2 months ago
If it's Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel that have emerged as India's batting stars of the future in this series, Sonal Dinusha is making a similar statement for Sri Lanka. The left-hander followed his scores of 100 and 84 in Galle with an unbeaten 85 (137b, 2x6) to lead a gritty fightback on a rain-hit third day of the second Test at SSC on Tuesday.
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
Dinusha found an able ally in fellow youngster Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who struck 80 (133b, 9x4) in only his second Test innings, as Sri Lanka frustrated India for large parts of the day before ending on 265 for eight. The hosts still require 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine declared, but the resistance shown by their young batting brigade has ensured they remain in the contest.
Dinusha, now the leading run-scorer of the series with 269 runs at 134.50, was closing in on a second Test century in as many matches when rain and bad light forced an early finish to the proceedings. Together with Lahiru **** ara (8 batting), he added an unbeaten 35-run stand for the ninth wicket, after earlier sharing a crucial 57-run partnership with Keshara Nuwantha (18).
The 25-year-old has now registered three consecutive 80-plus scores in the series, underlining his credentials as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka's batting woes in the middle order. With Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable, Dinusha has shouldered responsibility admirably.
India had appeared well placed to secure a sizeable lead and potentially enforce the follow-on after reducing Sri Lanka to 216/7. However, Dinusha and the lower order displayed plenty of resolve to blunt the visitors' bowling attack.
Earlier, Sri Lanka showed intent from the outset. Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis (32) stitched together an 87-run third-wicket partnership, helping the hosts add 122 runs while losing only two wickets in the opening session. Sooriyabandara brought up his maiden Test fifty off 76 **** before falling to Ravindra Jadeja while attempting a late cut.
Prasidh Krishna was India's standout bowler, returning figures of 3/57. The pacer provided the early breakthrough when debutant opener Kamil Mishara (19) gloved a sharply rising delivery to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Prasidh later removed Kamindu with another short ball.
Manav Suthar then dismissed captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 8 with a delivery that spun away sharply, while Mohammed Siraj accounted for Niroshan **** wella, who gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Jurel for a duck.
Yet, Sri Lanka refused to surrender. Aided by interruptions and determined lower-order resistance, Dinusha ensured India were left waiting for the final two wickets.
#dinusha #batting
2 months ago
Sarfaraz Khan made a big impact as a substitute fielder for the injured Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of India's second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
His constant chatter from short leg appeared to unsettle Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella, with both eventually getting out.
Before Manav Suthar bowled to Dhananjaya, the Sri Lankan captain stopped play because of movement behind the bowler's arm. Sarfaraz used the moment to distract him, telling him to focus on the ball instead.
"Nothing is there, bro. You are looking there. You are just wasting time, bro. Don't be scared. You are the captain. Come on, bro," he was heard saying on the stump mic.
Watch:
"Why are you worried about that side. Look straight," he added.
The tactic seemed to work soon after. Suthar dismissed Dhananjaya in the same over when the batter edged a tossed-up delivery. Dhruv Jurel's gloves deflected the ball towards slip, where KL Rahul eventually completed the catch. Dhananjaya was out for 8.
Sarfaraz continued his chatter when Niroshan ******* wella came to the crease. India also used short-pitched deliveries against the wicketkeeper-batter, a strategy that had worked in the first Test.
Despite the exchanges being accompanied by smiles, Sarfaraz had the final say when ******* wella gloved a delivery from Mohammed Siraj through to Jurel. His dismissal further strengthened India's position.
Earlier, India declared their first innings at 503/9. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel scored centuries, while Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with four wickets.
#sarfaraz #dickwella #niroshan #dhruv
His constant chatter from short leg appeared to unsettle Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella, with both eventually getting out.
Before Manav Suthar bowled to Dhananjaya, the Sri Lankan captain stopped play because of movement behind the bowler's arm. Sarfaraz used the moment to distract him, telling him to focus on the ball instead.
