Given that four of the last five Tests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka ended in draws, one could be forgiven for turning off the TV for the second Test in the UAE, but the Dubai venue might offer a reprieve.
The Dubai Sports Club is traditionally a spinner’s paradise, with low scores and big turn the order of the day. This will give Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal, who did not have a good time in Abu Dhabi, a bit more to work with.
In the first Test, Junaid Khan took the bulk of the home wickets, while the Sri Lankans saw spinner Rangana Herath bag a few. This time he will get even more help, and the toss winner will not want to bat last.
Home skipper Misbah-ul-Haq confirmed the spin theories ahead of the match, saying on a rainy pre-match eve: “If you look at the history of this ground, this pitch I think it really slows down and it really gives something to the spinners. Both of our spinners had success here.
“Usually go with two spinners on this [surface] because on the third, fourth and fifth days spin plays a big role here. Let’s see tomorrow how the pitch is, and then we decide.
“Both teams realise this is the pitch where we can really have a result,” Misbah said. “We really want to put a big effort here. I think Sri Lanka also know that this is the chance where they can get a lead.”
The Pakistanis will be without keeper Adnan Akmal, who broke his finger in the first Test and left Younis Khan to keep wicket for the last two days. Sarfraz Ahmed has been called up to replace Adnan, leaving Younis to focus on his batting after scoring a ton.
The Sri Lankans are still without paceman Nuwan Kulasekara, who has flown home, as well as Lahiru Thirimanne, who has been replaced by Kusal Perera. The rookie batsman is uncapped at Test level.
One man who will be keen to get back in the runs is veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who scored five and a duck in Abu Dhabi. He last scored a ton in April 2012, but says he is not feeling the pressure. He must be, though.
Key Men
For the hosts, spinner Saeed Ajmal will be key on this track. Sri Lanka batted for long periods in the first Test and saved themselves from defeat, and this deck will offer a threat to both batting sides.
Sri Lanka will look to skipper Angelo Mathews with bat and ball, after his superb efforts in Abu Dhabi. He scored 91 and 157, his highest Test score, to rescue his team, and also contributed with the ball.
Last Five Head-To-Head Results
2013/14: First Test: Match draw in Abu Dhabi
2012: Third Test: Match drawn in Pallekele
2012: Second Test: Match drawn in Colombo
2012: First Test: Sri Lanka won by 209 runs in Galle
2011: Third Test: Match drawn in Sharjah
Squads
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Rahat ali, Mohammad Talha, Sarfraz Ahmed.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Kusal Perera
On-field umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Sundaram Ravi
Third umpire: Richard Kettleborough
Match referee: Javagal Srinath
