Problems aplenty for Sri Lanka in decider against India

The Sangakkara-farewell humdrum has died down gradually, but there's plenty to look forward to in the third and final Test between Sri Lanka and India. Devoid of Sangakkara, the hosts have a lot of questions that need answering. A victory here will help India end their 22-year wait for a series win in Sri Lanka. A favourable result for Sri Lanka could herald a new beginning for a young, inexperienced side under Angelo Mathews and kickstart their new era in a positive manner.

Date: 28th August, 2015Time: 10:00 AM Local TimeVenue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo

Team News:

Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews has one of the toughest jobs in Test cricket at the moment. Transitions are never easy, but leading a side in transition is even more difficult. That Sri Lanka do not have a settled batting order has been confirmed by the skipper himself. They have options though. Kusal Perera could come in as a wicket-keeper batsman while Chandimal steps up the order purely as a batsman. Jehan Mubarak's indifferent performances haven't helped his cause. Mathews himself could promote himself up the order to maintain some stability.

Nuwan Pradeep is back to full fitness and he could come in straightaway for Dushmantha Chameera while Tharindu Kaushal's injury concern opens up a spot for Dilruwan Perera. However, the pitch in Colombo is a relaid one with a lot of work yet to be done on the eve of the Test. A lot of the selection decisions might be taken only after the pitch is factored in on the day of the Test.

Probable XI: Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Dilruwan Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath

India

Like Sri Lanka, India too will be forced to make some changes due to injuries. A few things are confirmed though. Cheteshwar Pujara will fill in as opener due to the absence of Murali Vijay. Naman Ojha should walk into the side being the only specialist wicket-keeper in the squad. However, continuing with KL Rahul as a wicket-keeper is an option too, but chances of India going that route seem bleak. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane will probably continue at No. 5 and No. 3 respectively. The latter seemed quite comfortable in that position as his ton showed. Rohit too got off to starts but failed to kick on. He is bound to be more comfortable coming down the order rather than being up against a new red cherry.

The bowlers had a memorable outing in Galle and the primary four ought to continue. However, India are still battling with the fifth bowler's job. Stuart Binny was not spectacular, but did a decent job. He might hold on to his spot for one more Test unless the state of the pitch (which had a green tinge to it) forces them to look towards Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In all likelihood, Karun Nair will have to wait for his debut a little while longer while Naman Ojha's long wait will finally come to an end.

Probable XI: KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Naman Ojha, Stuart Binny, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav

Pitch and Trivia:

Traditionally a batting paradise, the Sinhalese Sports Club will not change character too much. It should aid spin later in the game, like a typical sub-continent track. The last time Sri Lanka played a Test here, Rangana Herath picked up 14 wickets including a career-best nine-wicket haul in the first innings.

Quotes:

We've got an opportunity to test those players in different positions. We will try that out. We still haven't found the best combination: Angelo Mathews

We play for only one reason, we play to win. We have got ourselves in a position now where - if you win this Test match, you win the series - which is massive: Ravi Shastri