Spinner Ajantha Mendis has been axed by Sri Lanka for Wednesday's

decisive Test against India in Mumbai.

Mendis burst onto the scene with 26 Indian wickets in three Tests

last year but has taken only a further 18 in seven subsequent

appearances.

The Sri Lankans fielded a three-pronged spin attack last week in the

second Test in Kanpur, where they lost by an innings to trail 1-0 in

the three-match campaign.

Requiring a first win on Indian soil to avoid a series loss, Sri Lanka

are intent on drafting in another paceman at the Brabourne Stadium.

"Mendis will have to sit it out," captain Kumar Sangakkara confirmed

at the pre-match press conference.

Sri Lanka will recall either Nuwan Kulasekara or Dilhara Fernando,

with the former favourite to make the tourists' XI.