Hussain takes a breather during net practice

This is absolutely the right policy, of course, but it does mean that Graeme Hick's place in the team will be the focus of the selection meeting.

Hick has scored only 27 runs in four innings and his duck in his first outing in Kandy was as tortuous an effort as he can ever have endured.

It is only right to mention that the decision he picked up in Galle, when he was fired out caught behind, was one of the worst we have seen even in this series but he can scarcely claim to be in top form.

Michael Vaughan, however, has not only fallen victim to the new touring schedules that give fringe players such limited opportunities but he has also been ill this week.

He has not batted in a first-class match since scoring 12 in Matara on 16 February and although he looks the more likely bet between the two to line up against Pakistan in the summer, Vaughan will probably miss out again this time.

Hick: Future uncertain for next summer

Naturally, there is great interest in the pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

From a distance the strip, which is reckoned to be among the quickest in Sri Lanka, seems well covered with grass.

However, on close inspection, this is merely a coating of dead clippings that have been scattered onto the surface.

With two days still to go, there is no word yet of the peace pipe having been shared between Hussain and his opposite number, Jayasuriya.

The ill-feeling that has marred the Two tests to date is hardly likely to be relieved by the nonsense that appeared in one local newspaper which claimed that the umpires are being swayed in England's favour by what is being reported in the English media.

Sri Lanka, it says, is fighting a lone battle to remain in the series. For goodness sake, don�t these people remember Galle?