Photo: AFP

Sri Lanka are refining their spin attack as they aim to continue their winning run at home in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, according to skipper Charith Asalanka, who spoke on Saturday. The island nation has secured victories in 10 of their 13 bilateral series this year, with eight out of nine wins at home. Spinners have been Sri Lanka's key strength, aiding them in ending a 27-year wait against top-ranked India in a July ODI series.

"Spin is our core strength and we're going to leverage that," Asalanka told reporters before Sunday's opener. "We're considering three spin options. We have leg-spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay, plus Dunith Wellalage... A few of our batters can also contribute with spin."

All three ODIs will be played on the slow surface in Pallekele, where spin is anticipated to play a pivotal role, similar to Sri Lanka's 2-1 T20 series win earlier in the tour. "The spinners were outstanding there and I'm confident they'll be a force to reckon with again here," Asalanka said.

Both teams are still reeling from their inability to qualify for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February. Both are keen on improving their rankings to avoid the elimination zone. "We need to ensure we're playing solid cricket and maintaining our position in the top half to avoid another scramble for qualification," said West Indies skipper Shai Hope.

Hope, who also serves as wicketkeeper, acknowledged that spin would be significant but expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle the challenge. "We'll adapt to what the pitch offers, and while having a plan is good, you must play according to the situation," he said.

All attention will be on West Indian prodigy Jewel Andrew of Antigua, who will debut as the team's youngest player at 17 years and 318 days. "He's a truly exciting prospect for us, without a doubt," Hope said. "I have no doubt that if he gets the opportunity, he'll seize it."

The final two matches of the series will take place on Wednesday and Saturday.

Squads

West Indies: Shai Hope (capt, wk), Alzarri Joseph, Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (capt), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.

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