Australia eye series sweep against Sri Lanka: 2nd Test preview
What's the story
Sri Lanka and Australia are all set to renew their Test rivalry in the second match of the ongoing two-match series.
The game will be played at the Galle International Stadium, Galle, starting Thursday, February 6.
This comes after Sri Lanka suffered a crushing defeat in the first game, where they were outplayed by Australia by an innings and 242 runs.
Here's more.
Weather
Rain threat looms in 2nd Test
Accuweather's predictions for the upcoming match at Galle International Cricket Stadium suggest possible rainfall and thunderstorms in the early stages.
Over the next five days, temperatures are expected to hover between 32°C and 34°C with a 65% chance of rain on the first two days.
Afternoon showers are also predicted, which could delay and interrupt this crucial Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka.
Squads
Ramesh Mendis called up by Sri Lanka for 2nd Test
On Monday, spinner Ramesh Mendis was added to Sri Lanka's squad for the second Test against Australia.
Meawnhile, seamer Vishwa Fernando and top-order batter Lahiru Udara were released from what had been an 18-member squad.
Ramesh was earlier dropped both from the Test XI, and later from the squad entirely, on account of a sub-par bowling performance against New Zealand in November.
However with the Lankans faltering in the 1st Test, Ramesh makes a return.
Predicted XIs
Predicted starting XI of the two teams
Sri Lanka could bring in Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara and Mendis.
Sri Lanka predicted starting XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karnaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.
Australia are set to opt for an unchanged side.
Australia prediced starting XI: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann.
Stats
A look at the H2H record and key stats
The two teams have met on 34 occasions in Tests. Australia have won 21 matches with the Lankans claiming 5 wins. Eight matches have been drawn.
Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon is closing in on 550 Test wickets. He has 546 scalps at 30.25. He could become the 2nd Australian spinner after Shane Warne with this milestone.
Kusal Mendis, who owns 4,533 runs in Tests, is two shy of 50 maximums (48).
Preview
Confident Australia will look to dominate the scenes
Australia will be confident to wrap things up and dominate the Lankans. The visitors look well equipped and mammoth knocks from Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in the opener helped them massively.
Australia are well stocked and balanced with the bowling and getting the Lankans struggle in both their innings was a massive effort.
For the Lankans, they need to improve across every department. The team has its task cut out and run the risk of being outplayed.
Information
Match timings and broadcast details
The Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test match will start at 10:00am IST on Thursday with the toss taking place at 9:30am IST. The 2nd Test match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network in India and streamed on the SonyLIV app (paid subscription).