Massive image: Sri Lanka begin as favourites
On July 16, Sri Lanka performed Pakistan in Galle within the first of two Check matches, with the second Check beginning on the twenty fourth, additionally in Galle. That assertion is true for each 2022 and 2023.
It is not clear why this collection has been set as much as completely mirror Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka final yr, however it supplies the chance to judge either side’s progress within the interceding 12 months. Sri Lanka start as apparent favourites regardless of blended outcomes up to now 12 months primarily due to their degree of familiarity with circumstances; six of the hosts’ final eight Check matches have come at this venue, and 4 of these video games have resulted in wins for them. A comparatively settled Check facet who recognise their greatest red-ball squad, Sri Lanka went on to problem New Zealand away in the one different Check collection they performed, taking place by two wickets within the first earlier than being overpowered within the second.
They arrive off pitch-perfect current kind – albeit in one other format. The ignominy of being pressured to qualify for the World Cup in India was greater than made up for by Sri Lanka vanquishing all earlier than them in Zimbabwe, profitable all eight video games and the trophy to guide their place on the event in fashion. They’re bolstered by the possible return of Dimuth Karunaratne, who missed the ultimate of that competitors with a hamstring harm. With two centuries and 4 fifties in his final seven Check innings, the provision of arguably the world’s greatest opener of the previous 5 years provides some welcome heft in opposition to a gap assault comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Add to that the standard Sri Lanka have of their spinning ranks – a current space of explicit famine for Pakistan – and their impregnability is additional cemented. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have been Pakistan’s chief tormentors on a dramatic ultimate day of the collection final yr, and will play key roles. Pakistan, in the meantime, have struggled to appropriately exchange Yasir Shah, with Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali – the 2 they turned to most incessantly – struggling to have an analogous affect. This collection will see Abrar Ahmed get one other run after impressing in opposition to England, however Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha are anticipated to have important bowling duties ought to Galle’s surfaces dwell as much as their gripping fame.
However Pakistan’s underdog standing comes simply as a lot from their very own observe file as something Sri Lanka can throw at them. They have not gained a single Check within the yr since their win at Galle within the corresponding fixture 12 months in the past, and that was their solely win of 2022. Because the begin of final yr, Babar Azam’s facet have triumphed simply as soon as in ten matches, shedding 5 of the opposite 9. A shaky prime order might be put to the check as soon as extra in Sri Lanka, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, who retains his place as wicketkeeper, might want to again up wonderful current batting performances with capacity with the gloves on testing surfaces.
Sri Lanka WWLLW (final 5 accomplished matches, most up-to-date first)Pakistan DDLLL
Within the highlight: Prabath Jayasuriya and Shaheen Afridi
In 5 Check matches in Galle, Prabath Jayasuriya has taken 46 wickets, registering six five-fors and two match ten-wicket hauls. That included 17 wickets in two Check matches in opposition to Pakistan final yr, famously skittling Pakistan out post-lunch on the ultimate day of the collection to degree it up 1-1. One other world-class spinner of the Sri Lankan manufacturing line, the gradual left armer was named the Participant of the Collection, and might be one of many key antagonists for the guests this time round, too. Whether or not they’ve realized to deal with him any higher would possibly go a great distance in figuring out the vacation spot of the collection trophy.
You needn’t look previous Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan, given all the luggage Galle presently of yr carries for him. Enjoying his first Check since a nasty harm within the corresponding Check final yr, all eyes might be on his tempo, rhythm and talent to face up to 5 days of a format he has had an prolonged break from. The floor is extra more likely to go well with spin, and whether or not Afridi retains his bowling pace – one thing he has expressed current scepticism about – may very well be a bellwether for his red-ball future. With Pakistan possible fielding simply two quick bowlers, Babar’s workload administration of Shaheen will even be beneath scrutiny, with in-game administration an space the Pakistan captain has struggled with up to now.
If Karunaratne is obtainable, he’ll lead the facet as captain and opener, with Nishan Madushka more likely to pip Pathum Nissanka to be his opening accomplice. Left-arm quick bowler Dilshan Madushanka is in line for a Check debut, whereas Sri Lanka are spoiled for spin decisions.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 2 Nishan Madhushka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Angelo Mathews, 5 Dinesh Chandimal, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), 8 Ramesh Mendis, 9 Prabath Jayasuriya, 10 Dilshan Madushanka, 11 Vishwa Fernando/Praveen Jayawickrama
Pakistan are more likely to go along with the additional spin allrounder and sacrifice a seamer within the course of, which brings Nawaz into the body.
Pakistan (possible): 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Shan Masood, 4 Babar Azam (capt), 5 Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), 6 Saud Shakeel, 7 Agha Salman, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Abrar Ahmed, 11 Shaheen Shah Afridi
There are showers forecast for each day of the Check, although persistent moist climate is unlikely, and Sri Lanka’s world-beating groundstaff ought to guarantee delays are saved to a minimal. The wickets are more likely to be gradual and conducive to spin.
“Accidents are a part of an athlete’s life, however it’s good to be again. I get pleasure from red-ball cricket rather a lot, and I’m one wicket away from a century of Check wickets, which might be a giant achievement for me ” Shaheen Afridi is raring to be again after a yr out of red-ball cricket
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