Many things make Sydney Gregory memorable. He participated in Sydney’s inaugural Test match in 1894–1895 and, more significantly, holds the record for the most Ashes Test appearances—52—having been born on the current site of the Sydney Cricket Ground. In addition to being a great cover, Gregory was also an excellent baserunner, according to Weston’s obituary.

He’s not a bowler, though. You would have to skip 15 lines till Shane Keith Warne appeared, whose Name has 36 tests, to discover a legitimate bowler on that great list, not a part-timer who just rolled off his arm in the pre-war days. James Anderson and Stuart Broad, each holding 35 Ashes, are seated beside each other beneath his Name.

We’ve already learned some facts about Anderson, 40, and Broad, 36, cricket’s most successful and enduring bowling pair with 1,017 wickets in 134 Test matches, ready to go together. Hit their ninth Ashes, and so on. The list is lengthy. Another method to demonstrate the perseverance and resolve of two contemporary greats is to point out that it took them 15 years to finish an exam that took Vaughan 14 years to reach. They might say goodbye with the ashes at home. But even if not, England won’t care.

For the record, Broad and Anderson are not cricket’s most prolific fast-bowling duo. Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh average eight wickets per game. Dennis Leary and Jeff Thomson averaged 8.34 points per game despite playing 26 Tests together. Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holder are slightly better, who average 8.8 wickets per game. Nobody can match Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who repelled 559 batters at an average of 9.16 doors per game.

There have been a few pairs used in modern cricket.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc last bowled together.

Even though they are a compelling duo, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc last bowled together a while ago. In terms of lifespan, Broad and Anderson may surpass each, allowing modern cricket to preserve a long-loved aspect of red-ball cricket: a pair of enormous bowlers.

There are various pairings in contemporary cricket. Although appealing as a pair, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc last bowled together for a while. Before Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury, he and Mohammed Shami were the same person. Trent Bolt, Tim Southey, Anderson, and Broad are our only remaining options, and it looks grimly likely that pair hunting will go extinct in the following years.

Red ball cricket is no longer the most thrilling display in contemporary fast bowling. Jofra Archer has reportedly signed a full-year franchise contract. Instead of hitting 10 good long balls at the fourth stump, more and more walkers are focusing on honing their craft to T20 standards—greetings from the fast lane. However, bowlers who can also hit a 6 or a 2 are more common. As Boult showed, it is no longer essential to transition between forms to sit at a central contract. Until he was worn out, Bumrah was an exception. Broad and Anderson, though, were erect.

This cheerful puzzle is challenging to solve. A few issues have been brought up, most connected, regarding the reasoning between rotating Anderson and Broad when only using one format. But only some are aware of the actual objectives. If you’re fortunate enough to have a comfortable bowling pair, one drawback is that it might cause complacency, causing a squad to keep them around until a swapper appears to fill their shoes overnight.

White-ball cricket had been gradually phased away for Broad and Anderson.

Every central team will encounter this sooner or later. However, Andrew Strauss and England’s former and current director of cricket, Rob Key, decided to think outside the box after Anderson and Broad quietly left white-ball cricket. Simple: coil them up to attack while saving them for the most crucial battles—the rotational policy. After the trip to the West Indies in 2022 was cancelled, Broad didn’t take well to it and was on the verge of retiring.

He did, however, return to reality, albeit unaware of it. Working with Anderson undoubtedly has its perks, like long sessions of net bowling. They can focus just on bowling with red balls because they can relax and clear their minds. With maturity comes the ability to identify a hitter’s flaws earlier than others. Because of this, Broad, who will bowl against Warner in the 2019 Ashes, has him out in seven of ten innings.

With his real spells, Anderson dazzled hitters, teammates, and the general public with his ability to drastically alter the course of a game with the minor trick position shift or seam-snapping maneuver.

Another reason for their success in bowling is the executive consensus that they should not be disturbed. Thus, there is no IPL, no pressure to learn T20 tricks or some shots with your head down. It’s one of the few things England can do right about a culture that’s busy perfecting their white-ball motto while trying to redefine Test cricket. Read updated cricket news here at 22bet VIP.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) had a terrible start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign, as they have yet to record a single victory in five games. When the squad plays the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, they hope to get off to a new start because they are now last in the standings. DC will be trying to change their luck around and finally score their first points with the help of seasoned players like Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Woakes in their ranks. The KKR, who have won two of their last five games, will want to keep up their winning ways and move up the standings. It will be an exciting match because both clubs are battling for the win.

The team of David Warner is winless, solidly anchored at the bottom of the standings, and their chances of making the playoffs are all but gone. The David Warner-led squad is struggling to stop the rot that has taken hold, and to find a solution, the team’s think-tank has cut and changed the lineup numerous times. They have already suffered losses against LSG, GT, RR, MI, and their most recent opponent, RCB, in Bangalore. Given their recent results, DC can drop every game they play this year.

Despite their recent performance in the matches, the coaching staff of the DC team looks upbeat. Their pattern of clumping wicket losses has impacted their final score. Their lackluster bowling and fielding performances have also made their woes worse. The coaching staff assures them that their form will improve in the upcoming games as they continue to believe in the ability of their players. With an optimistic outlook and consistent effort, they work to overcome their obstacles and win future matches.

For DC to win this season, the team must significantly improve in all three areas.

With 228 runs to his credit this season, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dashing opening batsman David Warner has been a prolific run scorer, but his low strike rate of 117 has some people scratching their heads. The squad’s management has expressed concern about his inability to score runs quickly because they primarily rely on him to get them off too fast starts. His problems have been made worse by the quick wickets that have fallen around him. Warner needed to find a way to get out of this rut because his irritation was evident on the pitch.

Prithvi Shaw’s season has gotten off to a terrible start. He has received consistent support and defense from the coaching staff, although he has only scored 34 runs all season. Sarfaraz still needs to live up to his good domestic form, and his window of opportunity is closing. With only three runs scored in his three games this season, Mitch Marsh has also been incredibly disappointing.

Prithvi Shaw might be replaced in DC’s starting XI by Phil Salt. While he takes his time and plays the anchor role, Warner’s backing may come from the influential English batter known for his aggressive starting innings.

Most of the games this season have seen Delhi’s pacers destroyed. Spinners Axar, Lalit, and Kuldeep Yadav have also yet to produce performances that win matches.

Mustafizur Rahman’s high price tag against RCB might be replaced by a domestic seam bowler in the starting lineup, allowing DC to insert Phil Salt for the under-pressure Shaw.

To succeed in the next games, the bowling team must develop more robust strategies for dealing with the onslaught from opposing batters. This season, DC’s domestic seam bowling options—Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Chetan Sakariya—have fallen short of expectations.

IPL 2023: DC’s Dream11 Prediction vs. KKR

Phil Salt and David Warner are the starters.

Yash Dhull, Manish Pandey, and Abhishek Porel (wk) make up the middle order.

Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, and Mitch Marsh are all-around.

Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, and Mukesh Kumar are bowlers.

Player of Impact

Since Aman Khan, Prithvi Shaw, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed have all previously served as Impact Players, it is still being determined who DC will select for the KKR game. Read more cricket news here at 22bet India, The Best Sports Betting Site in India.

Maxwell and Harshal Patel: RCB’s Match-Winning Duo

With their exceptional performances, Glenn Maxwell and Harshal Patel stole the show for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, contributed significantly to RCB’s total, helping the team set a competitive target for the Rajasthan Royals. His innings comprised a mix of powerful strokes and clever placements, leaving the RR bowlers struggling to find a way to contain him.

On the other hand, Harshal Patel’s bowling prowess was on full display as he picked up crucial wickets and maintained a tight line and length throughout the match. His disciplined bowling in the death overs was instrumental in restricting the Rajasthan Royals from reaching the target, ultimately resulting in RCB’s thrilling victory.

Rajasthan Royals’ Valiant Effort Falls Short

Despite their loss, the Rajasthan Royals fought commendably against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The team’s batters displayed aggression and intent, taking the match to the wire. They were determined to chase the target set by RCB, with a few RR batsmen coming close to a stunning victory.

The RR bowlers also made their presence felt by taking crucial wickets and attempting to restrict RCB’s run flow. However, the brilliance of Maxwell and Harshal Patel proved too much to handle, leading to a narrow defeat for the Rajasthan Royals in the end.

IPL 2023 Continues to Deliver High-Octane Cricket Action

The IPL 2023 has been a spectacle, with numerous nail-biting finishes and awe-inspiring individual performances. The high-stakes match between RCB and RR exemplified the excitement and drama the tournament is renowned for, leaving cricket fans worldwide eagerly awaiting more such encounters.

As the league progresses, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling contests and edge-of-the-seat action. The battle for supremacy in IPL 2023 is heating up, with every team vying for the coveted trophy and the bragging rights that come with it.

Standout Performances to Remember

The RCB vs. RR match featured several memorable individual performances that played crucial roles in determining the game’s outcome. These standout displays contributed to their respective teams’ successes and showcased the immense talent and skill that IPL 2023 has to offer.

Glenn Maxwell of RCB gave one such effort, putting on an outstanding all-around display and contributing significantly with both the bat and the ball. His timely strikes and ability to score quick runs under pressure were pivotal in securing the win for his team.

Similarly, Faf du Plessis provided the impetus for RCB’s innings with his explosive batting at the top of the order. His aggressive approach and ability to find the boundary consistently put the opposition under immense pressure and laid the foundation for RCB’s match-winning total.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals witnessed notable performances from their top-order batters, who kept the team in the hunt throughout the chase. These guys showed poise and the capacity to perform admirably under duress, despite their efforts coming up just short of the goal.

These individual performances not only had a significant impact on the match but also served as a reminder of the high-quality cricket that IPL 2023 has in store for fans across the globe.

Key Takeaways from the RCB vs. RR Clash

The exhilarating face-off between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals has left fans and pundits with several talking points. The match highlighted the importance of handling pressure in crunch situations and the impact of game-changing individual performances. Both teams demonstrated resilience, but RCB’s composure in the final moments proved the difference.

Additionally, the match reiterated the significance of fielding in T20 cricket. With the game balanced on a knife’s edge, every run saved and every catch taken could determine a team’s victory or defeat. The RCB vs. RR match saw some exceptional fielding efforts that potentially altered the course of the game.

Finally, this electrifying encounter underlined the essence of team spirit and unity in a high-stakes tournament like IPL 2023. The players’ unwavering support for their teammates and the camaraderie displayed on the field remind them of the importance of fostering a positive team environment to achieve success.

The Road Ahead for RCB and RR

With the thrilling encounter between RCB and RR now in the books, both teams must quickly shift their focus to their upcoming matches in IPL 2023. Royal Challengers Bangalore, buoyed by their recent success, will look to carry the momentum forward and cement their position as strong contenders for the title. The team’s management will closely monitor their key players’ form and fitness to ensure a well-balanced playing XI.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals will need to regroup and introspect on their performance against RCB. Despite the narrow loss, the team can take solace in the fact that they fought valiantly and were in the game until the end. The RR camp will be working on identifying areas for improvement and devising strategies to strengthen their chances in the tournament.

As IPL 2023 continues to captivate cricket lovers worldwide, the RCB vs. RR match will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic encounter showcasing the best of T20 cricket. With plenty of action-packed games still to come, the league promises to deliver more enthralling performances and unforgettable moments for cricket aficionados. Read more cricket news here at 22bet India, The Best Sports Betting Site in India.