"Nothing is there, bro. You are looking there. You are just wasting time, bro. Don't be scared. You are the captain. Come on, bro," he was heard saying on the stump mic.
Watch:
"Why are you worried about that side. Look straight," he added.
The tactic seemed to work soon after. Suthar dismissed Dhananjaya in the same over when the batter edged a tossed-up delivery. Dhruv Jurel's gloves deflected the ball towards slip, where KL Rahul eventually completed the catch. Dhananjaya was out for 8.
Sarfaraz continued his chatter when Niroshan ******* wella came to the crease. India also used short-pitched deliveries against the wicketkeeper-batter, a strategy that had worked in the first Test.
Despite the exchanges being accompanied by smiles, Sarfaraz had the final say when ******* wella gloved a delivery from Mohammed Siraj through to Jurel. His dismissal further strengthened India's position.
Earlier, India declared their first innings at 503/9. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel scored centuries, while Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka's best bowler with four wickets.
#sarfaraz #dickwella #niroshan #dhruv
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal's heated on-field confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo drew criticism from former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who warned the young opener that physical contact crosses a dangerous line.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after the Sri Lankan pacer had conceded three boundaries to the left-hander in the over. Fernando responded with a send-off as Jaiswal began walking back to the pavilion, prompting the India opener to turn around and confront the bowler.
The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players trading words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead, and there was also a push before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports, criticised Jaiswal for taking the confrontation too far and drew a comparison with an earlier incident involving the Indian opener and Sri Lanka's Niroshan **** wella.
"It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan **** wella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language," Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
He then stressed that players who engage in banter must also be prepared to receive it.
"The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn't laugh at others. If you can't take it back, don't say it to others either while standing on the ground," he added.
Jadeja's comments came after Jaiswal's confrontation with Fernando turned physical, putting the India batter under the scrutiny of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the exchange was the result of emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak reiterated his **** sment in the post-day press conference, saying the exchange could have been triggered by something Fernando said.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk declined to comment on any possible punishment and left the matter to match referee Andy Pycroft.
"The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," he said.
Pycroft could examine the incident under Article
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after the Sri Lankan pacer had conceded three boundaries to the left-hander in the over. Fernando responded with a send-off as Jaiswal began walking back to the pavilion, prompting the India opener to turn around and confront the bowler.
The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players trading words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead, and there was also a push before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports, criticised Jaiswal for taking the confrontation too far and drew a comparison with an earlier incident involving the Indian opener and Sri Lanka's Niroshan **** wella.
"It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan **** wella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language," Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
He then stressed that players who engage in banter must also be prepared to receive it.
"The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn't laugh at others. If you can't take it back, don't say it to others either while standing on the ground," he added.
Jadeja's comments came after Jaiswal's confrontation with Fernando turned physical, putting the India batter under the scrutiny of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the exchange was the result of emotions running high.
"I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don't think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Kotak reiterated his **** sment in the post-day press conference, saying the exchange could have been triggered by something Fernando said.
"I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," Kotak said.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk declined to comment on any possible punishment and left the matter to match referee Andy Pycroft.
"The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," he said.
Pycroft could examine the incident under Article
2 months ago
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has questioned captain Shubman Gill's use of Kuldeep Yadav in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, saying the spinner's short spells suggested a lack of faith in him.
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India's two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Kuldeep is a rare type of bowler and needs the backing of the captain and team management.
"From how he was used, it is clear that Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep Yadav. From my point of view, you would not get a unique bowler like Kuldeep that often. They come just once or twice in history. We may get Ravindra Jadeja's replacement in the future, like we have Suthar; then we had Washington Sundar after Ashwin, but Kuldeep is a unique gift."
Kaif also said wrist-spinners need longer spells to settle into a rhythm and work on their mistakes.
"When you give a bowler a spell, especially a wrist-spinner, you need to give him a long spell. The short spells are not helping Kuldeep. Longer spells give you the chance to rectify mistakes. You need time to get into rhythm. Shubman Gill did not back him in that sense," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Kaif backed former India head coach Ravi Shastri's ******* sment that Kuldeep is India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. He said the left-arm wrist-spinner could be particularly important on flatter pitches where there is less ******* istance from the surface.
