As the curtains rise on a fresh cycle of the World Test Championship at the iconic Galle International Stadium today, hosts Sri Lanka are likely to roll the dice on two debutants — both heavy hitters in the domestic scene who’ve been knocking on the selection door with bat and ball for quite some time.

Opening batsman Lahiru Udara, a run-machine for NCC and Sri Lanka ‘A’, looks set to finally don the coveted Test cap. At 31, Udara isn’t exactly wet behind the ears, but having piled up mountain after mountain of runs, the selectors can no longer look the other way. Time may not be his best friend, but form certainly is.

Joining him in what could be a double debut delight is off-spinner Tharindu Ratnayake, a late bloomer from Tamil Union, who at 29, has spun his way into contention. A proud product of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Ratnayake has caught the eye not just for his consistency, but for his rare ambidextrous ability — a skill that allows him to bowl with both arms. That party trick appears to have tilted the scales in his favour over the more experienced Akila Dananjaya in the final XI.

The pace attack, too, sees a changing of the guard. All-rounder Milan Ratnayake has been recalled ahead of the seasoned Kasun Rajitha — a move that raised a few eyebrows, considering Rajitha’s recent purple patch with Essex in County cricket. But in a game of fine margins, all-round versatility seem to have won the day.

Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, speaking to the media on the eve of the Test, stressed the importance of a strong start.

“We had a real shot at the WTC final in the last cycle but let it slip through our fingers due to some crucial errors,” de Silva admitted. “We had a chat this morning — about learning from the past and setting the tone from game one. Home series like these are where we must cash in.”

Sri Lanka, for all their potential, have hit a rough patch in the longest format — losing their last four Tests on the bounce: a pair each against Australia at home and South Africa away. The wounds are still fresh, and nothing would heal them better than a series win over Bangladesh.

The tourists, meanwhile, are entering uncharted waters. “I’ve played in Kandy before, but this will be our first time in Galle,” said Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. “We know the conditions will challenge us — especially the spinners will come into play early. But we’re ready for the challenge.”

History hasn’t been too kind to Bangladesh in this rivalry. Of the 26 Tests between the two nations, Sri Lanka have emerged victorious in 20. Five games were drawn, and Bangladesh’s solitary win came in 2017.

The match will also mark the final bow in whites for Sri Lanka’s warhorse, Angelo Mathews — the man who carried the middle order on his broad shoulders for over a decade. With 8000-plus Test runs under his belt — third only to Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene — Mathews’ swansong will be an emotional affair.

“I’m full of gratitude,” said Mathews, visibly moved. “It all began here in Galle, and to finish at the same venue after over 100 Tests is something special. I would’ve liked to contribute more in recent games, but I walk away knowing the future of Sri Lankan cricket is in safe hands.”

Weather, however, might play spoilsport. Galle has been drenched over the past few days and interruptions are expected. But as history shows, games at this fortress usually produce results — rain or shine.

Sri Lanka (Probable XI):

Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), Milan Ratnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando.

Bangladesh (Probable XI):

Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (Wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud.

Rex Clementine
in Galle