According to head coach Stephen Fleming, MS Dhoni of the Super Kings is dealing with a knee issue that prevents him from dashing between the wickets. MS Dhoni didn’t run all out during the Super Kings’ failed chase against the Rajasthan Royals at home on Wednesday as he did during their intra-squad practice game before the IPL. He frequently appeared wearing a kneecap at the Super Kings’ preseason training camp in Chennai.

After the game, Fleming stated, “He is nursing a knee ailment, which you can see in some of his mobility, which is somewhat impeding him.” “But what you saw today is still a valuable player for us. His fitness has always been of the highest caliber.”

MS Dhoni has been in fantastic ball-striking form this season despite his knee issues. He led the Super Kings’ pursuit of 176 on Wednesday down to the very last ball with an unbeaten 32 off 17 balls. MS Dhoni has scored 58 runs overall this season in just three innings, with a strike rate of nearly 215 and six sixes and two fours. MS Dhoni has consistently sent the ball beyond the boundaries, even at the nets.

Fleming dismissed doubts about MS Dhoni’s physical condition and praised him for his self-control in the lead-up to the IPL season.

According to Fleming, he arrives a month before the competition begins, so he only has a little time to do anything. “He will remain in shape, and they will practice netting in Ranchi, but his primary preseason [fitness] is completed when he arrives in Chennai one month beforehand. And as he gets back into game shape, you can still tell, in my opinion, that he is still doing admirably. Hence, we are never in the dark about how he handles himself and keeps himself current.”

For at least two weeks, Sisanda Magala won’t be working.

Fleming is worried about the increasing number of wounds the seam assault. South African fast bowler Sisanda Magala only bowled two overs against the Royals before being dismissed and departing the game due to a split wrist. It is anticipated that he will have a minimum of two-week absences. By chance, he had been substituted into the Super Kings squad after Kyle Jamieson of New Zealand withdrew from the match due to injury. Left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary is already absent from the Super Kings and will miss the entire IPL season.

Magala’s most recent injury is a severe setback to the Super Kings’ chances, especially while playing away from home when his Yorkers and slower variants provide a valuable point of differentiation. Magala can deliver powerful blows further down the order. Matheesha Pathirana, who just returned from Colombia, is the only other specialized foreign seamer on the Super Kings’ roster. He had arrived in Chennai from New Zealand on Monday night. The other Sri Lankan, Mahesh Theekshana, joined the Super Kings XI immediately and finished his four overs against the Royals with 0 for 42.

We’ve already lost two players in succession, and since we’re already somewhat depleted, Fleming added, “We’d like it [the injuries] to stop.” ” Unfortunately, Magala’s hand was split, so he could not bowl those final two overs. Also, Deepak Chahar did the same in the last game, so our resources are quite limited. Yet, we are not the only squad with that.”

Two to three weeks remain until Deepak Chahar returns.

Just one over into their match against the Mumbai Indians, the Super Kings had lost Chahar to a hamstring injury. According to Fleming, he will be back in action in two to three weeks.

Simarjeet Singh, a pitcher who had to miss nearly the whole last Indian domestic season due to injury, is also healing.

Simarjeet had a nets practice on Monday but needed a rhythm that had impressed MS Dhoni and Fleming the previous season and frequently missed his run-up. Since the last IPL, he has not played any competitive T20 cricket.

“I believe that many players are a little bit broken coming off of a strong domestic season, but we just keep having to find solutions,” Fleming said. “Therefore, we will accomplish it over the next four days. Indeed, it’s not quite perfect yet. If bowlers keep getting hurt, the skipper will need to be able to think quickly. Even though Moeen Ali hadn’t had the best day, he got the wicket of [Jos] Buttler, which was commendable, after Magala injured his webbing. Also, some young players must bowl crucial overs, like Akash Singh, who plays in his maiden game. Although it didn’t go as planned, T20 rarely follows a plan.”

Ravi Shastri, a former coach of India, has revealed his unhappiness with the persistent injuries afflicting his bowlers. Shastri made his remarks about Chahar’s injury.

