South Africa face a major challenge when they take on a jubilant Sri Lanka side in the first Test starting on Wednesday at spin-friendly Galle.

The South Africans only had one three-day game to acclimatise to Sri Lanka's slow, turning pitches, scorching temperatures and shirt-drenching humidity.

The hosts, meanwhile, arrived in the southern coastal town of Galle with a fully fit squad buoyed by their Asia Cup win and battle-hardened after a recent series against Australia.

The Sri Lankans also welcome back off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who pulled out of the recent two-Test series in Australia after controversy concerning his bowling action.

Muralitharan will not be able to bowl his controversial doosra delivery but South Africa captain Graeme Smith still expects him to be handful.

"We all know what a world-class performer he (Muralitharan) is and even without it (doosra) he is going to be a handful," Smith told reporters.

"You only have to look at Murali's stats to see that he is their strength and I am damn sure that it is going to turn it a hell of a lot.

"It is going to be a unique challenge, but that is what touring in the sub-continent is all about."

Smith announced himself satisfied with the team's warm-up match against a Board President's XI, although he has called on his players to now "raise the intensity".

"We had a few mishaps through the game with a bit of sickness and a few niggles that came up, but overall I am pretty happy as the guys spent some good time in the middle," he said.

"The match got a few thought processes going for the Test and we now need to raise the intensity."

SELECTION DILEMMA

South Africa's main selection dilemma surrounds Smith's opening partner, with Herschelle Gibbs ruled out because of an ankle injury.

Andrew Puttick, an uncapped left-hander, was drafted into the squad but both Boeta Dippenaar and Martin van Jaarsveld could move up the order.

"We gave Puttick a chance up front in this game but we have not made any final decisions on the opening berth yet," said Smith

Fast bowler Andre Nel is struggling with a niggling back injury and South Africa are likely to pick Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini and Nantie Hayward in a three-pronged seam attack.

Nicky Boje will be the solitary specialist spinner, with Smith and van Jaarsveld providing part-time support.

Sri Lanka, who rested on Monday, are expected to play a more balanced attack with two fast bowlers, probably Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa, plus two specialist spinners.

Leg spinner Upul Chandana is favourite to partner Muralitharan after his impressive Asia Cup performances, though slow left-armer Rangana Herath is also an option.

Sri Lanka squad: Marvan Atapattu (Captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Thilan Samaraweera, Rangana Herath, Romesh Kaluwitharana (wk), Upul Chandana, Ian Daniel

South Africa squad: Graeme Smith (Captain), Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Martin van Jaarsveld, Jacques Rudolph, Andrew Puttick, Herschelle Gibbs, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Mornantau Hayward, Nicky Boje, Robin Peterson