Enthused Pakistan seeks to sweep the series

As Sri Lanka continues to experience political unrest, cricket will once more be played in the background as Pakistan attempts to sweep the Test series in Galle, which begins on Sunday (July 24). In order to maintain series balance, the host team must overcome certain injury absences.

Sri Lanka had a chance to win the opening game, but they were dominated by Pakistan’s batters, who put on a disciplined display and more than let the chance pass as they chased down the venue record score.

Given that the location, opponent, and weather are all certain to remain the same for the second Test, the question of whether Sri Lanka has the necessary skill arises.

Prabhat Jayasuriya may have had a fantastic start to his Test career with 21 wickets in four innings, but during the last two games — an innings win over Australia and a record run-chase by Pakistan — the left-arm spinner has been forced to bowl alone.

On the turners at Galle, where the bounce and pace have stayed far from uncomfortable for them, Sri Lankan hitters have generally been confident, but the bowlers have failed to apply themselves well in favourable circumstances. On the other hand, the Pakistani squad led by Babar Azam has a pattern of chasing down large totals in the fourth innings.