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Back to back tests in Galle starting tomorrow (Wednesday) 230pm
2nd Test Thur Sep 26th
Kiwis might be a bit under done?
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A lot has happened since New Zealand last toured Sri Lanka. Back then, in 2019, the world was yet to be introduced to Covid-19, while the Lankans were only just recovering from Rangana Herath's retirement. Fast forward to the present, the pandemic is firmly in the rearview while Herath is gearing up to for duty as New Zealand's spin-bowling coach.
That said, similarities also abound from that last tour. For one, like then, Sri Lanka enter buoyed by a historic result overseas - then it was a momentous series win in South Africa, and in 2024 it's a consolatory Test win in England to cap off a hard-fought tour. The 2019 series was also held in a presidential election year, though that one was not nearly as imminent as the one set to interrupt the first Test with a rest day.
This is also still, largely, that same New Zealand outfit - barring a few retirements, a few new faces and a bit more grey hair. It's also one that might be a little undercooked in terms of where they might like to be in preparation for their run at this cycle of the World Test Championship.
A washed-out Test against Afghanistan earlier this month means the last time New Zealand played a Test was in March, while they haven't had a competitive fixture since the World Cup in June.
They're still nominally well-placed in the WTC standings in third place, with three wins and three losses, but two Tests in spin-friendly Galle - where they've never won - followed by three more in India reads a fairly tall task.
As for Sri Lanka, they've had a fairly rollercoaster year. Good performances in the early part of the year against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Bangladesh were juxtaposed by a horror T20 World Cup showing, which was then followed by a quite excellent ODI series win against India at home. In England too, they were in danger of being embarrassed but a splendid display in the third Test ensured they would come into this home series with that winning bounce.
That last win could still prove pivotal in their quest for an unlikely WTC final berth, with four of their next six Tests at home. The weather, however, might be following the visitors over from Greater Noida in India, with rain expected across the first Test.
2nd Test Thur Sep 26th
Kiwis might be a bit under done?
Can New Zealand outspin Sri Lanka in Galle?
SL vs NZ 2024 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Preview: Both sides could potentially field three spin-options each, but for a result to be possible, rain has to stay away
www.espncricinfo.com
Big picture: Shades of 2019 in 2024
A lot has happened since New Zealand last toured Sri Lanka. Back then, in 2019, the world was yet to be introduced to Covid-19, while the Lankans were only just recovering from Rangana Herath's retirement. Fast forward to the present, the pandemic is firmly in the rearview while Herath is gearing up to for duty as New Zealand's spin-bowling coach.
That said, similarities also abound from that last tour. For one, like then, Sri Lanka enter buoyed by a historic result overseas - then it was a momentous series win in South Africa, and in 2024 it's a consolatory Test win in England to cap off a hard-fought tour. The 2019 series was also held in a presidential election year, though that one was not nearly as imminent as the one set to interrupt the first Test with a rest day.
This is also still, largely, that same New Zealand outfit - barring a few retirements, a few new faces and a bit more grey hair. It's also one that might be a little undercooked in terms of where they might like to be in preparation for their run at this cycle of the World Test Championship.
A washed-out Test against Afghanistan earlier this month means the last time New Zealand played a Test was in March, while they haven't had a competitive fixture since the World Cup in June.
They're still nominally well-placed in the WTC standings in third place, with three wins and three losses, but two Tests in spin-friendly Galle - where they've never won - followed by three more in India reads a fairly tall task.
As for Sri Lanka, they've had a fairly rollercoaster year. Good performances in the early part of the year against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Bangladesh were juxtaposed by a horror T20 World Cup showing, which was then followed by a quite excellent ODI series win against India at home. In England too, they were in danger of being embarrassed but a splendid display in the third Test ensured they would come into this home series with that winning bounce.
That last win could still prove pivotal in their quest for an unlikely WTC final berth, with four of their next six Tests at home. The weather, however, might be following the visitors over from Greater Noida in India, with rain expected across the first Test.
