Chanderpaul backs youthful WI

The tourists are severely depleted by a sponsorship row, and are minus Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and Pedro Collins.

"We have young and exciting players like Xavier Marshall, Ryan Ramdass and Narasingh Deonarine who are ready to play Test cricket," Chanderpaul said.

"They have performed well with the A team, I know they can do the job."

Chanderpaul added that the young West Indian team is not completely devoid of experience at the top level.

"Most of them have played international cricket and this is a good opportunity for them to make a name for themselves."

The early signs on the Sri Lanka tour have not been encouraging, however, bowled out for 110 in a warm-up match and watching Kumar Sangakkara make 109 on his own for a select XI in reply.

Another factor against them will be the return of Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 24 wickets when the West Indies suffered a 3-0 whitewash on their last tour of the country in 2001.

"I have not played a Test for almost a year now and I am looking forward to the challenge," said Muralitharan, who has recovered full fitness in a spell in English domestic cricket with Lancashire this season.