Match Details:
The first Test of the two-match Test series between West Indies and Sri Lanka will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, starting from 21st March.
The match is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time and 7:30 PM IST and it will be streamed live on Fancode.
Preview:
It seems as if there is no end to misery for the Sri Lankan cricket team. They picked a side with the right mixture of youth and experience for their tour of the Caribbean, but things haven’t gone their way so far. After losing 2-1 in the T20I series, they suffered a series defeat in the 50-over format as well.
Now, it is time to turn their attention to the longest format of the game. Test cricket is certainly not West Indies’ forte, but after what they managed to achieve against Bangladesh with a rookie squad, they will go into this series as the obvious favourites.
WI vs SRI Weather Report for 1st Test:
There is no prediction of rain for all five days of the Test match. It will be cloudy in the first two days, but the temperature will flare up after that. It will hover between 23 to 28 °C.
Pitch Condition/Report:
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium has hosted eight Test matches so far, where 3 matches ended in a draw. Home side West Indies have won 3 and lost 2 matches on this venue. Fast bowlers have an excellent record bowling on this venue, while the surface will definitely test batsmen’s technique in the first 2 days.
Average first innings score:
298 (Last 5 matches played on this venue)
Also Read – Sachin Tendulkar emphasizes IPL factor after Ishan Kishan and SKY flaunt class in international platform
Injury and Availability News:
(Will be added when there is an update)
WI vs SRI Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
West Indies
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Darren Bravo / Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach
Bench:
Jomel Warrican
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka/Wanindu Hasaranga, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando
Bench:
Ramesh Mendis, Roshen Silva, Asitha Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Dilshan Madushanka, Ashen Bandara
WI vs SRI Top Picks for Today’s 11Wickets Match:
Kraigg Brathwaite has been made the captain of the West Indies Test team for his excellent leadership in the Bangladesh tour. He has scored nearly 4000 runs in Test cricket and has an average of over 30.
The previous captain Jason Holder will also be a must pick for this game. He has scored over 2000 runs in Test cricket and has picked up 110+ wickets as well
Dimuth Karunaratne will not only lead the Sri Lankan team, but he will also form the backbone of their batting unit. He has scored 4500+ runs in Test cricket and has an average of over 35.
Dushmantha Chameera will be a good budget option. He has picked up 25 wickets in just 9 Tests, which includes one 4-wicket haul and a 5-wicket haul.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Kraigg Brathwaite, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers
Vice-Captain Options – Dimuth Karunaratne, Jermaine Blackwood, Dhananjaya de Silva
Also Read – Sachin Tendulkar emphasizes IPL factor after Ishan Kishan and SKY flaunt class in international platform
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for WI vs SRI 11Wickets Cricket:
Keeper – Dinesh Chandimal
Batters – Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Dimuth Karunaratne (vc), Lahiru Thirimanne
All-Rounders – Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers – Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Lasith Embuldeniya
12th Man – Dhananjaya de Silva
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for WI vs SRI 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Joshua Da Silva
Batters – John Campbell, Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Kraigg Brathwaite, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne
All-Rounders – Jason Holder (c), Dhananjaya de Silva
Bowlers – Shannon Gabriel, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal
12th Man – Wanindu Hasaranga
Expert Advice:
If you are looking for a budget batting option, Joshua Da Silva can be a steal at 8 Cr. He has scored 234 runs in 3 Tests at an average of nearly 40.
Today’s WI vs SRI Probable Winners:
West Indies are expected to win this match.
