Cricket: Help for Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA have recruited a Pakistani psychologist to help restore their confidence for the World Cup. The chief executive officer of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, Dhammika Ranatunga, said setbacks at recent tournaments and last month's management crisis have seriously affected team morale and fresh motivation is needed.

Adam Dale, the Australianmedium-pacer, insists that he will be fit to play in next month's World Cup. Dale arrived home in Brisbane from the Caribbean yesterday after pneumonia forced him out of the one-day series against the West Indies.

The Queensland seamer's presence in English conditions is considered vital to Australia's hopes of regaining the World Cup, with Dale's nagging style providing the foil for Glenn McGrath.

"It's getting better and over the last week there's been a lot of improvement so I'm definitely on the mend," he said.