New Zealand’s cricket team embarks on a crucial Test tour of Sri Lanka, hoping to overcome the frustration of their washed-out match against Afghanistan. The first of two Tests commences at Galle from Wednesday, with the visiting side aiming to make a strong statement on a spin-friendly pitch. The Black Caps, currently third in the World Test Championship table, are eager to gather valuable points as they face a revitalized Sri Lankan team, who recently ended a decade-long wait for a Test victory in England.
New Zealand’s skipper Tim Southee expressed optimism about the challenges ahead, highlighting the exciting schedule of eight Tests in 12 weeks across three continents. “We haven’t played a Test match since March, but exciting times are ahead of us as we play eight games between now and December,” Southee told reporters in Galle. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, saying, “We are looking forward to making an impact and moving forward. We know how important points in these games are.”
New Zealand’s tour will see them engage in a three-Test series against India in October, followed by another three-Test series against England back home. The team is banking heavily on the experience of former captain Kane Williamson, who has an exceptional record against Sri Lanka. Southee hailed the 34-year-old Williamson as “vital” and highlighted his impressive average of 78 against Sri Lanka, significantly higher than his overall Test average of 54. “He has had a lot of success against Sri Lanka,” Southee remarked. “He’s a great performer to have in the side against any opposition. His experience will be vital for us in this series.”
The first Test match in Galle, played under the imposing shadow of the 17th-century Galle Fort, will feature a rest day on Saturday, coinciding with Sri Lanka’s presidential election. The second Test will also be held at Galle, commencing on September 26th. The spin-friendly conditions of Galle will offer a significant advantage to Sri Lanka, and New Zealand has strategically recruited former Sri Lankan spin bowling legend Rangana Herath as their spin coach for the tour. Left-arm spinners Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are expected to spearhead New Zealand’s spin bowling attack, with Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra providing further options.
Sri Lanka, boosted by their recent victory against England, has made strategic changes to their bowling lineup. They have replaced pace bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Milan Ratnayake with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, recognizing the importance of spin on Galle’s pitch. “We know that it is tough on the seamers, who did so well in England, but given the conditions in Galle, we have to leave out two of them,” Sri Lankan coach Sanath Jayasuriya explained. The host team has also shuffled their batting order, promoting Kamindu Mendis, the player of the series against England, to number five from number seven.
The series promises intense competition as both teams strive for victory. With World Test Championship points at stake and a blend of experienced players and emerging talent on both sides, the matches are expected to be captivating encounters.
FULL SQUADS & MATCH OFFICIALS
Sri Lanka:
Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kusal Mendis (wkt), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
New Zealand:
Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell (wkt), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Umpires:
Michael Gough (ENG) and Ahsan Raza (PAK)
Third Umpire:
Nitin Menon (IND)
