Published: Oct 29, 2016, 12:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 29, 2016, 08:58 PM (IST)
Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live coverage of the first Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka to be played at Harare Sports Club, Harare. This is another emphatic chance for a minnow side to showcase their talent in the toughest format against a top team, just like Bangladesh are turning the heats on England in their own den. The series will take forward Zimbabwe cricket as it is their 100th appearance in whites and they will be eager to make it a historic outing. Since 2013, this is the first time that Zimbabwe have got a chance to host another two-Test series, with their first visitors being New Zealand. Though they were whitewashed, they did show some character and will like carry on in same stead from here on. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Harare
The hosts have a new-look team management since their last Test series. Struggling for a long time to keep their space in world cricket, Zimbabwe have elected former skipper Heath Streak as their head coach and will be hoping to revive their fortunes under him. Makhayan Ntini, who was their interim coach during India and New Zealand’s tour, has taken over as bowling coach. The key players from Zimbabwe’s side will be their leg spinner and skipper Graeme Cremer who will be captaining in his second series.
Following him will be Zimbabwe’s main weapons like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza and Hamilton Masakadza. From Sri Lanka’s point of view, with regular skipper and his deputy, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal missing out on the tour, the onus has shifted to Rangana Herath. The 38-year-old will have a task in hand to manage his relatively young troops and his communication and leadership skills will be in limelight. It will be the senior man’s first assignment as skipper and he will be eager to make a mark with a young side against low-lying Zimbabwe.
Even though Sri Lanka can be termed as favourites, they will not like to take things lightly as Zimbabwe are playing in their own den under a veteran like Streak, they may spring in a surprise. Sri Lanka’s inexperienced batting order will be under scanner by Zimbabwe whereas Zimbabwe’s inability to play spin will set up the series. Sri Lanka’s heroes from their whitewash over Australia will be keen to carry on the momentum. Players like Dilruwan Perera, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva will like to distribute the workload from their skipper and turn the tides for their side.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Rangana Herath(c), Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Gamage, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne
Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer(c), Tino Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva(wk), Peter Moor, Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu, Taurai Muzarabani, Michael Chinouya, Brian Chari, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda
FULL CRICKET SCORECARD AND BALL BY BALL UPDATE: Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Harare
