Opposing captains Ricky Ponting and Sanath Jayasuriya both downplayed the Darren Lehmann racial issue ahead of Friday's World Cup match between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Australia suffered another injury blow on the eve of the opening Super Sixes game, losing Andrew Symonds with a groin strain and replacing him with fellow allrounder Ian Harvey.

Ponting said Harvey's inclusion would strengthen Australia's bowling but weaken the batting.

The game at Centurion's SuperSport Park will be Lehmann's first against Sri Lanka since he was suspended for five matches for calling them "black c...s" at the Gabba in January.

"I hadn't even thought of that until it was brought up at the bar last night," said Ponting.

"We were all having a laugh at it at Darren's expense.

"It's just another high-pressure game of cricket as far as we're concerned and we just have to keep things going the way they are."

Jayasuriya said: "That's history now.

"It's gone and we have forgotten all about it.

"There are no hard feelings from us towards him at all."

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