IND vs SL – 2nd Test – Preview: India seek another win in red-ball Test at home
Despite all the hype, the first of the two-match Test series turned out to be a rather one-sided affair. A Ravindra Jadeja special saw India win the game without breaking a sweat. Thus, Sri Lanka will have to look for a quick turnaround in order to win the second Test.
It has been a while since Sri Lanka beat India in a Test match. It was in 2015 when the emerald nation last beat India in a red-ball game. As far as the second game in Bengaluru is concerned, the Karunaratne-led side have to work on their batting. Their batters need to build the big partnerships. The experienced players like Angelo Mathews as well as the Lankan skipper need to step up.
Besides, their bowling wasn’t too great either. As this happens to be Suranga Lakmal’s farewell Test, he would want to be at his best. As far as India are concerned, this is their fourth pink ball Test. It is to be noted that India are yet to lose a pink ball Test at home.
The hosts wouldn’t want to change too many things for this Test. A win over here can significantly boost their standings at the Test Championship (WTC) table. As for the visitors, they wouldn’t want to return home empty-handed. Thus, this game promises to be an absolute cracker of a contest.
Pitch Conditions:
The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is expected to favour the batters for the first few days. However, the ball is expected to turn and do all sorts of things as and when the game progresses. Besides, as this is a pink ball game, the pacers would get assistance during the last few overs of each of the five days.
Probable XIs:
Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Predicted Playing XI:
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Pathun Nissanka, Charith Asalanka/Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Dushmantha Chameera
Match Details:
India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India 2022
Date and Time: Saturday, March 12, 2:00 PM IST
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Where to watch: Star Sports Network
