Sri Lanka could play just one spin bowler in the first Test against Pakistan that gets underway at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.
The fact that Pakistan’s batsmen play spin bowling well could prompt the hosts to leave out either Dilruwan Perera or Rangana Herath.
Both bowlers bowled exceptionally well in the drawn SSC Test against South Africa last week with Herath finishing with nine wickets and Perera claiming eight wickets. Herath, however has the edge over Perera as the Pakistanis are more vulnerable against left-arm spin.
The tourists arrived in the island in the early hours of yesterday and travelled to Galle. They conducted a training session at the Galle International Stadium yesterday afternoon. The Sri Lankans had a net session in the morning and there could be several changes in their playing eleven.
Seam bowler Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the first Test and Shaminda Eranga is expected to be fit. Chanaka Welegedara and Dhammika Prasad are fighting for the second seamer’s slot.
Vice-captain Lahiru Thirimanne, who was dropped for the second Test is expected to return to the side.
The series will be the last for former captain Mahela Jayawardene and the second Test that was scheduled to take place at P. Sara Oval has been shifted to Jayawardene’s home ground at SSC.
“If we are to win the series in Sri Lanka, we have to ensure that their top batsmen, particularly Jayawardene, are not allowed to get many runs. I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved but we are going to win the two-Test series and we know how important it is for us to not allow their senior players to score,” Pakistan skipper Misbah ul-Haq told journalists.
Sri Lanka have played nine Tests this year so far and have won three and lost two. Pakistan, meanwhile have played only three Tests this year.
The last series between the countries in January this year was drawn 1-1. The last time Sri Lanka hosted Pakistan for a Test series was two years ago and won.
Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in Test cricket according to official ICC Rankings while Pakistan are ranked third.
The two match Test series will be followed by three ODIs at Suriyawewa, R. Premadasa Stadium and Dambulla. The games at Suriyawewa and Dambulla will be day matches.
