Sri Lanka and South Africa are locked in a battle for a coveted spot in the top two of the World Test Championship standings, with just a fraction separating the two sides. Sri Lanka currently sits third with a 55.56% win rate, closely followed by South Africa at 54.17%. Both teams are eyeing a place in the final, a competition that also includes India, Australia, and New Zealand as strong contenders.
This series holds even more intrigue due to Sri Lanka’s historic achievement of being the only Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa, a feat accomplished in 2019. Seven players from that victorious squad are part of the current team, adding layers of anticipation. Sri Lanka also boasts an unbeaten record at Kingsmead, Durban, having won their last two matches at the venue, including an unforgettable victory in 2019 powered by Kusal Perera’s heroics.
This Sri Lankan side, however, appears more balanced and prepared than the injury-plagued squad of 2019. They have recorded six Test victories this year, including a notable win at The Oval, and boast a promising pace attack featuring Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, with Kasun Rajitha and Milan Rathnayake offering additional depth.
South Africa, meanwhile, is also on an upward trajectory. Despite a heavy defeat in New Zealand earlier this year, their full-strength side secured series wins in the West Indies and Bangladesh. However, their record at Kingsmead has been shaky, with five losses and only two wins since 2010. The venue’s slower pitch could further test their pacers, but head coach Shukri Conrad expects “good pace” early on, with turn likely to come into play in later days.
Key Players to Watch
- Keshav Maharaj: The South African spinner, born and raised in Durban, has an impressive Test average of 21.52 at Kingsmead. Despite limited opportunities at his home ground, his familiarity with the conditions could be crucial against Sri Lanka’s batters.
- Kamindu Mendis: The Sri Lankan sensation has been on a dream run, smashing five centuries in his first eight Tests across three countries. His average of 91.27 makes him a standout, and all eyes will be on how he performs in South Africa.
Team Selection Dilemmas
South Africa faces decisions regarding their bowling attack, weighing the inclusion of left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy for spin-friendly conditions or opting for Gerald Coetzee. Similarly, Ryan Rickelton’s place in the XI remains uncertain.
For Sri Lanka, the bowling lineup is under debate. Milan Rathnayake may feature for his batting contribution, while the choice between the left-arm angle of Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara’s raw pace will be crucial.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Kingsmead pitch is expected to offer some pace and bounce early on but could slow down as the game progresses. However, rain and overcast conditions are predicted for the first two days, which could add an extra challenge for the batters.
With both teams eager to climb the World Test Championship ladder, this series promises high-stakes action and intense competition.