"I agree with Ravi Shastri, who said that Kuldeep is our No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. You just need accuracy on turning tracks. You will somehow get a wicket by bowling at the same area. But you won't get such turning tracks in New Zealand. I feel Kuldeep will play a major role on flat pitches or pitches where there would not be much turn on offer. You will have to keep his confidence high as captain and team management," Kaif said.
India's next Test is in Colombo from August 23, and Kaif believes the team could consider handing a debut to Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain.
He pointed to Sri Lanka's left-handed batters Niroshan ******* wella and Sonal Dinusha, who scored runs in the first Test, as a possible reason for India to consider an off-spinner.
"I feel India might be considering playing Saransh Jain in Colombo. The two batters who scored runs, ******* wella and Sonal, are both lefties. There came a time when Shubman Gill was searching for an off-spinner when they were batting. Because of Sri Lanka's in-form lefties, maybe Kuldeep will have to face the axe. It was Suthar vs Saransh earlier; now it will be Kuldeep vs Saransh," he signed off.
Kuldeep, who made his Test debut in 2018, has played 19 Tests and taken 80 wickets at an average of 23.36. He has four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket h
Kuldeep bowled only 25 overs across India's two innings in the Test and took one wicket, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja bowled around 44 overs each and shared 14 wickets. India won the Test by 165 runs.
Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Kuldeep is a rare type of bowler and needs the backing of the captain and team management.
"From how he was used, it is clear that Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep Yadav. From my point of view, you would not get a unique bowler like Kuldeep that often. They come just once or twice in history. We may get Ravindra Jadeja's replacement in the future, like we have Suthar; then we had Washington Sundar after Ashwin, but Kuldeep is a unique gift."
Kaif also said wrist-spinners need longer spells to settle into a rhythm and work on their mistakes.
"When you give a bowler a spell, especially a wrist-spinner, you need to give him a long spell. The short spells are not helping Kuldeep. Longer spells give you the chance to rectify mistakes. You need time to get into rhythm. Shubman Gill did not back him in that sense," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Kaif backed former India head coach Ravi Shastri's ******* sment that Kuldeep is India's No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. He said the left-arm wrist-spinner could be particularly important on flatter pitches where there is less ******* istance from the surface.
"I agree with Ravi Shastri, who said that Kuldeep is our No. 1 spinner in overseas conditions. You just need accuracy on turning tracks. You will somehow get a wicket by bowling at the same area. But you won't get such turning tracks in New Zealand. I feel Kuldeep will play a major role on flat pitches or pitches where there would not be much turn on offer. You will have to keep his confidence high as captain and team management," Kaif said.
India's next Test is in Colombo from August 23, and Kaif believes the team could consider handing a debut to Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain.
He pointed to Sri Lanka's left-handed batters Niroshan ******* wella and Sonal Dinusha, who scored runs in the first Test, as a possible reason for India to consider an off-spinner.
"I feel India might be considering playing Saransh Jain in Colombo. The two batters who scored runs, ******* wella and Sonal, are both lefties. There came a time when Shubman Gill was searching for an off-spinner when they were batting. Because of Sri Lanka's in-form lefties, maybe Kuldeep will have to face the axe. It was Suthar vs Saransh earlier; now it will be Kuldeep vs Saransh," he signed off.
Kuldeep, who made his Test debut in 2018, has played 19 Tests and taken 80 wickets at an average of 23.36. He has four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket h
2 months ago
Sri Lanka have added off-spin all-rounder Sahan Arachchige and batter Kamil Mishara to their squad for the second and final Test against India, starting in Colombo on August 23.
Sri Lanka need a win to draw the two-match series after India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.
The hosts will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the Colombo Test.
Arachchige, who has played five ODIs and one T20I, has been brought in for Kusal Mendis. He impressed while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 209 runs.
