Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
For Sri Lanka, their version of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place in West Indies. They were desperately disappointing in the first Test, but take nothing away from West Indies, who are now poised to win just their second Test series in their last 12 attempts.
Yes, West Indies displayed the patience and skill required to win a Test match, and completely outplayed their opponents in Port of Spain. They put the all important first innings runs on the board, and from there, they were always playing from in front. It was a well-rounded performance, and Jason Holder and co will be confident of a sweet series victory.
A 226-run loss to a struggling Test side isn’t Sri Lanka‘s only worry. Angelo Mathews (personal reasons) and Lahiru Gamage (injury) have flown back to Sri Lanka, stretching their already thin resources even further. They’ll have to dig very deep to keep their hopes alive of winning their first Test series in the Caribbean.
Key to a West Indies win
West Indies were 147/5 in their first innings in Port of Spain, but still managed to put immense pressure on Sri Lanka with both bat and ball. West Indies’ batting approach on the second day may have frustrated a few, but 414 was a magnificent score after losing half their side for 147.
Seven players crossed 30 in the first innings, but only Shane Dowrich scored 50+ in his second Test hundred. The key for West Indies would be for their batsmen to convert starts to mount the pressure on Sri Lanka.
Also, in the first innings, West Indies’ seamers took charge. In the second, the spinners did. It was encouraging to see, and a repeat will be the order of the day.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Kusal Mendis was the only player to score over 50 for Sri Lanka in Port of Spain, and he even offered two chances that the West Indies missed.
Their batsmen were decimated against a West Indies attack that has been modest at home over the last few years, despite their potential. In addition, the bowlers lacked bite, and couldn’t take advantage of having West Indies 147/5 on the first day.
Sri Lanka need to remain positive, despite the big loss in particular of Angelo Mathews. I would keep Kusal Perera in the side, moving him down the order. Whether Dilruwan Perera gets a game over Akila Dananjaya remains to be seen.
Whatever they go with, they need to have a better game.
Predicted teams
Devon Smith had a tough time of it in the first Test but West Indies could give him another chance. Otherwise, no changes to a winning formula.
West Indies: 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Kieran Powell, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Roston Chase, 6 Shane Dowrich (wk), 7 Jason Holder (c), 8 Devendra Bishoo, 9 Miguel Cummins, 10 Kemar Roach, 10 Shannon Gabriel
Dhananjaya de Silva could return to sit at number three, and will give Dinesh Chandimal a bowling option. I would also think Sri Lanka will go with Akila Dananjaya to provide more attacking off spin.
Sri Lanka: 1 Kusal Mendis, 2 Mahela Udawatte, 3 Dhananjaya de Silva, 4 Roshen Silva, 5 Dinesh Chandimal (c), 6 Kusal Perera, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Rangana Herath, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Akila Dananjaya, 11 Lahiru Kumara
Stats and Facts:
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West Indies haven’t won back-to-back Tests since beating Bangladesh 2-0 in 2014.
- Rangana Herath has 418 Test wickets. Only Anil Kumble, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have more wickets among spinners.
- Three of the five Tests at Gros Islet have been draws.
Prediction
Sri Lanka entered this series on the back of a good run in Test cricket, but after the first Test, they are really up against it.
Anything can happen, but I will back West Indies to win and take the series 2-0 ahead of the third Test.
