Sri Lanka’s squad for Saturday’s first Test against Pakistan was named yesterday during the launch of the three Test series between the countries in Colombo. There was no place for Chaminda Vaas while Lasith Malinga’s knee is still considered too weak to stand up to the rigours of the five day game.

Angelo Mathews was included in the Test squad for the first time after his strong showing in England during the T-20 World Cup. Prasanna Jayawardena has cracked a finger and is out of the side for the first Test at least.

Reserve keeper Kaushal Silva also gets a call up to the Test squad, but new skipper Sangakkara hinted that for the balance of the side he will probably don the gloves and remain in his favoured position at number three, "the balance of the side is the all important thing and the option of either an extra batsmen at seven or Mathews as an all-rounder would give that balance to the side."

He went on to say "This is a great chance for someone to make their mark both personally and for the team, and whoever gets the spot must take their chance."

Pakistan skipper Younis Khan still jubilant after leading his country to World Cup glory at Lord’s was happy with his side’s preparation in there current warm up match: "The guys are doing well, it is just good to be out playing cricket again and we are looking to utilize the next four days as much as possible."

Younis was also understandably very happy to have Muhammad Yousuf back now his ICL ban has been revoked. Speaking of the one time number one Test batsmen, Younis said, "My hands are always open to a player of his quality. With only two or three years left in his career, he should be playing for Pakistan. I am always a positive person and look forward to captaining him."

Both captains were keen that the tour should be conducted in a spirit of friendship after the terrorist atrocities in Pakistan and predicted a closely fought series which starts in Galle on Saturday.

When asked about the challenge of adapting so quickly from the shortest to the longest form of the game, Sangakkara said "It is a more of a mental than technical thing and I have every faith that the boys will be able to adjust without too many problems."

One cause of concern for the Sri Lankan skipper was the continued lack of crowds at home Test matches.

Sri Lanka have an inexperienced seam attack and even more than usual a lot will depend on the spin twins Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. Pakistan in contrast seems to have a very well balanced attack and with the return off Abdul Razzaq have added depth to their batting line up. Shahid Afridi, the star performer during the T-20 World Cup, can still not find a place in the Test squad, while 17-year-old left arm seamer Mohammad Aamer will be looking to force a place in the starting line up.