Sri Lanka have controversially opted to rest their top three bowlers including off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for Monday's World Cup Super Eights clash with Australia in Grenada.

Both sides have already qualified for the April 24-25 semi-finals but Ricky Ponting's world champions went into the game with a full-strength side, missing only injured all-rounder Shane Watson.

Sri Lanka also rested paceman Lasith Malinga, who has an ankle complaint and was about 95 per cent fit for Monday's game, and left-arm opening bowler Chaminda Vaas.

Malinga, who bowls with a distinctive slinging action, has an air of mystery about him as does Murali, the game's second-leading wicket-taker in one-dayers and Tests.

The selection moves by Sri Lanka, coached by Australian Tom Moody, will add to the intrigue of a possible match-up between the two sides again in the April 28 final in Barbados.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP