Vaas sustains hamstring injury

Sri Lanka's delight with a return to form of their top order was tinged by the news that Chaminda Vaas's hamstring injury is more serious than originally anticipated. According to CJ Clarke, the team physiotherapist, Vaas is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the IndianOil Cup, a major blow considering his superb form against West Indies.

Vaas had brushed aside the injury the previous evening after deciding to leave the field on day two after bowling just two overs, apparently just for precautionary reasons. However, he wanted to bat and the seriousness of the injury became apparent as he limped between the wickets during a 43-run partnership with Kumar Sangakkara, eventually calling for a runner.

"Chaminda picked up a grade one hamstring strain the other day and at the moment he is looking at being out for 7 to 10 days," physiotherapist Clarke told Reuters. "At this stage, he looks unlikely for the first game against India in the tri-series."

Sri Lanka are now trying to ensure that the strain does not deteriorate further. "We rested him when bowling in the first innings because we did not want it to develop into a grade two strain which could mean he is out for three to four weeks," Clarke added. "Batting was not ideal and we now have to make sure the injury is not exacerbated by any sprinting."