Sri Lanka react with disappointment

The Sri Lanka cricket board (SLC) has reacted with disappointment to the news that a second-string West Indies side will play in the Test and ODI series later this month.

On Friday, the West Indies board named a virtual second XI after failing to resolve a dispute over tour contracts with the Players' Association. "The truth is its an internal matter and theres nothing we can do about it," said Jayantha Dharmadasa, the chairman of SLC's interim committee. "We looked at the possibility of postponing the series, but it was not possible because of a hectic schedule. Doing so will also lead to other complications."

He added that the absence of leading players, including Brian Lara, would have an adverse effect on sponsorship for the series. "I am sure our sponsors are not going to like this, but then theres hardly anything we can do as this is beyond our control," he said. "The Indians will be here for the tri-series after the Tests and hopefully well be able to make up then".