Sri Lanka v West Indies 2nd Test preview: West Indies face an uphill task in the series decider

Sri Lanka v West Indies 2nd Test preview: West Indies face an uphill task in the series decider: The historic P Sara Oval is famous for producing results with only 4 draws out of 19 Test matches. The result producing trend may well continue; courtesy Prasad and Herath’s bowling form and the Windies’ batting form. The visitors will need an extraordinary effort, in the 2nd and final Test starting tomorrow, to level the series.

Generally there is enough grass on the pitch at the PSS to keep the faster men interested. This is something that should provide hope to the visitors who are desperately looking for a much improved performance. There is enough potential in their bowling line up to make use of good bowling conditions however it is their batting which appears fragile at the moment. Only Darren Bravo and Jermaine Blackwood showed some resilience in the first Test and were able to score runs. The likes of Samuels, Braithwaite, Hope and Ramdin will need to get their act together and show some fight if the West Indies are to have any chances of pulling off a win here.

Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep will be eager to bowl on the seamer-friendly pitch. Prasad is clearly the leader of the pace attack. He has been in fine form against Pakistan and India and has kept injuries at bay, something which he struggled to do earlier in his international career. He has now played in each of Sri Lanka’s last 11 Tests, something that augurs well for the home side. This year he has taken an impressive 36 wickets at 26.41.

The West Indian batsmen will first have to get past him before facing their nemesis, Rangana Herath. The left arm spinner will look to continue his domination and win the series for his side, something they have struggled to do this year. The other specialist spinner Kaushal failed to impress in the previous Test it will be interesting to see if he keeps his place in the team. The all-rounder Siriwardana, who took 2 wickets in the second innings, is likely to be given another opportunity to showcase his talent with the bat.

The batting was big positive for the home side, especially the form of Karunaratne and Chandimal. Silva and Thirimanne will look to contribute in the second Test, something they failed to do in the first. The ever reliable, skipper Angelo Matthews, will look hold the middle and lower order together.

The West Indies will have to show the determination required to compete at the highest level. The way they succumbed to pressure in the first Test was disheartening to see. They have the potential however it needs to reflect in their performances. Catching was a huge let down and is something they must work on if they are to get a positive result.

Form guide:

Sri Lanka: WLLWL
West Indies: LLLWL

Probable XI:

Sri Lanka

Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (C), Milinda Siriwardena, Kusal Perera (wk), Dhammika Prasad, Tharindu Kaushal/ Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Pradeep

West Indies

Kraigg Braithwaite, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Jason Holder (C), Devendra Bishoo, Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel