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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview

Written by Rick John Henry for @HollywoodbetsFollow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!


Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Wednesday 06 August | Galle | 06:30

Familiar foes battle for bragging rights in another quickfire two-Test series, however, the overall focus of the contests will be to bid farewell to Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene. The previous adjective is not one to bandy about the cricket world when referring to players, but Sri Lanka’s middle-order stalwart is certainly worthy of the title. Pakistan are starved of practice in the Test arena, their last series in January ending in a draw at home to their current opposition. Indeed, Pakistan haven’t been involved in competitive cricket since their ignominious exit from the World T20 at the hands of the West Indies at the beginning of April. That performance was another textbook example of Pakistani panic at the wicket, a quality they will do well to eradicate if they have any hope of an uncharacteristic series win away from home.

To Win
Sri Lanka 7/4
Draw 11/10
Pakistan 7/2

Sri Lanka
While the hosts will feel somewhat disappointed that they were unable to salvage a shared series with recent tourists South Africa, Sri Lanka have proved formidable opponents in all forms of the game in 2014. Sri Lanka seem at the beginning of something special in their history and the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene from Test cricket, while a huge loss, also signifies an opportunity for a new star to take up the mantle. However, his successor has much to follow. A cornerstone of the Sri Lankan middle-order since 1997, Jayawardene has amassed over 11 000 Test runs including 33 centuries. He’s racked up a hundred against every Test playing nation and in all parts of the world, bar South Africa. Helped along by yet another stylish century in the recently concluded series against the Proteas, he averages 75.00 in his last six matches, proving the talent has not yet fully diminished. He’ll be impossible to replace and in addition, his catching, leadership and responsibility in the Sri Lankan set-up will be sorely missed. He’ll be determined to finish his career with another classic performance or two. In other team news, Nuwan Pradeep returns to the fold and Dickwella keeps his place, while Chandimal and Mendis have both been dropped. Lakmal has been ruled out of the series while Eranga is still nursing an injury concern, making Sri Lanka’s pace attack a depleted one.

Pakistan
There will be a certain degree of desperation about this Pakistan side, knowing that they haven’t recorded a Test series win since 2012, in the UAE against England. It’s a long time to wait for Test match glory and they will hoping to replicate a successful South African side on the abrasive Sri Lankan surfaces. They won’t, however, possess the same pace battery nor the same steely resolve. Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped due to poor form, with Umar Akmal set to take his place following nearly three years away from the Test side. Akmal will compete with Asad Shafiq for a spot in the middle-order. The pace attack will be led by Junaid Khan in the absence of both Mohammad Irfan (fitness problems) and Umar Gul (knee injury). Wahab Riaz has been elected to replace Gul, a surprise decision considering the recent trouble with Riaz playing disapproved cricket in the USA and his absence from the Test team since 2011. It’s a decision that seems based on his fitness, as he was deemed one of the most fit recently at a training camp. Mohammad Talha looks set to be the third quick, while Sarfraz Ahmed will take the gloves.

Venue
A stronghold of Sri Lankan cricket, Sri Lanka have suffered only four losses at Galle since the year 2000. Unfortunately, one of those came against the Proteas last month. As usual, the surface should take kindly to spin but will be good for batsmen on the opening days. Pakistan have played three Tests at the ground, the only win coming in the year 2000. Quite a bit of rain is expected during the Test, but one can never know how much of the match will be affected.

VERDICT: Draw 11/10
The draw is priced up as favourite and all indications point to the result. Both sides have depleted pace attacks and will be looking to whir away with the spinners. However, less than a month ago, it was not spin but reverse swing that caused damage. With time likely to be lost during the match and reverse swing unlikely given the scenario, get behind the draw and don’t look back.

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