Promising middle order batsman Kithruwan Vithanage will make his Test debut today in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium as Sri Lanka begin a new era in their cricket under a new captain.
All-rounder Angelo Mathews will become the 13th man to lead Sri Lanka in Tests and the youngest at the age of 25 years and 276 days. Mathews breaks Aravinda de Silva’s record. The former great was 25 years and 309 days old when he led the country for the first time in Tests at Lord’s in 1991.
Kithruwan, who turned 22 earlier this week, was a prolific batsman for Royal College and was somewhat of a surprise call-up for the three day warm up game against Bangladesh at Matara. But he surprised many making less than run a ball unbeaten 168. He will become Sri Lanka’s 124th Test cricketer.
Ajantha Mendis was tipped to return to the side and will partner left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who had an excellent 2012 finishing the year as the highest wicket taker.
Mendis, meanwhile, hasn’t played a Test Match in two years. His last Test was in May 2011 against England in Wales. There was also some talk of the other Mendis, Jeevan, making his Test debut, but given Ajantha’s experience he is likely to get the nod ahead of Jeevan.
Given the one-sided nature in contests between the two teams in Test cricket, Sri Lanka are expected to cruise past the tourists, but Bangladesh have put on some impressive performances in recent times, particularly in the shorter formats of the game. Last year Bangladesh humbled both Sri Lanka and India in the Asia Cup tournament and narrowly lost the final to Pakistan.
Although Sri Lanka have won all their 12 Tests against Bangladesh, coach Graham Ford has called for ruthlessness from his team. “We found out the hard way during the Asia Cup. They gave us a good hiding there. We are determined to extracting some revenge after that result,” Ford said.
Skipper Angelo Mathews sounded a word of caution. “They are a very dangerous team. Their key players have been playing for three to four years now. They have learned quite a lot and they actually know how to win a game of cricket. We have to play good cricket to win against them,” Mathews said.
Bangladesh have played 75 Tests so far, but have won only three and drawn seven. Two of those wins came against a depleted West Indies side while the other win was against Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqar Rahim said his side will take lot of confidence from the recent series against a strong West Indies side. In the first Test in Mirpur, Bangladesh took a 29 run first innings lead before going onto lose a closely fought game by 77 runs.
“We have to play each session well. Against the West Indies, we did quite well, but we couldn’t finish it off. We need to improve on that front,” Mushfiqar said. When asked whether his side could beat Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh captain said, “It’s difficult, but not impossible.”
Sri Lanka (Probable XI)
Dimuth Karunaratne, T.M. Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews (Captain), Kithruwan Vithanage, Dinesh Chandimal (Wicketkeeper), Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath and Shaminda Eranga.
Bangladesh (From)
Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Mahmudullah, Abul Hasan, Anamul Haque, Elias Sunny, Jahurul Islam, Marshall Ayub, Mohammad Ashraful, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Sohag Gazi and Tamim Iqbal.
Umpires: Nigel Llong (Eng) and Richard Illingworth (Eng)
Third Umpire: T.H. Wijewardene (SL)
Match Referee: David Boon (SL)
By Rex Clementine
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)
