Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood said that his team will be determined to give a good shot at reaching the final of the World Test Championship as they prepare for the two-Test series in New Zealand which will commence from March 9.
Sri Lanka team had one and only two day practice game on March 4 and 5 but second day of the game was washed out.
However Sri Lanka got off to a strong start with the bat on Day 1 of the practice match against New Zealand XI.
The inform batter Kusal Mendis hit 95 in just 87 balls while opener Oshada Fernando hit 78 to help them post 276 for 4 declared.
The paceman Lahiru Kumara then picked up the only wicket that fell in New Zealand XI innings. The hosts reached 141 for 1 after 38 overs at close of the first days play.
Sri Lanka are one of the two teams that is in the race to reach the WTC final as the race to the London summit clash reaches its climax.
Australia have already qualified for the WTC final after winning the Test against India in the 3rd of the 4-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy last Friday . India are in the race to reach the final despite the nine-wicket loss on a pitch that was rated poor on Friday.
Sri Lanka need to beat New Zealand 2-0 and complete a series sweep to have a chance of reaching the WTC final. The two teams will meet in the first Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from March 9 to 13. The second Test will be played in Wellington from March 17 and both of these Test matches are vital for Sri Lanka.
However, Sri Lanka’s chances might be blown away if India manage to beat Australia in the 4th and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s fate is in their hands and they need to beat Australia 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to assure themselves of a place in the final, which will be played at the Oval in London from June 7.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Test series head coach Silverwood said Sri Lankan players are determined to bring cheer to the nation, which has been going through an unprecedented economic crisis. beset by inflation, a shortage of foreign exchange, a plummeting currency, and a steep recession.
Silverwood further said “It would mean everything to them. The country has been going through a bad period recently and we know the spirits are lifted when the cricket team is doing well,”
“The guys are aware of that and take that responsibility very seriously, so they’ll be desperate to give them something to smile about back at home.
“To get to the WTC Final would be unbelievable, but at the same time we know we’ve got a very good New Zealand team in front of us as well and we have to respect that, work hard, and try and earn that right,” he added.
Playing against New Zealand in New Zealand is not an easy task but Sri Lanka Test team already in good preparation as they are confident to take on Kiwis. The skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and his team getting practice in New Zealand to adjust the to conditions and their one week special training at Radella grounds gave much needed exposure before the New Zealand tour. The ground condition and preparation of the Radella wicket was high standard and all credit should go to Sri Lanka Cricket.
The Sri Lanka Test team very close to reach the ICC Test championship final and they have yet another hurdle to jump for the final.
Meanwhile Selectors are ready to get white ball team (one day and T 20 to) for the New Zealand series and forthcoming NSL one day tournament which give good match exposure for the National players before the New Zealand ODI and T20 series. Dasun Shanaka the Sri Lanka white ball team skipper was came back home from Pakistan to get ready for the New Zealand ODI series while leg spinner Wanindu Hasarsnga also in good form among the wickets.