The Test series was a disappointment; all three matches were frustratingly drawn. Sri Lanka, the home team dominated the last two Tests and would be hoping to capitalize in one day series on a West Indian team that is going through a rebuilding phase.
With both the teams looking to gain momentum leading up to World Cup, this could be a fascinating series starting from 9th December.
Sri Lanka would be confident and boosted by the return of Lasith Malinga, who was dropped from the Tests. The first match will be hosted on Thursday by Hambantota, a stadium which will host its first ODI.
The stadium will host World Cup games. In view of scripting down a balance World Cup squad, Sri Lanka have made some changes to the squad, Muttiah Muralitharan has been rested for the first two ODIs with Rangana Herath being his replacement. Ajhanta Mendis has also been included is the squad. Herath had an impressive Test series. 
| Sri Lankan batting will be powered by return of Thilan Samaraweera at the expense of Dinesh Chandimal who along with Dammika Prasad has been dropped. The conditions were be overcast and can provide assistance to swing and the nature of Sri Lankan wickets always prove helpful for spin bowlers. <img src=”http://media4.picsearch.com/is?3frYdEX95MvUJCKURI8JIKgXITkMQA1sIl4MV2PdM” width=”108” height=”128” alt=”Needs to fire | ” /» |
The stage is set for Mendis, Malinga and Herath to shine. Batting rarely being Sri Lanka’s problem these days, Sangakarra and his men would fancy their chances.
Sri Lanka have won four of their last five ODIs
West Indies will be led by Darren Sammy for the first time. The team seems to gel up will together as we saw in Test series. Everyone in the team knows their job. West Indies know they would be doing themselves a huge favour for the World Cup by winning a series in subcontinent. The first step would be to overturn Sri Lanka on Thursday’s game.
The game would be a day nighter. West Indies have also shaken up their squad. Carlton Baugh has been retained as wicketkeeper as one day specialist Kieron Pollard will join the ODI squad along with Nikita Miller, Ravi Rampaul and Kirk Edwards.
Test team’s vice captain Brendan Nash, the promising Shane Shillingford, Devon Thomas and Nelon Pascal have been left out of one day squad. Sulieman Benn, after having an ordinary series will be looking to redeem himself Hambantota.
West Indian captain Darren Sammy is also searching for form. This young new look West Indian team has briefly shown a glimpse of the unity, spirit and discipline of 70s and 80s. Cricket fans around the world have huge expectations from this side. Let’s see if they can live upto them.
West Indies have lost all of their last five ODIs