A crucial World Test Championship series gets underway in Galle this weekend when Sri Lanka host Pakistan.
The hosts have produced a mixed bag in a summer season disrupted by national unrest.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | First Test | Saturday 16 July 2022 – Wednesday 20 July 2022 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 06:30
Sri Lanka
Coming into the series off the back of a morale-boosting win over Australia that allowed them to share their series and move up in the World Test Championship.
Sri Lanka Cricket has been on the brink of finding its feet but the situation in the country is dire and the players have to be feeling it.
Dinesh Chandimal showed his worth last time out becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a Test double hundred against Australia.
Their multiple spin options and Pakistan’s great quick bowling stocks make it likely that we will see another slow-turning pitch in Galle.
Pakistan
Pakistan arrive intent on making their own WTC push with the championship blown wide open by Sri Lanka’s win over Australia.
This series is likely to serve as a barometer of the progress made by the Test team under new management.
Babar Azam remains the key man with the bat while he also has the responsibility of leading the side.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Agha Salman could be set for a huge Test debut in Galle.
Verdict: Sri Lanka
It should be Pakistan but Sri Lanka are backed into a corner and ready to fight.
