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West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2015 Test series will be played for Sobers-Tissera Trophy

The trophy is named after West Indies legend Sir Garry Sobers and former Sri Lanka cricketer, administrator, selector and manager Michael Tissera.

West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2015 Test series will be played for Sobers-Tissera Trophy
West Indies captain Jason Holder (left) with Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews © AFP

The West Indies Test series against hosts Sri Lanka has been named as the Sobers-Tissera Trophy after the Caribbean legend Sir Garry Sobers and former Sri Lanka cricketer Michael Tissera. On October 6, West Indies’s announced through their official Twitter account. West Indies will play a three-day tour match against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI before facing the hosts two Tests. Sobers, who played 93 Tests, is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest all-rounders to have graced the game. He scored 8,032 runs and ended with a batting average of 57.78. He picked up 235 Tests wickets, with six five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, Tissera has played 3 Tests. However, he is more popular as a cricket administrator, national selector and team manager.

Unknown to many, Tissera had led Ceylon (later known as Sri Lanka) to an unofficial Test win in India in 1965. Sri Lanka have won Tests in England, South Africa, England, West Indies and Pakistan, however, never in India. But, a 25-year-old Tissera led Ceylon against Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s India to their first victory on Indian soil in Ahmedabad.

This will be the first Test series for Sri Lanka after both Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara retired from international cricket. While Jayawardene retired after series against Pakistan last year, Sangakkara retired from international cricket after the second Test against India few months back. It will be a beginning of new era for Sri Lanka, under the able leadership of Angelo Mathews. Whereas, West Indies will be aiming to keep their off-field controversies aside and kick start positively. The recent sacking of their coach Phil Simmons have irked many quarters in West Indies cricket. Also, this will be a new beginning for West Indies under a new Test leader of Jason Holder, who had already taken over the captaincy in limited-overs.

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