"He has been ruled out of the Test on medical advice," Sri Lankan chief selector Lalith Kaluperuma said on the eve of the match.

"With an important series in England fast approaching, we don't want to risk him at all and we'll give him ample time to recover."

Left-arm seamer Vaas has so far grabbed 301 wickets in 90 Tests.

Left-handed batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has recovered from a thigh strain and will open the innings, the selectors said.

Sri Lanka have left out seamer Dhammika Prasad and opening batsman Ian Daniel along with Vaas from their squad for the first of the two Tests.

Sri Lanka squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Malinga Bandara, Sajeewa Weerakoon.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)