Sri Lanka, Pakistan get an opportunity to check progress a yr on in Galle
Big image: Sri Lanka begin as favourites
On July 16, Sri Lanka performed Pakistan in Galle within the first of two Test matches, with the second Test beginning on the twenty fourth, additionally in Galle. That assertion is true for each 2022 and 2023.
It’s not clear why this sequence has been set as much as completely mirror Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka last year, however it supplies the chance to judge both sides’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 situations; six of the hosts’ final eight Test matches have come at this venue, and 4 of these video games have resulted in wins for them. A comparatively settled Test facet who recognise their finest red-ball squad, Sri Lanka went on to problem New Zealand away in the one different Test sequence they performed, happening by two wickets within the first earlier than being overpowered within the second.
They come off pitch-perfect current type – albeit in one other format. The ignominy of being compelled 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 type. They are bolstered by the doubtless return of Dimuth Karunaratne, who missed the ultimate of that competitors with a hamstring damage. With two centuries and 4 fifties in his final seven Test innings, the supply of arguably the world’s finest opener of the previous 5 years provides some welcome heft towards 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 specific famine for Pakistan – and their impregnability is additional cemented. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis had been Pakistan’s chief tormentors on a dramatic final day of the sequence final yr, and will play key roles. Pakistan, in the meantime, have struggled to appropriately change Yasir Shah, with Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali – the 2 they turned to most regularly – struggling to have an analogous influence. This sequence will see Abrar Ahmed get one other run after impressing towards England, however Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha are anticipated to have vital bowling duties ought to Galle’s surfaces reside as much as their gripping popularity.
But Pakistan’s underdog standing comes simply as a lot from their very own observe document as something Sri Lanka can throw at them. They have not gained a single Test 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. Since the beginning of final yr, Babar Azam’s facet have triumphed simply as soon as in ten matches, shedding 5 of the opposite 9. A shaky high order shall be put to the take a look at 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 capability with the gloves on testing surfaces.
Sri Lanka WWLLW (final 5 accomplished matches, most up-to-date first)
Pakistan DDLLL
In the highlight: Prabath Jayasuriya and Shaheen Afridi
In 5 Test 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 Test matches towards Pakistan final yr, famously skittling Pakistan out post-lunch on the ultimate day of the sequence to degree it up 1-1. Another world-class spinner of the Sri Lankan manufacturing line, the gradual left armer was named the Player of the Series, and shall be one of many key antagonists for the guests this time round, too. Whether they’ve realized to deal with him any higher may go a great distance in figuring out the vacation spot of the sequence trophy.
You needn’t look previous Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan, given all the baggage Galle at the moment of yr carries for him. Playing his first Test since a nasty injury within the corresponding Test final yr, all eyes shall be on his tempo, rhythm and skill to resist 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 doubtless fielding simply two quick bowlers, Babar’s workload administration of Shaheen may also be beneath scrutiny, with in-game administration an space the Pakistan captain has struggled with up to now.
If Karunaratne is accessible, he’ll lead the facet as captain and opener, with Nishan Madushka more likely to pip Pathum Nissanka to be his opening companion. Left-arm quick bowler Dilshan Madushanka is in line for a Test debut, whereas Sri Lanka are spoiled for spin selections.
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 together 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 daily of the Test, 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.
“Injuries are part of an athlete’s life, but it is good to be back. I enjoy red-ball cricket a lot, and I am one wicket away from a century of Test wickets, which would be a big achievement for me ” Shaheen Afridi is raring to be again after a yr out of red-ball cricket