SL vs WI: Five players to keep an eye on in the Test series
Sri Lanka are gearing up to host West Indies for a two-match Test series, starting Sunday, November 21. Both games will be played at the Galle International Stadium. This series holds great significance as it would mark the start of both teams’ campaign in the 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle. Both sides couldn’t do much in the inaugural edition and would like to put up a better show this time around.
As far as Test cricket is concerned, neither Sri Lanka nor West Indies have much to show in recent years. While they have recorded some impressive wins in both home and overseas, performing consistently has been an issue for them. Hence, both teams have many reasons to put their best foot forward in the upcoming series.
Here are 5 players to watch out for in the Test series:
Dimuth Karunaratne
Although Sri Lanka’s batting line-up hasn’t done too well in Tests lately, Dimuth Karunaratne has been exceptional at the top. Be it tackling the swinging new ball with precision or showing resistance against spin bowlers, the southpaw rose to every challenge that came his way and racked up over 5000 runs in the format. He would be critical to Sri Lanka’s performance against the Caribbean side.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Unarguably the hottest property in Sri Lankan cricket at the moment, Hasaranga has been on a roll of late. The leg-spinner can pick up wickets at regular intervals, and also has the ability to score crucial runs in the lower-middle order. The youngster would be confident of shining against the Windies, having done well in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.
Kraigg Brathwaite
West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite will have to come good if his team wants to make a significant mark in the series. A veteran of 72 Tests, the opener has a plethora of experience on his back and it would be interesting to see how he embraces the Lankan challenge.
Jason Holder
Although Jason Holder might not be the captain of the Test team anymore, he still has a significant role to play as a handy all-rounder. The right-arm pacer is well versed with the Asian tracks which would assist the entire bowling attack. Not to forget, Holder can also score runs consistently.
Roston Chase
Another all-rounder who can give Sri Lanka a hard time is Roston Chase. With the Galle track traditionally known to favour spinners, Chase will have a significant role to play with the ball. He will also be expected to score runs and boost the lower order.
