India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: India Aim to Seal Series as Colombo Test Brings New Challenges

India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead when they face Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23.

India won the first Test in Galle and will be confident after several young players made an immediate impact. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a strong response to stay alive in the series.

Team News & Key Battles

Sri Lanka have added uncapped opener Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige to their squad. Nishan Madhushka has been left out as the hosts look to strengthen their batting options.

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said the new ball was a major difference in Galle. “We lost four wickets in the first innings, but we were only able to get two of their wickets with the new ball,” he said.

India could make a change to their spin attack. Off-spinner Saransh Jain may come into consideration because Sri Lanka have several left-handed batters in their top order.

Kuldeep Yadav missing practice sessions could also influence India’s final XI. The visitors may want an extra off-spin option to create different angles against Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

India coach Gautam Gambhir was pleased with the way the younger players performed in the opening Test. “There is a lot of talent and that is what they bring for India, and they delivered straightaway,” he said.

SSC Pitch & Conditions

The SSC pitch is expected to offer good conditions for batting in the early stages. However, spinners have enjoyed more success than pacers at the venue in recent Tests.

Spinners have taken 45 wickets compared to 35 by pacers across the last three Tests at the SSC. India could therefore rely heavily on their spin options as the match progresses.

The weather could add another layer to the contest. High heat and fatigue are expected to test both teams, while rain is forecast as a possibility on all five days.

Sri Lanka will need to find a way to handle India’s bowling attack better, especially with the new ball. “We would like to get more wickets in that period,” de Silva said.

The Test is also important in the World Test Championship race. India will aim to carry their momentum from Galle, while Sri Lanka need to level the series and collect valuable points.

Probable Playing Xis

Sri Lanka: Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav/Saransh Jain, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna