India has a golden chance of winning their first Test series win in Sri Lanka after 22 years when the third and decisive final Test starts at SSC grounds on Friday.
The series is level 1-1 with Sri Lanka winning the first Test by 63 runs at Galle, and India roaring back with a 278-run win at P Sara Oval, Colombo, in the second.
Team India have got the spring back in their stride, and it’s the home team which is now starting to sweat over the outcome, having trailed the visitors for a majority of the sessions over the two Tests.
Sri Lanka must win to avoid their second consecutive series loss at home, and the challenge has been made tougher by the retirement of Sangakkara. Sri Lanka have been let down in this series and the one before to Pakistan by inconsistency from the batsmen and bowlers.
For all the cricket that India and Sri Lanka have played over the past two decades, only twice have they entered the last Test of a series with the score even. That was in 2001 and 2008, both series on Sri Lankan soil, which ended with the hosts winning by 2-1 margins after respective victories in the deciding Tests.
A thrilling finale at SSC is on the cards with the hosts looking to start a new era without Sangakkara while India is aiming for a historic series win in Sri Lanka.
“ Well it is good to have results, that is what we play for, whether you win or lose in a rebuilding phase, you got to be patient, do your processes right and then the results will follow.” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews expressed his views on producing results with his young team during the pre-match press conference.
Pitch and Weather conditions
The SSC is a venue where bowlers have historically struggled, and more so members of touring parties. This pitch is renowned as one of the flattest tracks in the world but day before the match, there was a good covering of grass and club officials assured that it will have more grass cover than Galle and P Sara Oval.
Sri Lanka’s record at the SSC is formidable: 18 wins from 38 Tests, with just six defeats. The last of those defeats came against Australia in 2004, and with Sangakkara and Jayawardene gone there remains just one active member from that match – left-arm spinner Herath.
India, conversely, have won just once in seven visits to the SSC – and that was in 1993. Since then, they have achieved three draws and lost twice at this venue.
Few showers during the match is expected according to the weather reports.
Sri Lanka
Sangakkara’s retirement has opened up a spot in the top order and Upul Tharanga is certain to replace the left-handed batting great. Tharanga batted at No 3 in his comeback match, against Pakistan in July, and made 46 and 48.
Jehan Mubarak’s place is also uncertain due to poor showings in the last two games and Kusal Janith Perera is likely to come in and relieve keeping duties from Dinesh Chandimal.
Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal is doubtful to play the match due to finger injury and if he fails to make the XI, Dilruwan Perera is his likely replacement. Nuwan Pradeep has recovered from his hamstring injury and he will look to replace wayward fast-bowler Dushmantha Chameera.
Probable XI – Dimuth Karunarathne, Kaushal Silva, Upul Tharanga Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews*, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Pradeep.
India
With Murali Vijay and Wriddhiman Saha injured, there will be a return for Cheteshwar Pujara and a debut for Naman Ojha. Kohli confirmed after the win in Colombo that Pujara will open with KL Rahul, his first Test since December.
Other than that, India are not likely to make any changes. The spin twins of R Ashwin and Amit Mishra is in full form after a stunning show at P. Sara Oval.
Probable XI – Chetheshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli*, Rohit Sharma, Naman Ojha, Stuart Binny, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma.