Top-order batter Kamil Mishara has replaced Nishan Fernando, who did not make an impact in the Galle Test.
After the first Test, Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis has a "proper hamstring injury" and will be unavailable for some time.
Chandimal, meanwhile, was ruled out after sustaining an injury on the fourth day of the Galle Test. He has to serve a minimum seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as a concussion substitute and will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Sri Lanka will now look to make changes to their playing XI as they attempt to level the series in Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for the 2nd Test
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan **** wella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru **** ara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
#arachchige
Sri Lanka need a win to draw the two-match series after India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.
The hosts will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the Colombo Test.
Arachchige, who has played five ODIs and one T20I, has been brought in for Kusal Mendis. He impressed while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 209 runs.
Top-order batter Kamil Mishara has replaced Nishan Fernando, who did not make an impact in the Galle Test.
After the first Test, Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis has a "proper hamstring injury" and will be unavailable for some time.
Chandimal, meanwhile, was ruled out after sustaining an injury on the fourth day of the Galle Test. He has to serve a minimum seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Chandimal as a concussion substitute and will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Sri Lanka will now look to make changes to their playing XI as they attempt to level the series in Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for the 2nd Test
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan **** wella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru **** ara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
#arachchige
2 months ago
Talk about arriving in Test cricket with a bang. Just minutes after Manav Suthar bowled debutant Keshara Nuwantha to seal India's emphatic 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, heavy rain lashed the venue.
By then, however, the damage had been done, with the young left-arm spinner delivering a performance for the ages.
Suthar ripped through Sri Lanka's lower order in a sensational spell. In the 76th over, he bowled a three-wicket maiden, dismissing the resolute Sonal Dinusha (84; 128b, 8x4, 1x6), who was caught at leg slip by Dhruv Jurel, before removing Prabhat Jayasuriya for a duck off the very next ball. Though he missed out on a hat-trick, Suthar completed his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket by having Lahiru ****** ara caught behind.
His late burst earned him figures of 6-55 in 23.4 overs as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs while chasing an improbable 372. The 24-year-old finished with match figures of 10/131 in 45.2 overs after taking 4-76 in the first innings, making him the undisputed architect of India's victory and making the team's 600th Test memorable.
The victory also kept India firmly in contention for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship final. They remain fifth in the standings but improved their points percentage to 53.33 while Sri Lanka stayed sixth on 33.33. Australia currently lead the table, followed by South Africa. With one match left in the series, Sri Lanka can no longer win it but will aim to deny India a series victory in the second Test beginning on Sunday.
Chasing what would have been the highest successful fourth-innings total in Galle, Sri Lanka never threatened after beginning the final day at 84-4. While Suthar dominated proceedings, pacer Prasidh Krishna also played a key role, producing a fiery spell to finish with 2-16 from 10 overs.
Prasidh's second wicket came after an intriguing exchange involving Niroshan ****** wella. Amid constant chatter from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who challenged him to play the hook shot and jokingly suggested he could recommend him to his IPL coach ****** ar Sangakkara, ****** wella appeared distracted.
Attempting an ambitious stroke after backing away from the stumps, the left-hander top-edged to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and departed for 10.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, looked off-colour, returning figures of 1/38 from 11 overs, which could prompt discussions about giving rookie off-spinner Saransh Jain an opportunity in Colombo.
#suthar #Cricket #left #victory
By then, however, the damage had been done, with the young left-arm spinner delivering a performance for the ages.
Suthar ripped through Sri Lanka's lower order in a sensational spell. In the 76th over, he bowled a three-wicket maiden, dismissing the resolute Sonal Dinusha (84; 128b, 8x4, 1x6), who was caught at leg slip by Dhruv Jurel, before removing Prabhat Jayasuriya for a duck off the very next ball. Though he missed out on a hat-trick, Suthar completed his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket by having Lahiru ****** ara caught behind.
