The second Test of the two-match series will begin on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, with India leading 1-0 after a comprehensive 165-run victory in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium. Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts may struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India, as doing so could upset the team’s overall balance. India fielded three frontline spinners in the first Test and their dominance with the ball, particularly on the deteriorating surface on the final day, proved decisive. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, went in with two specialist spinners.
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold believes the hosts may struggle to add another frontline spinner to their playing XI for the second Test against India, as doing so could upset the team’s overall balance.
Beyond Dickwella [Niroshan], who’s at 7, Keshara Nuwantha showed some spine, which was very pleasant to see, but our tail has also not wagged. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with 59 off 151 balls, while Sonal Dinusha followed his first-innings century with an 84. Keshara Nuwantha provided some resistance lower down the order, scoring 20 off 69 balls in the second innings. Sri Lanka had resumed the final day at 84/4, with Dhananjaya and Dinusha attempting to keep their side alive in the chase. The pair added 95 runs before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed the Sri Lankan captain for 59.
Because you need your batters, “In terms of balance, I don’t think Sri Lanka can go anywhere else,. Because the other players in the team really matter, but in general, unlike India, we are unable to get that balance,. So that’s the advantage of having players like that, which allows you to have more variations and options available to you,” he said.
Asked whether Sri Lanka should bring experienced spinner Ramesh Mendis into the XI for the second Test, Arnold said the team could find it difficult to accommodate another spinner without weakening other departments. We have struggled at the opening position, the middle order has scored, and then the tail really crumbles fast,” said Arnold during a media interaction organised by Sony Sports. “And hence, to bring in another frontline spinner, who are you gonna leave out? Unless, of course, they go with the one-seamer, which might be a way to go, depending on what the SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club) pitch does, or what it looks like. What they bring to the table,” he added. “Now, you’re talking of the third spinner, who’s Ravindra Jadeja, who probably can bat in the top five for India. Number five if needed.
