Sadeera Samarawickrama likely to make his debut for Sri Lanka in the 2nd Test

Sadeera Samarawickrama, the young Sri Lankan cricketer, is in line to make his debut against Pakistan on Friday in the second Test of the series. The vice-captain of the team Lahiru Thirimanne is struggling with back stiffness ahead of the second and final Test match of the series and might be ruled out. Thirimanne didn’t take the field on the final day’s play in Abu Dhabi and although he trained on Wednesday, wasn’t moving around comfortably. Sadeera is a wicketkeeper-batsman but will most likely play as a batsman with Niroshan Dickwella successfully handling the job behind the wickets.

The 22-year-old has a great chance to cement his place in the side which is struggling to find replacements for their stalwarts. He has scored 2070 runs at an average of 47.04 in just 27 first-class matches and his strike rate of 81.20 has amazed everyone. However, it remains to be seen if he plays at the top of the order to take the game away early from Pakistan. But he looks promising and in case he grabs this opportunity, Sri Lanka might well groom him for the near future.

Chandimal excited for pink ball Test

Dinesh Chandimal led side will make their debut in the pink ball Test which will be played under lights and he informed that Thirimanne is doubtful ahead of the second Test. He also indicated that Sadeera Samarawickrama might be handed a debut if the vice-captain misses out.

“Thirimanne is having some back stiffness. We need to see him today and take a decision before the game starts tomorrow. Actually we are excited because this is our first pink ball Test match. We played last season with the pink ball in domestic cricket but not the day and night. So this is the first day and night we are playing and it will be a good challenge for the team but I am sure the guys will take this challenge very well,” he told journalists as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Sri Lanka is leading the two-match Test series 1-0 after winning the thrilling game in Abu Dhabi. They were bundled out for 138 in the second innings on the fifth day and were staring at yet another defeat. But the wily old fox in Rangana Herath came to the fore and picked six wickets alone to snaffle the hosts Pakistan and scripted a famous win by 22 runs. Herath also became the first left-arm spinner to pick 400 Test wickets in that game as well.