Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against Pakistan in the opening Test match on Monday. The match is part of the two-match ICC World Test Championship series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan will look to secure a series victory against the visiting team. The hosts recently won the three-match T20I series 2-1. They also claimed the ODI tri-nation series title.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will aim to finish their all-format tour with a Test series victory. Their tour began on October 9 and has included several competitive matches.
The visitors entered the Test series with confidence after defeating PCB Patron’s XI. Sri Lanka won the three-day practice match by 142 runs.
Pakistan Prepare for First Test Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s 16-member Test squad includes eight uncapped players. The selection reflects an opportunity for several newcomers to establish themselves internationally.
The uncapped players include fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan. Spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas is also part of the squad.
The new batting options include Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Saad Baig, and Sameer Minhas.
Captain Babar Azam will lead Pakistan’s batting lineup. He is also approaching the milestone of 5,000 Test runs.
Salman Ali Agha is another important member of the team. He was named Player of the Series during Pakistan’s last Test series against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Azan Awais is also expected to make his first home Test appearance. He has already played seven matches in the format.
Fast-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal has earned a place following impressive domestic performances. Experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas will lead the team’s fast-bowling attack.
Wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Razaullah are also included. Both players recently made their Test debuts for Pakistan.
Kusal Mendis Begins Tenure as Sri Lanka Test Captain
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in the Rawalpindi Test. This match marks his first assignment as the team’s Test captain.
He has previously captained Sri Lanka in six T20Is and 27 ODI matches.
Sri Lanka will also rely on experienced players during the series. Their squad includes Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka.
Both teams have completed one full training session each before the opening match. Several Pakistan squad members also participated in the visitors’ practice match.
Pakistan Hold Advantage in Test Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have maintained a stronger record against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. The two sides have played 59 Test matches against each other.
Pakistan have secured 23 victories, while Sri Lanka have won 17 matches. Another 19 encounters ended in draws.
Since 1982, Pakistan have won 10 bilateral Test series against Sri Lanka. The visitors have claimed six series victories during the same period.
Their most recent Test series took place in July 2023. Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in that series.
Pakistan won the Galle Test by four wickets. They also secured a commanding victory in Colombo by an innings and 222 runs.
Pakistan Test Squad
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan, and Saud Shakeel.
Sri Lanka Test Squad
Kusal Mendis (captain), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
The opening match provides both teams an opportunity to strengthen their World Test Championship campaigns. Pakistan will aim to use home conditions, while Sri Lanka will seek a strong start under their new Test captain.
In other news read more about: Bangladesh Win Toss, Elect to Field First Against Pakistan in T20I Series Opener
