Fernando in line for comeback after injury

London, June 12: Dilhara Fernando, arguably Sri Lanka's quickest bowler, may make a belated entry into the Test series against England on Thursday after being kept on the sidelines by injury.

With the touring team 1-0 down as they face the third and final Test at Old Trafford, Fernando is in line to strengthen an attack which relies heavily on off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan to take most of the wickets.

Coach Dav Whatmore said on the eve of the match on Wednesday: "He (Fernando) has had enough cricket to satisfy the captain, who now has the confidence to throw him the ball for a second and third spell."

Fernando, who has taken 20 wickets in his nine tests, has been suffering from a stress fracture of the back which has severely curtailed his appearances on the tour.

Muralitharan, who played in the second test despite nursing a left shoulder injury, is "getting better and better", according to his captain Sanath Jayasuriya.

Whatmore added: "He is okay to bowl. I cant see much difference in his abilities to impart good spin momentum."

Muralitharan had a marathon spell of 64 overs in England's only innings in the second test but could not prevent his side losing by an innings and 111 runs.