His late burst earned him figures of 6-55 in 23.4 overs as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 206 in 77.4 overs while chasing an improbable 372. The 24-year-old finished with match figures of 10/131 in 45.2 overs after taking 4-76 in the first innings, making him the undisputed architect of India's victory and making the team's 600th Test memorable.
The victory also kept India firmly in contention for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship final. They remain fifth in the standings but improved their points percentage to 53.33 while Sri Lanka stayed sixth on 33.33. Australia currently lead the table, followed by South Africa. With one match left in the series, Sri Lanka can no longer win it but will aim to deny India a series victory in the second Test beginning on Sunday.
Chasing what would have been the highest successful fourth-innings total in Galle, Sri Lanka never threatened after beginning the final day at 84-4. While Suthar dominated proceedings, pacer Prasidh Krishna also played a key role, producing a fiery spell to finish with 2-16 from 10 overs.
Prasidh's second wicket came after an intriguing exchange involving Niroshan ****** wella. Amid constant chatter from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who challenged him to play the hook shot and jokingly suggested he could recommend him to his IPL coach ****** ar Sangakkara, ****** wella appeared distracted.
Attempting an ambitious stroke after backing away from the stumps, the left-hander top-edged to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and departed for 10.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, looked off-colour, returning figures of 1/38 from 11 overs, which could prompt discussions about giving rookie off-spinner Saransh Jain an opportunity in Colombo.
#suthar #Cricket #left #victory
2 months ago
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test of their two-match series against India, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan ******* wella making his return to the Test side.
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. ******* wella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.
Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka's batting options.
The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.
With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning ******* wella, as they prepare to take on India's Test side.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan ******* wella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
#fernando
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. ******* wella has been included as the wicketkeeper after Kusal Mendis was ruled out of the first Test with an injury.
Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been left out of the squad for the opening match.
Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha make up the rest of Sri Lanka's batting options.
The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. Their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings. They have recorded four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150.
Sri Lanka are sixth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw and two defeats.
With home conditions expected to play a role in the series, Sri Lanka will look to their experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning ******* wella, as they prepare to take on India's Test side.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan ******* wella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru ******* ara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
#fernando
4 months ago
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation surrounding possible action against teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following his heated altercation with Sri Lanka A cricketer Vishen Halambage during the recent tri-nation A series match, insisting that the Indian board has no role in matters that fall under the jurisdiction of match officials.
The incident occurred after Halambage allegedly made provocative remarks during Sri Lanka A's Super Over victory over India A. Tempers flared as the Sri Lankan player came close to the 15-year-old batter, prompting Sooryavanshi to push him away during the exchange.
Responding to widespread social media chatter over a possible BCCI crackdown, Saikia expressed surprise at the speculation.
"A lot of things are going on in the social media that BCCI is contemplating action, etc. Do you want BCCI to step into the domain of match referee?" Saikia counter-questioned, while speaking to news agency PTI.
The BCCI secretary stressed that disciplinary matters on the field are handled by the designated officials and that the board would not interfere with the established process.
"The BCCI is not an authority, we should not intrude into the area where the match referee and the umpires are the main persons who can take any decision regarding any incident that had happened in the playground," Saikia said.
"Whatever had happened, it was a part of the game, and the BCCI have no role to play. The role is of the match referee. If anything is going wrong, he will take a call, the umpires will take a call, and there is a system in place," added Saikia, who is also an eminent lawyer.
Meanwhile, as per a PTI report, Sri Lanka Cricket-appointed match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash handed sanctions to Halambage and senior wicketkeeper Niroshan ******* wella for separate offences arising from the match.
The report indicated that Halambage was penalised for provocative comments directed at Indian batters after Sri Lanka's Super Over triumph, while ******* wella, who had attempted to prevent the confrontation from escalating, was sanctioned for excessive appealing.
The exact nature of the punishments remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation on whether Indian players, including Sooryavanshi and captain Tilak Varma, received warnings or any disciplinary action.
