Sri Lanka v India Test series Preview: India looks to end 22 year drought in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka v India Test series Preview: India looks to end 22 year drought in Sri Lanka: The two Asian giants Sri Lanka and India are set to lock horns in a 3-match Test series in the island nation commencing from 12 August. The series is set to emblazon the 22 yards as it is slated to be a fierce battle between two young sides which are going through transition. It will also be a bout between the vision of two individuals who happen to be the skippers of their respective sides: Virat Kohli and Angelo Mathews.

Virat likes to play tough and wears his heart on his sleeve. It would rub off on the character of each Indian player who takes on the field. On the other hand, Angelo Mathews possesses a cool and calm persona which signifies his game and will impact the attitude of his team-mates as well. So, it will be a fight of flame and frost.

But, amidst all these exhilarating battles, the teams will also witness frequent showers as it’s the monsoon season in Sri Lanka. There are expectations that there might be total washouts on some days of the series. It’s certainly hard to understand why matches are scheduled at a time when rain becomes inevitable and dons the hat of a spoiler in the game.

India:

Last time when the Indian team tasted success against the Lankan’s in their den, it was under the captaincy of Mohammad Azharuddin in 1993. But, since then India has not won a Test series in Sri Lanka. This series will also be the litmus test of Kohli’s credentials as a skipper. It would be interesting to witness whether he commands his emotions or they overpower him.

Indian’s are opting for the strategy of 5 specialist bowlers in their side which will mean the batters will have an uphill task at their hand. Murali Vijay will miss the 1^st Test due to hamstring injury which will be a big blow for the visitors but in KL Rahul they have a very technically sound opener. Rahane who has transpired to be the pillar of the side will be a vital cog for the visitors. Kohli who hasn’t fared well in the last few matches will also look to lead the side through his inspirational displays. While, for Rohit Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha it would be a quest to cement their feet in Test cricket, as they have put up indifferent performances till now.

In the past we have seen that bowling has been the Achilles heel of the Indian’s. Many a time a bowler comes up, performs excellently and then vanishes. To overcome this paramount weakness Kohli and the team management has decided to employ the strategy of 5 specialist bowlers in the side. While Ishant Sharma will look to build up his reputation as a consistent Test bowler, Umesh Yadav would like to change people’s perception of him as only being a talented speedster. The presence of Harbhajan Singh will provide the much-needed experience to the spin attack while R Ashwin is all geared up to take his performances to the next level. Amit Mishra, the leggie will provide variety to the bowling department.

Sri Lanka:

The Sri Lankan team’s overdependence on Sangakkara and Jayawardene over the years has never been a secret. But, now their inability to produce quality young batters is getting exposed. Apart from Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva there is hardly any dependable batter in the side. Thirimanne and Chandimal who were held in high regards in Sri Lankan cricket are yet to stamp their authority on Test cricket. A lot will depend on Sangakkara as to how he carries the Lankan batting in the series while Mathews will be a key figure as well.

On the bowling front as well, they seem inexperienced and over-reliant on Rangana Herath. The conditions in Lanka will be windy which will result in drying up the pitch, so a lot will also depend on pacers like Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep as to how they utilize the conditions and the vulnerability of Indian batsmen against seamers. While the mystery spinner Tharindu Kaushal would like to replicate the magic of Ajantha Mendis in 2008 series. Rangana Herath like in every series will have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Head to head in Tests:

Both the Asian nations first played a Test match in 1982/83. Overall they have played 35 Test matches. India has won 14 matches while the Lankans have emerged winners on 6 occasions. India holds a superior win percentage of 40 over Sri Lanka while Lankan’s have a win percentage of 17.14. In the last decade, both the nations have participated in 4 Test series two each in India and Sri Lanka respectively. India has won the home series on both the occasions while Sri Lanka has won one and the other has been a draw.

India tour of Sri Lanka Fixture: 

Most runs in Sri Lanka – India Tests:

Most wickets in Sri Lanka – India Tests: