India are scheduled to arrive in Colombo on January 26, playing five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international, before Sri Lanka return to Pakistan for the Test leg of their tour. Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the itinerary for the short home series against India, of which five games will be day-night matches.
India captain MS Dhoni admitted that the experience of Harbhajan Singh would be sorely missed against Sri Lanka.
But he added that it will provide an opportunity to young spinners to prove their mettle in spin-friendly tracks in the island during the five-match ODI series.
"Harbhajan has been our pick of the spinners for some time. Whether you are bowling first or second or bowling in powerplays, he is the person. We will miss him as pitches here give assistance to spinners," Dhoni said at a joint press conference with home team skipper Mahela Jayawardene on Monday after reaching the island nation.
India begin their tour on January 28 with the first of two ODIs in Dambulla - the second will be held on January 30 - before the series returns to Colombo. The third and fourth ODIs will be at the Premadasa Stadium on February 2 and 5, followed by the final game at the SSC on February 8. India wrap up their tour with a Twenty20 international at the Premadasa on February 10, leaving them just over a week to prepare for their departure to New Zealand for a hectic series.
Apart from the fifth ODI, all games will be played under lights.
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India will be played on 28th January 2009 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
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