Having leveled the five-match series 1-1, Indian cricket team spent time on Friday in the nets trying to plug their loopholes ahead of the third one-dayer on Sunday against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium.

After the struggling on the low and slow Dambulla pitch in the first two ODIs, the two teams assessed the pitch which, barring assisting some late spin, was expected to play easy in the initial overs.

As the Indian team concentrated on batting and fielding to tackle the likes of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said the track seemed to be assisting the spinners.

"It seems like the pitch has got turn for the spinners," the 21-year-old bowler told reporters.

However, it remains to be seen if either of the captains would choose to bat first after the experience in the first two one-dayers. Ojha, who did not figure in the playing XI of the second one-dayer, said he was prepared to perform his duties whenever the team required him.

The team management is hopeful of Gautam Gambhir recovering on time from the stiff neck for the Sunday's crucial game, but it was learnt that India could consider Irfan Pathan as the opening batsman option as the left-hander has given good starts and produced runs in this slot earlier.

The good news for India has been the crucial discovery of Subramaniam Badrinath, who stood like a rock while facing Mendis and Muralitharan and ensured a victory for India in the second ODI.

The 28-year-old middle order batsman, who walked in when India were reeling at 75 for five, hardly looked troubled during his precious unbeaten 27 runs.

Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene did not seem surprised by the sheet anchor role played by the Tamil Nadu batsmen. "We knew his capabilities, he played in the IPL also, so we knew who he was," the Lankan skipper told reporters.

"He (Badrinath) is a talented batsman and a very busy player. He played well for a debutant but I think he's got a lot of experience playing domestic cricket in India," said Jayawardene.

Meanwhile, not willing to leave any opportunities go by, the Sri Lanka team chose to practice in the evening today to get tuned in for the three day-night one-dayers to be played in the Premadasa stadium.