Tough choices for Sri Lanka ahead of second Test

by Rex Clementine

There will be at least one debutant when Sri Lanka take the field in the second Test match against Pakistan staring in Galle on Sunday. There were similar scenes during the Australian series, after an embarrassing ten wicket loss in the first Test and with several players sidelined by Covid the selectors had to keep their pride aside and call up Prabath Jayasuriya, someone who had been sidelined on fitness grounds. Jayasuriya is a veteran in domestic cricket and this seasoned campaigner has embarrassed those who questioned his credentials. In two Test matches, he’s already taken 21 wickets.

Such has been the selectors fascination with Jayasuriya now that both the other left-arm spinners in the squad – Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama have been released. As Maheesh Theekshana ended up with a cut in his spinning finger he too was withdrawn and uncapped off-spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe has been added to the squad. He’s only played 17 First Class games and it remains to be seen how he performs in Test match cricket. Sri Lanka also have the option of Dunith Wellalage, who gives left arm spin option and batting depth but Sri Lanka have said from the start that they are reluctant to throw one of the finest young talents in the country to the deep end as yet.

The hosts problems have been compounded by the fact that Ramesh Mendis has struggled. The off-spinner has contributed some valuable runs being involved in crucial partnerships in both series but his bowling has been unimpressive. He bowled 33 overs in Pakistan’s second innings for just one wicket and his inability to keep up the dot ball pressure was worrisome as he failed to send down a single maiden over.

Asitha Fernando in all probability will take up the lone seamer’s slot having recovered from covid. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka also has been added to the squad.

While Sri Lanka have brought in replacements, it’s a bit surprising that they have not brought in a wicketkeeper as cover. Niroshan Dickwella’s keeping has deteriorated at an alarming rate since the Australian series and his blunders have proved to be costly. He used to get into the team with selectors claiming that he’s the best keeper in the country. Well, not anymore. There was a warning sign when Dinesh Chandimal was named as reserve keeper for the Pakistan series. But, surely after all these years of struggles, suddenly when he has hit a purple patch, you are not going to disrupt him. The other option is to give the gloves to Kusal Mendis. But they do not seem to be keen to do that in Test match cricket. Mendis seems to be the best thing that happened to us since the great Aravinda de Silva. Honestly, there aren’t valid arguments for continuing with Dickwella. More than 50 Tests and no hundreds yet, horrendous reviewing costing the team dearly and ordinary behind the stumps. Dickwella has overstayed his welcome.