Monks bless Sri Lankans before tour

COLOMBO: Chanting Buddhist monks tied white threads around the wrists of Sri Lanka’s cricketers to bless them as they departed for New Zealand today to play two Tests and five one-day internationals. Sri Lanka’s captain Marvan Atapattu said he was confident that his team would put up a strong fight. ‘‘New Zealand is a tough team in its own conditions,” Atapattu told the state-run Daily News. ‘‘Like us, they haven’t got many stars but they can perform, and very competitively at that.” (AFP)

Kiwis recall Tuffey for home series against Lanka

WELLINGTON: Medium-pacer Daryl Tuffey has been recalled to the New Zealand team for a five-match limited-overs home series against Sri Lanka in December and January. Tuffey last played for New Zealand against the United States in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in England in September. He missed tours to Bangladesh and Australia with leg injuries. New Zealand coach John Bracewell said Tuffey’s recuperation had been closely monitored and his recent work rate showed he was ready to make his international return.