DAMBULLA: The 2019 World Cup is still two years away, but the first step towards building a core unit for the mega event will be taken during the five-match One-Day International series against Sri Lanka, beginning in Dambulla on Sunday. Coach Ravi Shastri, who has been appointed till the World Cup, has already emphasized that only the fittest will survive the grind as Virat Kohli's men gear up for ultimate glory in England.From the Sri Lankan perspective, too, this series is hugely significant. The hosts would not only be keen to salvage pride after a humiliating 3-0 Test whitewash, but would also look to seal a direct World Cup qualification berth. The Lankans are currently placed eighth with 88 points, 10 more than nearest rivals West Indies.Going by their recent performance, it will take a massive effort from the Lankans to achieve that. Pandya, who impressed in his maiden Test series, will also play the role of the third seamer as skipper Kohli indicated they will go in with two spinners from among Kuldeep Yadav Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel.

Source: Times of India August 19, 2017 23:37 UTC