SL vs IND, 2nd Test: Players to watch out for
What's the story
The second and final Test match between India and Sri Lanka will begin on August 23. The first match in Galle was a rain-affected affair, but India managed to win by 165 runs. Meanwhile, the second encounter will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo (SSC). On this note, we look at the players to watch out for in the upcoming contest.
#1
Gill would be raring to go
Though India prevailed in Galle, team skipper Shubman Gill failed to make a mark with the bat.
His two outings resulted in scores worth 16 and 8 as left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya trapped him in both innings.
As per Times of India, Gill displayed aggression against spinners in nets ahead of the second game, suggesting a more aggressive approach.
Notably, Gill averages a handsome 77.78 at number four in Tests.
#2
Suthar was SL's nightmare in the opener
Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar led India's charge with the ball in Galle.
Suthar's 4/76 in SL's first innings meant the hosts were folded for 284. This gave India a massive first-innings lead of 178 runs.
With his 6/55 in the fourth innings, Suthar became just the third Indian with a match 10-fer on Sri Lankan soil, as per Cricinfo.
He now has two six-fers in just four Test innings.
#3
Jayasuriya has been sensational in home Tests
Though the Lankans had a hard time in Galle, Prabath Jayasuriya took seven wickets in the game (4/109 & 3/43).
The left-arm spinner has been brilliant in home Tests, claiming 103 wickets across 15 games at an average of 26.88.
Jayasuriya is among just the five bowlers with a century of Test wickets on Lankan soil.
Hence, the Indian batters must be watchful against him.
#4
Dinusha hammered twin 80-plus scores in Galle
Albeit in a losing cause, Sri Lankan all-rounder Sonal Dinusha put on a stellar show with the bat in the opening Test.
After scoring a century (100 runs off 168 balls) in his first outing, he followed it up with an impressive knock of 84 runs (128 balls) in the second.
He was among just a few Lankan batters who looked comfortable against spinners.
Dinusha would be critical to Sri Lanka's chances in Colombo.