Nagpur: Denied by the ‘Weather Gods’ in the opening Test, a supremely confident India are set to make some strategic changes to ensure that their dominance over Sri Lanka continues unchallenged as the two sides face each other in the second Test match here at Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Friday.
Having earned the psychological edge by decimating the Lankan top and middle-order during the final session of the drawn first Test at Eden Gardens, the hosts will once again play on a green track with a hint of grass on the pitch keeping with the team’s preparation for the gruelling South African tour which starts next month.
“It seems to be a good pitch. It will be helpful for the fast bowlers at least on the first two days,” said India skipper Virat Kohli in the pre-match press conference.
For India, the challenge will be to produce a much improved performance in these trying conditions even though it is expected that the challenge to score runs on the Jamtha track will be a wee bit less than to what it was at the Eden Gardens under overcast conditions.
However, Murali Vijay is all set for a comeback into the playing XI in place of Shikhar Dhawan who has taken a break for personal reasons. Ishant Sharma’s current exploits in the ongoing Ranji Trophy also makes him as one of the contenders to replace Bhuvneshwar Kuma who will be unavailable due to his marriage, alongside Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav in the pace attack, The lanky pacer has taken 20 wickets for Delhi in four matches he has played this season.
But it will be interesting to see if India persist with two spinners – especially Ravindra Jadeja, who made very little contribution with both bat and ball. With Hardik Pandya missing from the set-up, Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shankar has a chance of getting his maiden Test cap if there is good carry in the wicket, bringing the required stability that comes with a No. 6 batsman.
Sri Lanka on their part will be happy that they have not lost the first Test after initially dominating the home team for the better part of first four days and considering pacer Lahiru Gamage’s performance in the first match there is a huge chance of him losing his place. If Sri Lanka continue to play three pacers, then left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando could be an option. And in case they want to go with an extra slow bowler, then Lakshan Sandakhan is waiting in the wings.
press trust of india