Big question: Can Sri Lanka maintain its dominance in her fortress in the Southern backyard?
This will be the main focus as two confident teams will be in pursuit as they play a trophy as an honour to two of the greatest spinners, Murali and Warne, who have spun many webs around the best with the former with his off spin, and the latter with leg spin displaying unplayable variety.
Sri Lanka will miss Pathum Nissanka. However, Kusal Mendis is batting at number 7, proving the depth in Sri Lankan batting cordon.
Australia is captained by middle order batter Steve Smith, and has a great blend of young talent and experience ideal for conditions at Galle.
Sri Lanka has batting experience in Dimuth Karunaratne, who will be tested with short deliveries, Dinesh Chandimal batting at number three loves playing at Galle. His record with the willow at this venue is excellent. Mathews has experience, but the pertinent point is that his fitness will be a hindrance with his footwork. The Australian bowlers exploit any loopholes.
All eyes will be on Kamindu Mendis, and Australias have a score to settle with him since Kamindu is playing in his own backyard and has even equalled a longstanding long term record of the indispensable Sir Don Bradmon.
The Australian bowlers have burned midnight oil for sure, working on his weakness, knowing very well that he is Sri Lanka’s go-to man.
Dhananjaya de Silva will also, as Captain, play a pivotal role in holding the middle order together with Kusal Mendis, not only being sharp with his gloves but contributing and show causing his batting talent.
Sri Lankan bowling will revolve around Asitha Fernando who has a burden to carry.
Galle has been a happy hunting ground for Prabath Jayasuriya. He will need Nishan Pieris to keep his end tight.
Australia has quality batters on tour. Steve Smith is a handful to any bowling cordon in the world. Sam Konstas, the new kid on the blocks, is very innovative. The experience of Usman Kawaja on subcontinent pitches will test the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Travis Head, Manus Labuchange, and Alex Carey are difficult to bowl at.
Remember the tail wags with Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starch.
Australian spin trio Nathan Lyon, Tod Murphy , and Matt Khunaman will enjoy the conditions at Galle. Australia will miss the services of Pat Cummins and Jos Hazelwood in the seam cordon, but Scot Boland and Starch are fantastic in any conditions.
Sri Lanka is now placed at slot number 5 in the WTC championship. If Sri Lanka can pull the rabbit out of the hat by winning this test series by 2 games to nil, they will get ahead of India and New Zealand in the WTC rankings.
