Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold believes the pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club will decide whether India should stick with Kuldeep Yadav or bring in off-spinner Saransh Jain for the second Test.
India lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs. The second match begins in Colombo on Sunday, and Arnold feels India should wait until they get a proper look at the pitch during Friday’s practice session before making a decision.
Kuldeep took only one wicket in Galle, while Jain could make his Test debut if India decide to make the change.
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Jain comes into consideration with an impressive first-class record. The Indore-based spinner has taken 181 wickets and scored 2,223 runs in first-class cricket.
Sri Lanka’s top order remains a concern
Arnold also pointed out the problems facing Sri Lanka after their top order collapsed in both innings of the Galle Test. Sri Lanka were reduced to 90/5 in the first innings and then slipped to 47/4 in the second. Those early setbacks made it difficult for the hosts to put India under sustained pressure.
Sri Lanka were also without Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis in Galle because of injuries. Their task has become even harder with Dinesh Chandimal now set to miss the Colombo Test after suffering a concussion.
Arnold believes Sri Lanka’s opening partnerships have been a long-standing problem.
Sri Lankan batters need more patience
Arnold also felt Sri Lanka’s batters were too aggressive against the new ball in Galle. He believes the conditions make batting difficult when the ball is hard, and the Sri Lankan top order did not show enough patience. Even Kamindu Mendis, despite his experience, was caught trying to attack too early.
"When it comes to the top order, when the ball is hard, it does tend to do a bit. It's not easy to play your shots. I think the Sri Lankan top order were guilty of playing those shots way too early. Even Kamindu Mendis, who's experienced and scored lots of runs, fell into that trap as well.
Sri Lanka could add another spinner
Arnold also suggested that Sri Lanka could make a change to their bowling attack for the second Test. He believes they could leave out fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and bring in off-spinner Ramesh Mendis. That would give Sri Lanka two spinners and allow them to bowl shorter, more attacking spells.
Second Test could decide the series
India have the advantage after their convincing win in Galle, but Arnold believes the pitch could have a major say in the second Test.
India must decide whether Kuldeep’s variations are more valuable on the Colombo surface or whether Jain’s off-spin would be a better match-up against Sri Lanka’s left-handed batters. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need their top order to show greater patience and their bowlers to stay fresh if they are to level the series.