From correspondents in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 02:01 PM IST

Hit by a spate of injuries, India find themselves in troubled waters as they took the field on the third day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka without three of its key players.

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who broke down during Sri Lanka's first innings Saturday, is unlikely to bowl during the rest of the innings and possibly the entire game. Sachin Tendulkar injured his elbow while diving to attempt a catch Saturday. His hand was wrapped in an icepack and his elbow movements are not comfortable.

Laxman sprained his left ankle before the second day's play in training session.

'MRI scan confirmed that Sachin has got a swelling in the left elbow joint. His elbow movements are not comfortable. Laxman has sprained his left ankle. He is still not able to bear full weight,' Indian team's physiotherapist Nithin Patel said in a statement released by team manager T.C. Matthew.

'Ishant has got a right gluteus muscle contusion confirmed by MRI scan. He's not able to bear full weight on that side,' the statement further said.

Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, meanwhile, who got a cut on his nose returned to the field.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)