Sri Lanka want to beat Tigers with pace

Sri Lanka announced a pool of 23 players for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and the team's think tank wants to beat the Tigers at home using pace prowess.

Chairman of Selectors cum Manager of the national cricket team Ashantha De Mel conceded that it is time to switch to pace when Bangladesh tour the island for the three match Test series.

Sri Lanka have won 16 of the 20 Tests they played against the Tigers but the last time that Bangladesh visited the island nation, the Tigers managed to draw the series 1-1.

"Our thinking is to beat them with pace. It's not definitely going to be spin. Bangladesh have a decent spin attack whereas we have a very good set of fast bowlers. So it's sensible to stick to our strength. We might keep about five quicks in the squad. That is what the coaches are thinking," De Mel told Sunday Island.

The chairman of selection talked about batch of pacers at their disposal.  "Minod Bhanuka looked very promising. He is an aggressive player and good to see someone with such attacking instincts. Santhush Gunathilaka at six foot two hits the deck hard and has a smooth action. He is handy with the bat too. Then there is Lahiru Udara, who has been quite impressive. We are looking at keeping the younger guys in the squad so that they can gain exposure by being in the set up. Together with coaches, we have watched lot of domestic cricket and we need to appreciate what they have done and then look at which one to fast track."

Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will play their first international series since the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report by The Island, SLC was looking at ways to play two Tests at Pallekele as conditions generally suit seam bowlers there more than any other venue. The remaining Test match is likely to be played at Colombo.

Sri Lanka Test pool against Bangladesh: Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Santhush Gunathilaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya, Duvindu Tillakaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando.