India takes on struggling hosts Sri Lanka in the 3rd and final test match to be played at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy from tomorrow. It has been a dominating performance by Virat Kohli’s men in the series so far winning both matches convincingly. This will be a great chance for team India to continue their winning streak and whitewash Sri Lanka.
In the second test match played at SSC, Colombo, Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat. Chetewshwar Pujara and Rahane scored centuries while Ashwin, Saha, Jadeja, Hardik Pandya scored valuable runs which helped India to post a massive total of 622 for 9.
It will be another chance for the Indian batsmen to score big runs again and put pressure on the Sri Lankan bowling line up. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked 5 wickets each in both innings. Ravindra Jadeja has been suspended for the third test because of demerits points.
In the batting department, Shikhar Dhawan or Mukund will partner KL Rahul. Apart from that the rest of players looks settled.
Axar Patel has been added to the squad as a cover for Ravindra Jadeja. The batting line up looks quite settled. Virat Kohli has to decide to include Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for tomorrow’s test match. Bhubaneshwar Kumar should be included in the squad.
Sri Lanka has been struggling for form during this series. In the first innings of the previous test, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 183. The top order failed and could not handle the pressure on top quality bowling from Indian bowlers. In the second innings, Kusal Mendis and Karunathe scored centuries. Sri Lanka improved from their first innings score posting 386 runs losing the match by an innings and 53 runs.
It is a huge blow that their experienced bowler Hearth has been ruled out of the third test due to the back injury. Dushmantha Chameera and Gamage will add some strength to bowling line up. Sri Lanka has to play aggressive cricket if they have to defeat a strong Indian line up. Their experienced batsmen like Tharanga, Chandimal, Mathews need to step up. It is going to be a tough task for the hosts and also a chance to play fearless cricket. Lakshan Sandan could replace Malinda Pushpkumara.
It promises to be another interesting clash as India will be looking to become the first Asian team to whitewash Sri Lanka in their own den. If the pitch is helpful for fast bowlers, then both teams would be looking to play 3 pacers.
