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South Africa
Tour Sri Lanka - 2004 |
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icricketer.com > Series >
South Africa Tour Sri
Lanka - 2004 > News
Gibbs set to return for
South Africa
COLOMBO: South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs has been declared fit
for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Gibbs missed drawn
series-opener with an ankle injury but will replace stand-in opener
Boeta Dippenaar.
"I'm happy with his stability and mobility and there is no swelling
around the ankle," said physio Shane Jabaar after a fitness test on
Sunday.
Squad replacement Andrew Puttick is expected to fly home during
match, which begins on Wednesday. South Africa's pace attack can
look forward to greater assistance at the Sinhalese Sports Club
after two weeks of damp weather in Colombo.
"There will definitely be more life and assistance for the seam
bowlers," said groundsman Ranil Abeynaike.
"There has been a lot of rain in Colombo in the last two weeks which
means there is going to be some moisture in the pitch for at least
two days."
Sri Lanka coach John Dyson believes his bowlers will also look
forward to playing on a bouncier pitch.
"SSC has definitely got some more pace and bounce and a result is
more likely for sure," he said.
"We have got to get away from this notion that we need slow and low
turning wickets. We can be a better side on wickets with more bounce
and pace."
Sri Lanka may consider calling up young pace bowler Lasith Malinga,
possibly at the expense of leg-spinner Upul Chandana.
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