“Aggression”, “inexperience” and “transition” seem to be the buzzwords ahead of the three-Test India-Sri Lanka series which starts here on Wednesday.
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“To ensure that the niggle is not further aggravated, the Indian team management has decided to give him rest for the first Test starting on August 12 in Galle”, Shastri said.
Sri Lanka called up uncapped 23-year-old pacer Vishwa Fernando into their 16-member squad on Friday for the three-Test series at home against India. If he is not available there will be a huge space for the others to fill in.
He did not come out to bat in both innings of India’s only warm-up match against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in Colombo as a precautionary measure.
Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has paid a fitting tribute to the retiring Kumar Sangakkara, describing him as the “greatest batsman” to have emerged from the island nation since their entry into worldwide cricket.
The players have had that learning curve in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia. “If they are fit, I believe Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne are two players who can serve Sri Lankan cricket for a long time to come”.
He also urged Virat Kohli and his men to play aggressive cricket. “You might need to strengthen your batting because you might think four bowlers can get you 20 wickets”, he added, while stressing that the team strategy would be woven around playing the extra bowler. His absence means Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul will open the innings for India. Kithuruwan Vithanage, who played in the first two Tests against Pakistan, has been dropped from the squad.
Shastri was coy about the chances of Cheteshwar Pujara, once considered an automatic selection at No 3 before a slump in form set in.
The first Test at the Galle global Stadium and the second at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from August 20 will be played on either side of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections on August 17.
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India look likely to field a five-bowler attack and its combination will depend on the pitch on match-day.
