Dhananjaya de Silva will return to the Sri Lankan side while Pathum Nissanka has been ruled due to Covid-19 for the first Test against Pakistan starting in Galle on Saturday, with captain Dimuth Karunaratne believing that his team will face a tougher test than they did against Australia.

Australia came to Sri Lanka as the top team in the ICC World Test Championship and won the first Test, but an innings and 39 run defeat in the second Test meant the series was drawn.

Australia have since dropped to second, while Sri Lanka are currently in third, one place above Pakistan.

“They are a different team and are good against spin and they have done well in Tests. We have to do our basic well to beat them,” Karunaratne said on the eve of the Test.

“We have not decided (on our XI), but we narrowed it down to 12. Pathum will miss out due to Covid but Dhananjaya de Silva will come back, so unfortunately Kamindu will miss out,” Karunaratne added.

Oshada Fernando will open the batting and Niroshan Dickwella will retain his place as wicketkeeper, Karunaratne confirmed, with a decision still to be made on the bowling composition.

“We're thinking of maybe going with two fast bowlers and two spinners, but we will decision only in the morning,” he added.

With both teams having an outside chance of qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship, the results of the series will take added importance.

“It's good to see that we're higher up after playing a good series,” said Karunaratne.

“If we can win both Test matches, we have a good chance of playing in the WTC final (next year). But I am trying to play one by one.”
Azam said he expects spin to dominate the matches.

“It is a typical spinning wicket and that's what we saw in the series against Australia,” said Azam.

“Any team would be difficult at home as they know the conditions,” he added. “They have some experienced spinners in their side, so we are looking forward to play good cricket against them.” Azam praised the 36-year-old Yasir, who claimed 24 wickets in the team's previous Test win in Sri Lanka seven years ago, for making a comeback.

“Definitely he has made a good comeback and the way he has prepared and worked on his fitness,” said Azam.

“The way he bowled in Rawalpindi and then in the practice game in Colombo was good. He is an experienced bowler and will be tough for the opposition.”        

(With agency inputs)