The flashpoint came after both teams finished on 265, forcing a Super Over. Chasing 17, India A managed only nine runs, with Sooryavanshi scoring six off the final three deliveries bowled by left-arm pacer Kugathas Mathulan.
The incident occurred after Halambage allegedly made provocative remarks during Sri Lanka A's Super Over victory over India A. Tempers flared as the Sri Lankan player came close to the 15-year-old batter, prompting Sooryavanshi to push him away during the exchange.
Responding to widespread social media chatter over a possible BCCI crackdown, Saikia expressed surprise at the speculation.
"A lot of things are going on in the social media that BCCI is contemplating action, etc. Do you want BCCI to step into the domain of match referee?" Saikia counter-questioned, while speaking to news agency PTI.
The BCCI secretary stressed that disciplinary matters on the field are handled by the designated officials and that the board would not interfere with the established process.
"The BCCI is not an authority, we should not intrude into the area where the match referee and the umpires are the main persons who can take any decision regarding any incident that had happened in the playground," Saikia said.
"Whatever had happened, it was a part of the game, and the BCCI have no role to play. The role is of the match referee. If anything is going wrong, he will take a call, the umpires will take a call, and there is a system in place," added Saikia, who is also an eminent lawyer.
Meanwhile, as per a PTI report, Sri Lanka Cricket-appointed match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash handed sanctions to Halambage and senior wicketkeeper Niroshan ******* wella for separate offences arising from the match.
The report indicated that Halambage was penalised for provocative comments directed at Indian batters after Sri Lanka's Super Over triumph, while ******* wella, who had attempted to prevent the confrontation from escalating, was sanctioned for excessive appealing.
The exact nature of the punishments remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation on whether Indian players, including Sooryavanshi and captain Tilak Varma, received warnings or any disciplinary action.
The flashpoint came after both teams finished on 265, forcing a Super Over. Chasing 17, India A managed only nine runs, with Sooryavanshi scoring six off the final three deliveries bowled by left-arm pacer Kugathas Mathulan.
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to learn how to handle provocation on the field after his recent altercation with Sri Lanka A players during the ongoing tri-series in Dambulla.
The incident took place after India A lost a Super Over thriller to Sri Lanka A on Monday. Television footage showed the 15-year-old pushing Sri Lankan spinner Vishen Halambage before senior player Niroshan ***** wella intervened. Reports suggested Halambage had been sledging Sooryavanshi throughout the series. While the Sri Lankan player was sanctioned, the Indian youngster escaped punishment.
Tiwary said the attention surrounding Sooryavanshi's rapid rise means rival teams will try to unsettle him.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has to understand a little. There will always be verbal battles against us on the pitch, because there are many countries that are jealous of us. So, they will provoke you. The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi's IPL campaign went, and the way he is moving forward and getting everything, so they will poke him more. The way a 15-year-old is progressing, they are jealous of it. So, we have to prepare him for it," the former batter said on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary said Sooryavanshi now faces an important decision regarding the image he wants to create in world cricket.
"It is upto him what kind of image he wants to create in the cricketing world. One path is like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who are generally calm people, they answer through performances. The other route is like Virat Kohli, people who are aggressive. Now he needs to decide how people want to perceive him. Anger is important, but it is important to point it in the right direction," he continued.
Tiwary also felt the controversy may have affected the youngster's batting after he managed only 38 runs against Afghanistan A.
"No one will take action against him for this, but he must realise what he has done. No one wants to see an emerging player be involved in pushing and shoving. The more he plays, the more he will understand about the conduct in the field. But under any circumstances, he should not go outside the laws of the game. People are watching him, and his behaviour will be noted. He scored only 30-40 runs today, so it is affecting him, as he did not score as much he should have," Tiwary concluded.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who has worked closely with Sooryavanshi at age-group level and with Rajasthan Royals, described the incident as unfortunate and backed the youngster to move on from it.
"It was an unfortunate incident, but we don't know how he was provoked because I know him, and Vaibhav is a very composed kid, but I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will guide him," Bahutule said in the press conference ahead of the second ODI between India and Afghanistan.
"Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave," Bahutule added.
The former Mumbai skipper expres
The incident took place after India A lost a Super Over thriller to Sri Lanka A on Monday. Television footage showed the 15-year-old pushing Sri Lankan spinner Vishen Halambage before senior player Niroshan ***** wella intervened. Reports suggested Halambage had been sledging Sooryavanshi throughout the series. While the Sri Lankan player was sanctioned, the Indian youngster escaped punishment.
Tiwary said the attention surrounding Sooryavanshi's rapid rise means rival teams will try to unsettle him.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has to understand a little. There will always be verbal battles against us on the pitch, because there are many countries that are jealous of us. So, they will provoke you. The way Vaibhav Suryavanshi's IPL campaign went, and the way he is moving forward and getting everything, so they will poke him more. The way a 15-year-old is progressing, they are jealous of it. So, we have to prepare him for it," the former batter said on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary said Sooryavanshi now faces an important decision regarding the image he wants to create in world cricket.
"It is upto him what kind of image he wants to create in the cricketing world. One path is like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who are generally calm people, they answer through performances. The other route is like Virat Kohli, people who are aggressive. Now he needs to decide how people want to perceive him. Anger is important, but it is important to point it in the right direction," he continued.
Tiwary also felt the controversy may have affected the youngster's batting after he managed only 38 runs against Afghanistan A.
"No one will take action against him for this, but he must realise what he has done. No one wants to see an emerging player be involved in pushing and shoving. The more he plays, the more he will understand about the conduct in the field. But under any circumstances, he should not go outside the laws of the game. People are watching him, and his behaviour will be noted. He scored only 30-40 runs today, so it is affecting him, as he did not score as much he should have," Tiwary concluded.
India spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who has worked closely with Sooryavanshi at age-group level and with Rajasthan Royals, described the incident as unfortunate and backed the youngster to move on from it.
"It was an unfortunate incident, but we don't know how he was provoked because I know him, and Vaibhav is a very composed kid, but I'm sure there are experienced coaches there who will guide him," Bahutule said in the press conference ahead of the second ODI between India and Afghanistan.
"Sri Lankan players should also be educated on how to behave," Bahutule added.
The former Mumbai skipper expres
4 months ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket for India A ended in a brief stay at the crease as the teenage sensation managed 14 runs in the Tri-Nation A Series opener against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday.
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
The young batter, who attracted widespread attention following his stellar IPL 2026 campaign, walked in with plenty of expectations but could not convert his start into a big score.
Sooryavanshi struck only three fours during his 12-ball knock before being caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Mohamed Shiraz. His dismissal left India A at 16-1 in the fourth over.
India A had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Alongside Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh also departed early for just two runs.
However, Priyansh Arya and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with a useful partnership before Arya was run out for 32.
Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 46, while captain Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 18 as India A reached 118-3 after 28 overs.
Ahead of the match, Sri Lanka A vice-captain Niroshan ****** wella had spoken about the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi and the challenge of facing the youngster.
“I’m glad to be a wicketkeeper, because I won’t be getting many of the ****** when he is batting. He’s an exciting talent, and everyone loves the way the BCCI is handling him at this age and giving him opportunities in the ‘A’ team to perform. He’s not only a motivation for young Sri Lankan cricketers, but for youngsters all over the world. He hasn’t played a lot of List ‘A’ cricket, but this is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent, explore, and show that he’s a very good short-format player. And, you know, we’re looking forward to this contest,” ****** wella told TOI.
131607582
When asked about plans to contain the Indian batter, ****** wella said: “We’re not trying to stop him, but, we’ll try to execute our basics first. We’ve some plans for him and for the whole Indian batting line-up. But, on that day, on the merit of how he is going to take the bowlers on, we will try and keep him down. The conditions here are different... I think in the IPL they have flatter pitches, but here in Sri Lanka we have huge grounds.”
