New Zealand tour of Srilanka, 2 tests, discussion, 18th September - 30th September

[Tillu]

Not many expected Sri Lanka to win the final Test in England despite it being a dead rubber. In fact, not many expected Sri Lanka to put up a brave fight in the entire series at different junctures. Had they managed to seize their moments in the opening two Tests, the result could have definitely been different. Confidence wise, Sri Lanka are definitely on a high having reached their shores for the next challenge.

Pathum Nissanka's player of the match performance at the Oval has solved one headache up top whereas Kamindu Mendis has continued his meteoric rise. In familiar conditions, these players should only go from strength to strength. They will also be up against an undercooked opponent in New Zealand. With the one-off Test against Afghanistan washed out without a single ball being bowled, New Zealand enter this series with little to no preparation. It is not a good sign for the visitors on a sub-continental tour, especially if the ball starts turning square right from the outset.

There will be a lot of reliance on Kane Williamson in spin-friendly conditions, but the rest of the batters will have to adapt quickly and step up as well. Sterner tests await New Zealand in India after the conclusion of this series so a positive result here would help massively and imbibe confidence into the squad. They can also take confidence from the fact that they have avoided series defeats in their last two Test tours to the island nation.

When: 1st Test, September 18-23, 10 AM local time

Where :Galle International Stadium, Galle

What to expect: Spin is again expected to play a role in the game, as was witnessed the last time Galle hosted a Test match. However, rain is expected to disrupt proceedings almost every day. There will be a rest day on September 21 due to the elections in Sri Lanka.

Team News

Sri Lanka

The hosts have made a few changes from their previous XI owing to conditions predominantly. Milan Rathnayake has been left out despite putting up decent performances in his debut series in England. But Sri Lanka had to make that tough call to bring in their spinners. Dinesh Chandimal has been relieved of his keeping duties and has been promoted to No.3. Kusal Mendis, their wicketkeeper for this Test, will now move to No.7.

Probable XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando

New Zealand

There were initial doubts over the number of Tests their skipper Tim Southee potentially would play in this part of the world. But there won't be any question marks over his participation in this Test, given he played a huge role in New Zealand's last two Test wins in Sri Lankan soil.

Probable XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), Matt Henry/Ben Sears, Ajaz Patel
 

Cricbuzz

 

@Austin 3:!6@Lord Please pin this thread

Edited September 18 by Tillu

[singhvivek141]

SL series will give NZ a good practice for India tour.

 

And this Southee is still playing ? I thought he retired with his partner Boult. God he is playing since 2008-09, same batch with Kohli.

 

[Tillu]

Srilanka opted to bat. Apparently this is a six day test due to presidential elections in Srilanka on 21st.

[Manucrick]

Sl already lost two wickets

[Nikhil_cric]

Both wickets gone to Will O Rourke. Quality prospect. 

[Lone Wolf]

That was a good ball by O Rourke 

[Gollum]

Kane averages 55 

 

Bet he averages sub 35 against full strength Aus, Ind, RSA, Eng. 

[nitinbwj]

What a piss poor approach by Matthews. Playing like meek fearful KL. Fukkk off dude 

[Tillu]

4 minutes ago, nitinbwj said:

What a piss poor approach by Matthews. Playing like meek fearful KL. Fukkk off dude 

 

 

Your wish has been granted. He's retired hurt now.

[Manucrick]

18 minutes ago, nitinbwj said:

What a piss poor approach by Matthews. Playing like meek fearful KL. Fukkk off dude 

Wait for ind vs bd we can see another meek innings from kl

Edited September 18 by Manucrick

[nitinbwj]

1 hour ago, Tillu said:

 

 

Your wish has been granted. He's retired hurt now.

Back again 

[Lone Wolf]

Kamindu Mendis another classy century from left hander 

[Tillu]

Fourth century and four 50s for Kamindu Mendis in his first 10 innings in test cricket. One of the best young cricketers going around.

Edited September 18 by Tillu

[Gollum]

This series and Chess Olympiad are the only things to look forward to this month. 

 

The fact that we are playing Bangladesh after all what happened recently makes me sick. Don't know about you guys, but shall personally boycott the series, though news of Bumrah breaking a few BD skulls and ribs, or some stone pelting by crowd (don't let me down Kanpur) won't be the worst thing to happen. 

Edited September 18 by Gollum

[rageaddict]

Yeh Kamindu Mendis toh majak majak main century maar deta hai, hopefully he has a long long career and isn't going through a  purple patch very early in his career ..

Edited September 18 by rageaddict

[Tillu]

New Zealand 250/4. They are getting excellent match practice. Hope all the remaining days are washed out.

[rollingstoned]

O'rourke's action looks very similar to Cummins.

[Tillu]

Kamindu got out for just 13 runs.

[Frustrated]

Among SENA teams, kiwis & SA are the worst performers in Asian conditions.  Kiwis had a lead of 40 in the 1st inning.  They threw away a golden opportunity to win the test. Allowed SL batters to get off the hook.  

[rollingstoned]

Kiwis plugged away but didn't have luck in that last session. Many times catches didn't go to hand. 

Sl batting looks somewhat settled and solid now actually.