Sri Lanka v New Zealand 2nd Test: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Sri Lanka had got the better of New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. They made a difficult chase look easy after the fortune of the Test swung from one way to the other throughout the course of the first three innings. While a spinner took five wickets before tea in the first session, the only hundred of the Test came in the fourth innings – evidence of the fact that this was not quite your everyday Test match.

The teams now move to P Sara Oval, where – in all likelihood – we shall witness another classic on a turning pitch. Akila Dananjaya has had his action reported, which leaves some uncertainty over his inclusion. If he does not play, Lakshan Sandakan is the forerunner to partner Lasith Embuldeniya, with Dhananjaya de Silva acting as the third spinner.

Dimuth Karunaratne’s reassuring presence and Lahiru Thirimanne’s return to form will provide them the start they need. Their redoubtable, if inconsistent, middle order may pick up things from there.

The New Zealand spinners – Ajaz Patel, William Somerville, and Mitchell Santner – were competent. However, the tail seemed too long, a fact that can be rectified by bringing in Colin de Grandhomme for Tim Southee, who was not needed at Galle anyway. With bat, Kane Williamson needs to put his twin failures behind him and return to his best.

All in all, Sri Lanka are favourites, though the toss will play an extremely crucial role.

Head to head

New Zealand lead 15-9 in overall clashes including 6-2 in the current decade. However, Sri Lanka hold a 7-4 lead on Sri Lankan soil.

Key players

Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lanka): Lakmal had polished off the New Zealand tail in the first innings at Galle, something he has done time and again over the past couple of years. His newfound batting talent may also prove to be a bonus.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): There are no two ways about this: if New Zealand have to win, Williamson has to deliver. He looked scratchy till he got out at Galle, something that is hardly befitting of someone of his stature.

Likely XIs

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Kumara.

New Zealand: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, William Somerville, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel.

Prediction

Sri Lanka to seal series 2-0.