Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024: Top 3 Players to watch out for in upcoming Test series

After their one-off Test against Afghanistan was called off due to continuous rain, New Zealand have now travelled to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, starting September 18. Keeping the World Test Championship points table in mind, the series holds massive importance to the Tim Southee-led side. They would hope to pick up wins in both games against Sri Lanka and also get ready for the marquee series against India, which will begin on October 16.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were highly impressive in their series against England. They lost the Test series 2-1 but a win in the third match at Kennington Oval boosted their confidence and will be hoping to upset New Zealand in the forthcoming series. Playing at home, the chances for the same are high and most importantly, several of their players are in good form at the moment.

Here are the top three players to watch out for in SL vs NZ series:

3. Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips can prove to be New Zealand’s trump card in the series against Sri Lanka. Earlier in the year, in the series against Bangladesh, he proved to be New Zealand’s most important player on the pitch, scoring 181 runs in two matches and picking up eight wickets. As the conditions in Sri Lanka will turn the spinners again, Phillips can be effective with both bat and ball.

Known for his exploits in T20 cricket, Phillips has done well for himself in the longest format too. In his last Test against Australia, the flamboyant batter made a half-century against Australia and he is also someone who likes to play aggressively, even in Test cricket which can put the hosts under pressure.

That’s what makes him very dangerous and maybe he will have a better season than the veterans like Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. More than his batting, his bowling will be important for New Zealand in the two-match series.