For Pakistan, heading into their first Test series since 2007 with a new captain, there has been much talk of fresh starts and new beginnings. A pre-series ‘isolation camp‘ spoke volumes about the perceived need for greater team spirit in the wake of Shoaib Malik’s removal/resignation as captain.
For Sri Lanka, heading into their last Test series with Mahela Jayawardene as captain, the talk has been more of regrouping for a final effort, one last heist. The side has struggled against Pakistan in the past, and Jayawardene will be keen to put that right before he rides off into the sunset as Sri Lanka’s most successful captain ever.
For the hosts, there are a number of changes since their last Test more than 14 months ago. Khurram Manzoor looks set to make his Test debut in the first match, and Mohammad Talha may also feature. Much, as ever, depends on Salman Butt getting the batting order off to a good start.
Sri Lanka fans may have been worried by the diminished impact that their twin spin bowling attack had in the recent ODIs against India. The Test arena, however, is very different to the One Day game in its treatment of spinners, and Muralitharan in particular may feel under less pressure now that he isn’t under the kind of intense scrutiny which he was subject to in the run up to his ODI world record.
You can follow the First Test here.
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