South Africa have been badly handicapped by injuries to their captain Graeme Smith [Images] (ankle) and all rounder Jacques Kallis [Images] (elbow) who both miss the tour,

Kallis's fellow all rounder Shaun Pollock [Images] joins the team on Thursday, but too late for the opening Test after staying home for the birth of his second child.

Sri Lanka, full of confidence after 1-1 Test series draw and 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series against England [Images], have promised a tough approach.

"We will be looking to build on the momentum we built up in England where the team played some competitive cricket," captain Mahela Jayawardene [Images] told Reuters on Tuesday.

"We are confident and eager to stamp our authority on the series against an opposition we respect but do not fear," he added.

Sanath Jayasuriya [Images], now 37, is earmarked for a return to the Sri Lankan top order following his decision to abandon retirement plans midway through the England tour.

Jayasuriya, a left-arm spinner, could also play a crucial role with the ball if Sri Lanka, as appears increasingly likely, opt for seven batsmen and four frontline bowlers.

Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan [Images] would then be the solo specialist spinner backed up by the pace bowling of Chaminda Vaas [Images], Lasith Malinga [Images] and Dilhara Fernando.

For South Africa, all rounder Andrew Hall [Images], who missed a three-day warm-up game over the weekend, is expected to feature alongside new ball bowlers Makhaya Ntini [Images] and Andre Nel [Images].

Nicky Boje will be the sole spinner and AB de Villiers [Images], a part-time medium pacer, has been earmarked for an unusual role as a support bowler.

Squads:

Sri Lanka:

Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan [Images], Chamara Kapugedera, Michael Vandort, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Malinga Bandara, Prasanna Jayawardene.

South Africa:

Ashwell Prince [Images] (capt), Andrew Hall, Hashim Amla, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher [Images], AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs [Images], Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala.