Proteas captain Mark Boucher is fit to play, after going through an elbow strain scare.

With Colombo suffering heavy rain recently and more forcast, the tournament looks likely to be affected.

The three sides play each other twice in the series, before the best two head on to play in the finals on August 29.