India arrive at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo with a 1-0 series lead following their 165-run victory in the first Test at Galle. The second Test begins August 23, with India seeking to maintain momentum and move closer to a series sweep that would strengthen their ICC World Test Championship position.
Sri Lanka will look to avoid a home series loss and level the contest. The pitch at SSC is expected to offer different challenges compared to Galle, with pace and bounce likely to play a significant role in the match outcome.
Here are three key player battles for the Second Test between India and Sri Lanka:
1) Devdutt Padikkal vs Prabath Jayasuriya
Devdutt Padikkal has made a strong impression in the series after scoring 167 in the first Test first innings, followed by 44 in the second innings. He showed a brilliant command over the spin bowling in the clash, using his feet down the ground while also being able to play off the front foot and back foot with ease. He will be looking to put up another big score to cement his place at number 3 in the side.
His role will be to once more take on the left-arm spin of Prabath Jayasuriya, who has been the Sri Lankan side’s main strike bowler in the red-ball format. Jayasuriya picked up seven wickets in the match, including that of Padikkal in the first innings, beating him in the flight, drawing him forward and having him stumped. Jayasuriya will be looking to take Padikkal down before he is able to settle into his stride.