Nairobi, Oct 4: Not long ago, Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as they were known then, were often likened to the West Indies in terms of batsmanship, as they brought the same carefree approach to their cricket. They have come a long way since then, and have become a professional outfit, capable of sustained performance against the best opposition, especially in the one-day version of cricket.

Under the expert supervision of Dav Whatmore and the quietly effective leadership of Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka has now become one of the finest all round fielding sides in the world. The bowling is in the capable hands of Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, well backed by other members of the cast, who play the supporting roles to perfection.

The batting is often off to an explosive start, though Jayasuriya is but a shadow of his former self. Marvan Atapattu is a class act while Mahela Jayawardena is doing a competent job of filling in the void left by Aravinda De Silva. The Sri Lankans do miss De Silva and the former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, but the reserve strength has risen to the occasion regularly.

West Indies on the contrary is in disarray, with captain Jimmy Adams a beleaguered leader, not knowing where to find the answers to the several questions peculiar to West Indies cricket. Brian Lara is still their big hope in batting, but the bowling is capable of pulling its weight. In fielding the team can match the Sri Lankans, but as a team capable of knitting all the departments together, they fall short of their opponents today.

It doesn't need great wisdom to state that Sri Lanka are the favourites in today's match.