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Cape Town - Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has spoken of the challenges his team will face when they take on an in-form Proteas side in their three-Test series later this month.
South Africa will host Sri Lanka in three Tests, three T20Is and five ODIs, starting with the first Test in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day.
"The main challenge is the conditions in South Africa," Mathews said at a press conference, taken from their official Facebook page.
"We will try and maximise the opportunity of the first 10 days and try and get used to the conditions - the pace and bounce.
"If we acclimatise and get used to the conditions, I’m pretty sure we can do well."
Sri Lanka are looking to establish continuity in their side as they seek to build on their successes against Australia at home and Zimbabwe away.
"The team that went to Zimbabwe, by winning the Test series did a brilliant job and by also winning the one-dayers. So we hope to continue that in South Africa," said Mathews.
The Sri Lankans have boosted their bowling attack by calling up uncapped fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya into their squad, which sees the team heading to South Africa with a five-man pace attack.
Skipper Mathews and vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal return to the side after recovering from their respective injuries.
"Depending on the conditions, I think we’ll try and keep a balanced team," suggested Mathews.
Sri Lanka have turned to legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram to mentor their local fast bowlers in preparation for the tour.
The team departs Colombo on Saturday, December 10 and will arrive in South Africa on Sunday.
Sri Lanka Test squad:
Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.
Proteas Test squad:
TBA
