Follow UsSri Lanka enter the two-match Test series against Pakistan at home on the back of a crucial innings-win against Australia. While they were depleted during the second Test, with several COVID cases in the camp, Sri Lanka's skipper Dimuth Karunaratne confirmed the return of experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva. Karunaratne also revealed that it will be Oshada Fernando, who will be opening the innings for the Island nation.
"Oshada Fernando will open the innings with me. Dhananjaya De Silva takes his place back and we'll have to look again who is batting at five and six," Karunaratne said.
The Sri Lankan skipper also insisted that it would be a tough headache for the team on who will bat at No.5 and No.6. In the previous encounter against Australia, Dinesh Chandimal scored a match-winning double century at No.5, which since then has turned into a good headache for Sri Lanka.
"I mean Dhananjaya or (Dinesh) Chandimal. Because Chandi is in good form after playing at number five."
Karunaratne also praised the Pakistan team and insisted that if the Islanders get their basics right, they will get a strong hold over the series against the visitors.
"They're a different team. Good against spin as well. Previously, they have done pretty good in the Test level. We have to do our basics well if we want to keep them restricted."
"If we can win both Test matches, we have a good chance of playing in the WTC final (next year). But I am trying to play one by one."
Pakistan's stern test
On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hopes for a tough 'spin test' at Galle and added that the visitors are looking to play their best cricket.
"It is a typical spinning wicket and that's what we saw in the series against Australia," said Azam.
"Any team would be difficult at home as they know the conditions," he added. "They have some experienced spinners in their side, so we are looking forward to play good cricket against them."\
Babar also had reserved his praise for the returning leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, emphasizing that the all-rounder could play a vital role during the two-match Test series.
"Definitely he has made a good comeback and the way he has prepared and worked on his fitness," said Azam.
"The way he bowled in Rawalpindi and then in the practice game in Colombo was good. He is an experienced bowler and will be tough for the opposition."
(With inputs from AFP)