The stage is set once again for the world’s second-longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world, the Royal-Thomian Big Match, to get underway tomorrow at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.

The 143rd encounter between the two schools will be as keen a tussle as ever on the 22-yards but will be lacking its customary off-field atmosphere with the match closed off to the public.

S. Thomas’ College, the current holders of the D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield, will be led by high-flying fourth-year colours-man Ryan Fernando, who has been enjoying a prolific run with the bat in the last month.

The top-order batter has racked up two double-centuries for the season, the first being an all-time Thomian record of 252 not out made versus Isipathana College, and the next coming a few weeks later versus Ananda College, where he finished up exactly 200 not out.

Eyes will also be on speedster Caniston Gunaratnam, the other National Under-19 player in the squad, who will likely have Kavindu Dias and Akash Fernando as his quick-bowling partners for the game.

Mahith Perera, Charuka Peris and wicketkeeper Senesh Hettiarachchi too will have key roles to play over the next three days.

The Thomians will be fielding a youthful side comprising several freshers and will hope the players adapt quickly to the pressure of the big game in the backdrop of a season full of traditional and friendly matches.

Royal College, meanwhile, will be skippered by left-arm orthodox spinner Gishan Balasooriya, who, like his opposite number, carries four years of experience playing at this level.

Sri Lanka Under-19 batsman Sadisha Rajapaksa will have a significant part to play in the Royalists’ attempt to regain the shield and his wicket would undoubtedly be keenly sought after by the opposition.

Vice-captain Dasis Manchanayake, Sineth Jayawardena and Dan Poddiwela will be among the other senior players Royal College will be banking on.

Balasooriya’s side will likely go in with a balanced bowling attack of three-frontline seamers complemented by three spinners.

The Royalists too have been short of competitive cricket this season and the match could well be decided by which team manages to raise their game significantly enough to match the occasion.

Royal College - Ramiru Perera, Sanvidu Senaratharachchi, Lahiru Gamgewatta, Ashen Gamage, Anush Polonowita, Sandesh Ramanayake, Damith Kappagoda, Venusha Royal, Bulan Weerathunga, Uvindu Weerasekara, Nethin Panapitiya, Gishan Balasooriya, Dasis Manchanayake.

S. Thomas’ College - Senesh Hettiararchi, Mahith Perera, Ryan Fernando, Caniston Gunaratnam, Romesh Mendis, Nathan Caldera, Manula Pahan, Muiz Naushan, Ashene Fernando, Dhiren De Silva, Aneesh Kamalchandra, Enoshan Devachanda, Senadhi Bulankulame, Charuka Peris, Devin Jayasuriya, Dineth Gunawardena, Akash Fernando, Kavindu Dias, Darien Diego, Thisen Eheliyagoda, Arith Adikaram, Janindu Abeygoonawardena.

By Amindha de Alwis