VENUE: GALLE
TIME: 10:00 LOCAL TIME (04:30 GMT)
THE GAME:
Well, here we go – The two sides are at it once again! The Sri Lanka and Pakistan rivalry in recent times has become like a soap opera. These two sides have played a Test series every year since 2011! In 2011, 13/14 they battled it out in UAE. In 2012 and 2014, it was Sri Lanka’s opportunity to emerge victorious. And here we are yet again in 2015 as well, it’s the Sri Lankans who host the Pakistan. This rivalry has become way too predictable. The premier cause behind this rivalry looking pale and dull is the repetition and frequency of games. However, the wickets, on which the Tests between these sides are played, are profusely lifeless and dull. On a pessimistic note, the pitch at Galle too doesn’t look any sporting!
A common aspect between the two Asian sides is that both are undergoing a phase of transition. While Sri Lanka prepare to brace Test cricket without the services of Mahela Jayawerdene, his old pal Kumar Sangakkara too will bid adieu to the game after a handful of games. Ever since Dilshan retired from the longest format, the Sri Lankans have been on the search for a decent opening pair. Pakistan on the other hand has been more successful in finding replacements. In Saeed Ajmal’s absence, Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah have bowled brilliantly in tandem, complimenting each other.
The hosts last played a Test against New Zealand in January, when they were whitewashed by the Kiwis. The Pakistanis on the other hand, recently defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in a 2 match series. Pakistan’s Test form has been steady. Their bowlers have been the main reason behind their Test success. Their batsmen have contributed immensely as well, but not to forget, they have never played on sporting tracks in recent times. With another series to be played on dull tracks, expect scores in excess of 500 to be notched up.
RECENT FORM (LAST 5 TESTS):
SRI LANKA:
Against New Zealand (L, L)
Against Pakistan (W, W)
Against South Africa (D)
PAKISTAN:
Against Bangladesh (W, D)
Against New Zealand (L, D, W)
KEY PLAYERS:
Sri Lanka:
Kumar Sangakkara:
Sanga, the wizard is likely to end his international career after a few games. The Sri Lankan batting legend has been in unparalleled form. The humble batsman from Kandy is literally piling up runs exponentially. He remains the master of all conditions. With 11 scores of 200+, he is just one behind the great man Sir Don Bradman. If Sanga’s current form is anything to go by, that record could well be equaled in Galle.
Rangana Herath:
Herath has productively filled up the void left by Muralitharan since his retirement. Mathews time and again relies on Herath to get the crucial breakthroughs for Sri Lanka. Herath’s accuracy is his biggest strength and at home, he is far more lethal. The Pakistan batsmen, most of them are right-handed, have issues against the ball turning away expect Herath could well be on a roll.
Pakistan:
Ahmad Shahzad:
Even though Younis Khan is the best batsman in Pakistan, a lot depends on Shahzad too. The talented opener is making a mini comeback to Test cricket after being dropped on disciplinary grounds. When in flow, it is just delightful to have a glance at Shahzad. It will be really interesting to watch the opener go about his job at Galle.
Junaid Khan:
If there is one bowler who can trouble Kumar Sangakkara at home, it has to be Junaid Khan. Khan has troubled the Sri Lankan legend in the past and might well do so in the upcoming series. Junaid must strike at regular intervals for Pakistan and more significantly, must find the support of the slip fielders.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
Galle is known to be a haven for batsmen. The flat wicket assists run scoring to a colossal extent. However, the pitch assists spinners on day four and five. The conditions though do not look very bright. Thunderstorms are forecasted for all the five days. The overcast conditions should be helpful for the seamers.
PROBABLE XI:
SRI LANKA:
1. D. Karunaratne 2. K. Silva 3. K. Sangakkara 4. L. Thirimanne 5. A. Mathews 6. D. Chandimal 7. J. Mubarak 8. D. Perera 9. R. Herath 10. D. Prasad 11. S. Lakmal / N. Pradeep
PAKISTAN:
1. A. Shahzad 2. M. Hafeez 3. A. Ali 4. Y. Khan 5. M. Haq 6. A. Shafiq 7. S. Ahmed 8. W. Riaz 9. J. Khan 10. Y. Shah 11. Z. Babar