Terrible grass cutting on wicket; Vishwa Fernando likely to replace Kasun Rajitha

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunratne and Head Coach Mickey Arthur have discussed to include Vishwa Fernando in the playing eleven against Zimbabwe in the second Test beginning in Harare on Monday, it is learnt here.

According to the highly placed sources in Harare, the discussion to change the victorious playing eleven took place after seeing the wicket on the eve of the second Test.

On Sunday, the team went for a net practice at 1.00 pm at the Harare Sports Club and were surprised to see the terrible cutting of grass.

"It is flat wicket and worse than the first Test wicket, where our team won the match in the last session. It may be a batting track".

"We are likely to include Vishwa Fernando to make variation in our bowling attack. Will seriously consider to play left-arm medium pacer Vishwa Fernando in place of right-arm fast bowler Kasun Rajitha", the source added.

"We already have two right-hand pace bowlers (Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumar). Just to create different angle, Vishwa Fernando will be chosen as an option", the source further added.

Vishwa Fernando's last Test match was against Pakistan (Karachi) in December.

The team management has also decided to choose batting first if the toss is won by Dimuth Karunratne. Incidentally, Zimbabwe captain Seam Williams is also likely to bat first.

The first Test hero Angelo Mathews had a stern net practice on Sunday.

The Test will have a new on field umpire. Pakistan's Aleem Dar has reached Harare, it is also learnt here.