After enough T20 cricket around the globe, Test cricket is finally making its comeback with a two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and West Indies. Sri Lanka is passing through a transition period as many talented youngsters are getting chances across the formats. However, a couple of experienced players also managed to get places in the squad for this first Test series of their home season.
On the other hand, West Indies looked pretty stable in this format as they drew the last Test series against Pakistan by 1-1. In the last contest between the two teams, West Indies managed to get two drawn Test matches so they will aim to finish this series on a winning note. Kraigg Braithwaite-led side will have the challenge to perform against quality spin bowling of the home side.
Match Conditions
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Date and Time: Nov 21 – Nov 25 | 10.00 AM IST
Weather: The weather should be clear as no rain is predicted during match hours.
Playing XI Probables
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka are likely to open in this series against West Indies. Nissanka was one of the top performers in the recent T20 World Cup and he will aim to continue his good run in this format as well. Charith Asalanka is most likely to make his Test debut in the first Test. Angelo Mathews will be the main all-rounder along with De Silva. In the bowling department, Suranga Lakmal and Vishwa Fernando will be the main wicket-takers.
Probable Playing XI: Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjay De Silva, Dinesh Chandimal(wk), Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera
West Indies
West Indies will look to play with all-rounders as that was the key to success for them on most occasions. Roston Chase and Jason Holder will be two leading all-rounders along with Kyle Mayers. The skipper Kraigg Braithwaite and Jermaine Blackwood will be the two main batsmen for the visitors. Shai Hope is making his comeback in the longer format and he will aim to utilize his opportunity on this tour.
Probable Playing XI: Kraigg Braithwaite(c), Shai Hope(wk), Nkumrah Bonner, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rakheem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shannon Gabriel.
What can you expect?
West Indies have a balanced squad and some inform players in their side compared to the host. However, Sri Lanka is playing at home and they will have the advantage of home conditions but looking at the strength, West Indies will start as favorites to win this match.
Fantasy Suggestions
Try to include more all-rounders in your fantasy team as they will provide points with bat and ball. The pitch will assist spinners as the Test match progress, so picking spinners will be the key in this game. The skipper will like to bat first in this game after winning the toss, so pick the top three players of batting first side as they will have the better condition to score runs.
Dream11 Team
Wicket-Keepers: Shai Hope is making his comeback into Test cricket. He will open for West Indies in this match and he can score a big hundred in these conditions.
Batsmen: Asalanka, Karunaratne, and Pathum Nissanka are three inform batters for Sri Lanka. I will have all three on my side. The Windies skipper, Kraigg Braithwaite will be the fourth batsman to pick from the batting section.
All-rounders: Roston Chase and Jason Holder are no-brainers in this format. Both players will score runs and provide wickets at regular intervals. Angelo Mathews can be picked as the third all-rounder in this team.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara will be the two leading pacers for the home side. Roston Chase is a must-pick option from the visitor’s side.
Captaincy Pick: Jason Holder is the best all-rounder in Test cricket across the world. He will be an obvious pick to captain in your fantasy team. Apart from him, Roston Chase and Kraigg Braithwaite are the other two options to captain in this game.
