By Azzam Ameen in Lord’s
Sri Lanka began their preparations for the second Test against England at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground today. The players participated in an extended three-hour session, focusing on both batting and bowling.
For many of the Sri Lankan cricketers, this will be their first time playing at Lord’s. “I’m very excited to play at Lord’s; it’s a dream for any cricketer, and I’m thankful for the opportunity,” said Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka’s batting star from the first game, in an interview with Newswire.
“We are preparing well, and the team is in a very good mood despite the loss in the first game. I thought we played well apart from one or two sessions,” he added.
When asked whether he prefers to bat higher up the order as he does in ODIs and T20Is, Kamindu stated that he is happy to bat in any position according to the team’s needs.
Kamindu has now scored three centuries in his four Test matches, all while batting at No. 7 for Sri Lanka. It appears the team’s think tank is not looking to change his position during the middle of the tour, though they might consider it as a long-term option.
It is almost certain that Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s top white-ball batter, will return to the Test side at Lord’s. The question remains whose position he will take. Kusal Mendis is the most likely to make way after his poor performance in the first Test.
The only concern for Sri Lanka is that Dinesh Chandimal may be unable to keep wickets due to a thumb injury. Chandimal was seen batting in the nets today and also participated in some specific fielding drills.
Opening batsman Nishan Madushka, who is also a wicketkeeper, was observed doing wicketkeeping training. He may step in if Chandimal is unable to keep. However, if Sri Lanka feels that Madushka is not keeping well, Kusal Mendis might get another opportunity to revive his Test career as he is a more established Test wicketkeeper.
Sri Lanka will decide tomorrow, after the practice session, who will make way for Pathum Nissanka. The decision will likely come down to either Nishan Madushka or Kusal Mendis. (Newswire)
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