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Kennington: Fidel Edwards could miss West Indies' crucial World Twenty20 semi-final against Sri Lanka on Friday, after failing to recover from the same back injury that forced him to miss Monday's five-wicket victory over England at The Oval.
Edwards, who has been West Indies' outstanding bowler of the past few months in all formats of the game, has been diagnosed with an irritation of the nerve root in his lower back. He sat out the team's practice session on the eve of the game, but according to a spokesman, they were "very optimistic" that he'll be available for Friday's match.
Sri Lanka, however, will have no reason to fear any West Indian renaissance. No matter how brutal the blade of Chris Gayle, or how audacious Dwayne Bravo's shot selection, Sri Lanka have demonstrated time and again in this tournament that they have a player for all occasions.
In Tillakaratne Dilshan they have produced arguably the batsman of the tournament - his incredible scoop shot has added an extra revolution in the art of Twenty20 batting - but it is the incredible variety of their bowling attack that has squashed resistance so far. From the slingshots from Lasith Malinga to Ajantha Mendis's carrom balls to the timeless wiles of Muttiah Muralitharan, they can produce 12 overs out of 20 against which no liberties can safely be taken.
South Africa's unbeaten record is the one that has caught the eye for its efficiency but Sri Lanka are also unbeaten in five games out of five, with their only minor scare coming in a spirited display from the Irish.
Chris Gayle would make a stunning trade unionist. He is more shop-floor steward than international captain, as shown by his attitude during the Test series that no one wanted at the start of the summer. It was clear he didn't want to be involved, and his team-mates joined him on the picket lines.
Team news
West Indies: Everything for West Indies hinges on the fitness of their strike bowler, Fidel Edwards, who is suffering nerve trouble in his back. The management are "very optimistic" that he'll be ready for Friday afternoon, but if he does sit out, then Darren Sammy is likely to step in.
Sri Lanka: No such problems for Sri Lanka, who expect to name their full-strength side. He's been overshadowed by his opening partner, Dilshan, but Sanath Jayasuriya remains a menace to any bowling attack that fails to get its lines and lengths spot on, as West Indies' is wont to do.
Pitch and conditions
Gayle and his men have enjoyed the conditions in SE11, with two wins in three matches, and even in defeat against South Africa, they still posted a respectable 163. Sri Lanka haven't yet played here, although the prospect holds no fear for Kumar Sangakkara. "It looks a pretty even track with good bounce," he said, "so if our spinners can get a bit more bounce they'll be more effective, and get that bit extra for taking wickets."
Stats and Trivia
Match facts
Friday, June 19, 2009 (day/night)
Start time 17.30 local, 16.30GMT
West Indies
Leading Run-Scorers
Leading Wicket-Takers
Sri Lanka
Leading Run-Scorers
Leading Wicket-Takers
