Zero Mathews. Zero margin for error. That’s the new normal for Sri Lanka as they get ready to face Bangladesh for the second Test in Colombo. With points at stake in the World Test Championship (WTC) and tougher assignments (read: India and South Africa) to follow, this is no walk in the park- it is a lose-it-all contest. And while Sri Lanka’s draw in Galle left both teams feeling like they left something on the field, the important question is how will Sri Lanka respond to life without perhaps their greatest middle-order bastion, Angelo Mathews?
DDS at 4: Filling Mathews’ Shoes, One Crisis at a Time
Dhananjaya de Silva’s promotion could be seen as a tactical move (in reality, it’s a job opportunity) because there is an opening at No. 4, after Mathews has moved on, and DDS—with the cool head and crisis point—is the first to get the option. The problem is he has a lousy average of 20.33 (in 6 innings) at that position.
However, this time it is more than just stats; he is no longer a middle-order player, he is now captain, he is now the glue, he is the man who, when the top order collapses (as does quite often), is looked to. The Test match in Colombo is more than run-scoring; it is a test of leadership. And although everything is fine with Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara finals capped fresh (new caps) and everything looks rosy, DDS is now an anchor and aggressor.
In a Spin or on the Fast Track? Sri Lanka’s Bowling Tug-of-War
Now let’s talk about combination headaches. The SSC surface in Colombo is expected to be dry and batting friendly—a spinners’ paradise, a pacers’ pain. But here’s the twist—Dhananjaya is talking about playing three seamers, so Isitha Wijesundara might be in line for a debut. This is a big call in spin-friendly conditions but speaks to a team intent on breaking the mould. Sonal Dinusha, who is replacing Mathews, gives them good spin-bowling depth, but Prabath Jayasuriya is still the leading light of their spinning attack. If the track is turning by Day 3, we are in for some entertainment; if it is not, criticism will be the word. Either way, the selectors are throwing caution to the wind.
Bangladesh’s Dilemma: Rewarding Form or Reputation?
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is back, ranked No. 2 in the world for allrounders, but Nayeem Hasan was Bangladesh’s best bowler in Galle, so… who is out? That’s the million-dollar question. Bangladesh’s decision here may reveal a lot about how they balance loyalty versus logic and the future! On top of that, there’s the injury watch on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (which, fortunately, looks to be minor), so now it’s hard to choose the XI. Also: Anamul Haque’s not exactly ‘boldly declaring’ the second coming, either. If he is going to do something, it needs to be on a pitch like SSC; otherwise, the “was he the right choice?” conversations will only swell.
This Test is not simply another points grab, but rather a manifestation of intent. For Sri Lanka, it is about showing they are capable of evolving from the post-Mathews era, and for Bangladesh, it is an opportunity to bank some points before they start to face more difficult WTC assignments. The Galle stalemate was a prelude. Colombo will show who is truly willing to take the next step.
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