Sri Lanka begin their quest to create history in the Caribbean on Saturday, when the first Test in their series of two against West Indies opens at the Guyana National Stadium.

On their two previous trips to the Caribbean, the Sri Lankans have walked away empty-handed - losing 1-0 on both occasions in series of the same length.

But there is heightened expectation that they can achieve their first series victory in the Caribbean on this trip, when they take into consideration the relative strength of both sides. “As a team, we have been playing some really good cricket and our Test record speaks for itself, and we have been competing away from home which has been an issue for us,” said Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jaywardene.

There is also a second objective for the Sri Lankans in this series - and it is to enhance their record away from home. Two drawn series against England and New Zealand in the last two years may have suggested that Sri Lanka may be turning the corner overseas, but they suffered a setback when Australia won both Tests in their series last November.

Sri Lanka’s attack has been compromised however, with the absence of Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, and Farveez Maharoof, but Jayawardene feels it’s an opportunity for someone else to play a key role.
West Indies captain Chris  Gayle will look for a good show in his first series as captain on home soil.  “It’s going to be tough against Sri Lanka, since they are a good all-round team and have started to play some good cricket on the road,” said Gayle.  The Windies final 11 will be of interest, since Ramnaresh Sarwan is returning after a spate of injuries.