(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
India vs Sri Lanka: Nagpur Test preview
22 Nov 2017
After an exciting draw in Kolkata, the focus now shifts to Nagpur, as India gear up for 2nd Test against Sri Lanka starting from 24th November.
Man of the match in Kolkata, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shikhar Dhawan will not be available for the second Test and rookie all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been named Bhuvi's replacement.
Let us see how both the sides could line-up.
Lively greentops likely for Nagpur Test
Planning ahead
India's pace bowling trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami stole the show in Kolkata grabbing 17 wickets, with spinners Ashwin and Jadeja being handed a minimal role.
We can expect the same in Nagpur as grassy pitches will mostly be used for play as preparation for India's overseas tours for the next two years.
Selection dilemma for captain Kohli
Probable XI
Green pitches will assist pacers leaving captain Kohli in a selection dilemma of opting for one spinner or more. Having said that Ashwin and Jadeja should retain their spot in the starting eleven.
India probable line up: Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma
Islanders still await first Test win on Indian soil
Sri Lanka probable XI
Believe it or not Sri Lanka have never won a Test in India.. In 18 games, Sri Lanka have lost 10 and drawn eight. Dinesh Chandimal will be looking to set that record straight.
Sri Lanka probable XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka ,Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Lahiru Gamage
Another victory awaits Kohli and company
Form guide
India are the number one side in Test cricket and have been in rich vein of form in the last one year.
On the other hand, the Islanders are struggling with their consistency ever since the departure of Kumara Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Virat Kohli and his boys are expected to win this fixture.
Form guide- India: DWWWW and Sri Lanka: DWWLL
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