The Caribbean party is ready to move its dancing feet, this time to the rhythm of ‘Baila’ as the pearl island pearl will host a 2-match Test series which kicks off at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
It has been 5 years since the Windies have visited for a bilateral series in Sri Lanka. Their last visit saw the 3-match Test series ending in a draw. It would be a tough test for the visitors as they are yet to win a Test match on Sri Lankan soil.
Since 1993
It wasn’t until 1993, nine years after Sri Lanka made their Test debut that they played against West Indies. The two teams met for the first time for a solitary Test at Moratuwa. The home team was led by Arjuna Ranatunga while West Indies were captained by Richie Richardson. The game ended in a stalemate.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies overall Test record head to head:
- Played – 15
- Sri Lanka – 6
- West Indies – 3
- Drawn – 6
The first win for the Windies came in 1997 at Antigua when they beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets under the captaincy of Courtney Walsh.
Sri Lanka registered their first Test win against West Indies in 2001 when Sanath Jayasuriya and his men notched a resounding 10 wicket triumph before emerging victorious in the remaining two Tests at Kandy and SSC to secure a 3-0 series whitewash.
Recap of the Past Decade
In 2005, West Indies traveled to Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test series. The series saw a 2-0 win for the hosts, winning both Tests at SSC and Kandy.
The Lions visited the Caribbean in 2008 which included a 2-match series. It ended 1-1 with both teams tasting success.
The 3-match series played between the two sides in 2010 failed to produce a result as all three matches were hampered by torrential rains at regular intervals.
In the Lion’s Den
Sri Lanka has hosted West Indies 9 times since 1993. West Indies are yet to win a Test match in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka v West Indies Test record on Sri Lankan soil
- Sri Lanka – 5
- Draw – 4
Considering the venues that have witnessed the two teams, Galle, SSC and Asgiriya have hosted 2 Tests each while Moratuwa, Pallekele and the RPS have been venues for one each.
Galle: The Fortress
The picturesque venue has been a stronghold for the Lions since its inauguration in 1998. Sri Lanka’s first Test win against West Indies came at Galle in 2001.
Sri Lanka’s overall Test record at Galle:
- Played – 26
- Won – 14
- Lost – 6
- Drawn – 6
Sri Lanka vs West Indies Test record at Galle:
- Played – 2
- Sri Lanka – 1
- Draw – 1
P.Sara Oval
The venue of Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test match and first Test win, the oldest Test ground in Sri Lanka is yet to host a game between Sri Lanka and West Indies.
Sri Lanka’s overall Test record at P.Sara Oval:
- Played – 18
- Won – 8
- Lost – 6
- Drawn – 4
Batting Records
Most runs – Brian Lara (1125 runs in 14 ins) (Avg. 86.53)
Most runs in Sri Lanka – Brian Lara (706 runs in 7 innings) (Avg. 100.85)
Highest individual score in an inning – Chris Gayle (333 at Galle, 2010)
Highest match total – Brian Lara (351 at SCC, 2001)
Most runs for Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara (918 runs in 19 ins) (Avg. 54)
Bowling Records
Most wickets – M. Muralitharan (82 wickets in 22 ins)
Most wickets in Sri Lanka – M.Muralitharan (45 wickets in 11 ins)
Most wickets for West Indies – Curtly Ambrose, Corey Collymore (14 wickets)
Most wickets for West Indies in Sri Lanka – Jermaine Lawson (11 wickets)
It is expected to be a close tussle as two outfits led by two young captains will engage in an intense battle during the next fortnight to stamp their authority and prove its supremacy in the longest format of the game.
