Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Sri Lanka v New Zealand 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction. SL vs NZ 1st Test Preview Dream11 Prediction 14 August 2019

As Test Cricket returns to Sri Lanka, one can only imagine of the sort of action we might see over the coming days.

Sri Lanka are mighty unpredictable. Their fortunes in Test Cricket over the past two or three years have been better than their ODI form, but inconsistencies remain. Such examples include a pummelling at the hands of Australia in February closely followed by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa. In 2016, they swept Australia 3-0 at home. Two years later, they lost by the same margin to England after sweeping South Africa 2-0. So, what does this series hold?

In total contrast, New Zealand are meticulous, well-drilled and more reliable than the hosts. Ranked second with five straight series victories to their name, New Zealand have also displayed grit in Asia, winning in UAE against Pakistan just under a year ago along with a fine effort in their last visit to Sri Lanka, in 2012. The start of the World Test Championship for both teams will create an even bigger desire to leave no stone unturned, so will it be who Kane Williamson leads his side admirably once again?

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Key to a Sri Lanka win

Despite two shaky results in the past two years, Galle has often been a source of joy for Sri Lanka in Test Cricket. The sight of Muttiah Muralitharan alone lit up the place, en route to finishing his career with 111 wickets at 18 at the ground. Rangana Herath then got his chance to become Sri Lanka’s lead spinner, taking 102 wickets at his beloved Galle. So, who will it be this time to make their mark on a ground where Sri Lanka have won five of their past seven Tests? Following on from greats and coming back from an action-adjustment places extra pressure on Akila Dananjaya, who needs adequate from Lasith Embuldeniya (if picked), who has all of two Tests to his name. Turn is expected, so can Sri Lanka’s spinners get the better of New Zealand’s big guns?

Also, while Sri Lanka are in the comfort of home conditions, they will face a New Zealand attack that more than held their own in the UAE last year. As many as three specialist spinners could grace the Galle pitch, which requires Sri Lanka to play with grit, determination and smarts. Dimuth Karunaratne, fast tracked into captaincy, has a vital role to play. Indeed, anything like his superb series against South Africa last year will hold the Sri Lankans in good stead, along with the likes of Kusal Perera, Mendis and Angelo Mathews in getting Sri Lanka into their innings.

Key to a New Zealand win

The anguish New Zealand faced at the World Cup Final requires a strong leader in the aftermath. In Kane Williamson, New Zealand most certainly have that man, who will be tasked with continuing his outstanding form across formats in 2019, as well as building on his 50+ Test average in Asia. That the Black caps didn’t get to bat in the tour game due to rain is a blow, so eyes will also be on the likes of Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls (who was superb in 2018) in grinding the Sri Lankans down with their ability to play spin. Indeed, a strong platform allows the likes of Ross Taylor and BJ Watling to also ease into their innings.

Also, it will be interesting to see what impact New Zealand’s spinners have in these conditions. The Galle pitch is expected to take big turn early, so the ability of the spinners to catch Sri Lanka’s batsmen by surprise will be key. Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Will Somerville could all take the field for this Test, which places onus on all three to remain patient, forcing the Sri Lankans to make the pace on a pitch that could offer plenty. With reverse swing also possibly a factor (provided the weather is kind), the likes of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be key in generating some movement in short, sharp bursts.

Pitch and conditions

According to ESPNCricinfo Sri Lanka Correspondent Andrew Fernando, the Galle pitch is expected to turn early in the Test. Some rain is forecast right throughout the Test.

Possible Playing 11

Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews did not play in Sri Lanka’s last Test against South Africa in February. However, they are now back in Sri Lanka’s Test squad, but only Mathews is expected to play despite Sri Lanka’s chief selector saying Oshada Fernando will miss out, with Dhananjaya de Silva to play as the all-rounder. Niroshan Dickwella should get the nod as wicketkeeper thanks to some decent form for Sri Lanka A against India A recently.

Sri Lanka: 1. Dimuth Karunaratne (c), 2. Lahiru Thirimanne, 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Angelo Mathews, 5. Kusal Perera, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8. Akila Dananjaya, 9. Suranga Lakmal, 10. Lasith Embuldeniya, 11. Lakshan Sandakan/Vishwa Fernando

New Zealand could play three finger spinners in their XI, unless they choose Todd Astle as a legspin option.

New Zealand: 1. Jeet Raval, 2. Tom Latham, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Ajaz Patel, 10. Will Somerville, 11. Trent Boult

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• The winner of this Test will get 60 points in the Test Championship (two match Test Series).
• Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 10 wickets in their last Test meeting at Galle.
• The last eight Tests in Galle have been won by the team who won the toss.

Looking to bet on this match? Some key tips to keep in mind.

Match Prediction

An interesting match in store, provided the weather allows for it. New Zealand look a well-balanced side in these conditions and are a good pick for a win. However, this match could ultimately come down to the toss, given how crucial it has been over the least few years in Galle.

Thanks for reading!

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