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Pressure mounting on Karunaratne?
- Former Test Captain Dimuth Karunaratne has arguably been Sri Lanka's best opener in the last decade or so. Since the retirement of some of Sri Lanka's big names such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, T. M. Dilshan and Thilan Samaraweera, the left-hander became Sri Lanka's Mr. Reliable at the top of the order in Test Cricket.
His runs in the longer format both home and away have been consistent and provided Sri Lanka a lot solidity at a time of crisis.
Karunaratne became such an important part of Sri Lanka cricket that from time-to-time, he was drafted into the ODI side as well. However, the former St. Joseph's College batting star has been struggling for runs in the last few months.
During Sri Lanka's defeat to South Africa in Durban the lefty only managed two runs in the first innings and four runs in the second innings. Before that against the Kiwis he managed one half century in two games while he had a quiet series against England as well.
In his last 11 Test innings Karunaratne is averaging 22.27 which is well below par for an opening batsman. With Pathum Nissanka appears to be sealing his spot in the Test team, Karunaratne's place could be under microscope with Nishan Madushka pushing hard to regain his place in the Test XI.
The second Test in Gqeberha would be a crucial game for Sri Lankan opener moving forward because of the poor run of form.
Chandimal fighting it out at 3
Dinesh Chandimal who was given a big responsibility batting at number 3, once again showed his ability to adapt in different conditions with a gutsy half century in the second innings against a bowling attack which blew Sri Lanka away in the first innings.
The move to push Chandimal higher up the order was more to do with the fact that Sri Lanka wanted Kusal Mendis remain in the team amid failures.
Many wouldn't have given Chandimal a chance to succeed at three which usually is occupied by batters with superior techniques. However, Chandimal who has always put the country ahead of him has done a brilliant job so far batting in challenging conditions.
Could Sri Lanka still make Test Championship Final?
Sri Lanka's chances of making it to the Test Championship Final dealt a heavy blow when South Africa hammered them last week.
However, the islanders are still in with a chance of making it to the finals should they win the next three games of the competition.
Beating South Africa in Gqeberha yet would be their biggest challenge especially after the heavy defeat in Durban where Sri Lanka had done very well in the past. Gqeberha would be more of natural South African wicket which will support their quicks.
Should Sri Lanka lose the series 2-0, they have to win the two remaining games and expect results elsewhere to go in their favour, to have a chance.
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