Shastri stated on ESPNcricinfo‘s T20 Time: Out broadcast, “Let’s put it this way: quite a few National Cricket Academy students have become permanent residents in the previous three or four years.” “They will soon have a residence permit there, allowing them to enter whenever they choose, which is not good. It seems unbelievable.”

Every day, Ben Stokes is evaluated.

Ben Stokes, who has a slight toe ailment, the INR 16.5 crore selection that the Super Kings made at the auction last December, could not play against Mumbai on Saturday night. It is believed to have nothing to do with his continuing knee issue. Stokes’ contributions to the Super Kings’ warm-ups in Mumbai and tonight in Chennai were minimal.

Due to a stomach ailment, Moeen Ali also missed the game against Mumbai but played against the Royals.

Before they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru on April 17, the Super Kings enjoy a five-day respite. Read more cricket schedule here at 22Bet VIP.

The Big Picture is that Gujarat Titans want to recover.

The Gujarat Titans’ recent match against Rinku Singh was reminiscent of their impressive performances from last year. Singh’s extreme finish was a sight to behold, leaving the Titans’ opponents stunned and at a loss for words. The Punjab Kings, who are set to face the Titans next, can attest to the team’s tenacity from last year’s experience. With Hardik Pandya dismissed off the first ball of the previous over, the Kings must have thought that they had done enough to secure the win. However, Titans’ Rahul Tewatia had other plans; hitting the final two balls resulted in two sixes to snatch victory from the Kings.

The upcoming match between the Kings and Titans is bound to be exciting, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the early top three. The Kings eagerly anticipate Liam Livingstone’s return to their lineup, while the Titans aim to bounce back from their loss to Rinku Singh’s extreme finish. The two teams will analyze their lineups and impact player strategies as they prepare to face off. Key stats, such as Livingstone’s success against Rashid Khan and Shikhar Dhawan’s record against Mohammed Shami, will also come into play. With so much at stake, both teams will be looking to emerge victorious in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

On Thursday, the stage is set for an epic battle between the Titans and the Kings in Mohali. The Titans, still reeling from Rinku Singh’s heroics that snatched victory from their grasp, will be eager to prove their mettle and bounce back. The Kings, on the other hand, are hungry for a win after their recent loss and will be laser-focused on exploiting any lingering fragility in the Titans’ camp.

With a coveted spot in the early top three up for grabs, both teams will leave no stone unturned in preparing for this crucial encounter. The Titans, boasting an impressive record so far, will look to consolidate their position and maintain their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Kings will rely on their home advantage and carefully analyze critical stats such as Livingstone’s success against Rashid Khan and Dhawan’s record against Shami. All eyes will be on this exciting match as these two formidable teams battle it for glory.

Announcing the arrival of Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone is here in Mohali and working out at the nets after a long absence. If he participates, this will be his first official cricket game since fracturing his knee on his Test debut in Pakistan in December. In the starting XI, he ought to replace Matt Short. The temptation to play Kagiso Rabada would be strong, but Nathan Ellis has performed admirably. Kings might consider using one of them as an impact player if they get to bat first.

Hardik Pandya should be available for this match despite missing the last one due to illness.

Impact Player and Toss strategy

Punjab Kings

In the previous game, the Kings didn’t start Sikandar Raza to fit Rabada in during the second innings. Raza had to be brought in after the bat failed him. But now that Livingstone has arrived, Kings might play a more traditional side.

Probable bat-first XI: 

Shikhar Dhawan is the captain, followed by Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, M. Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, and Arshdeep Singh.

Probable field-first XI:

Shikhar Dhawan is captain, Jitesh Sharma is the starting wicketkeeper, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Arshdeep Singh, 6 M. Shahrukh Khan, 7 Harpreet Brar, 8 Rishi Dhawan, 9 Nathan Ellis.

Gujarat Titans

Hardik should replace Abhinav Manohar in the bat-first XI, but it’s still being determined if they’ll stick with Yash Dayal or bench him following Rinku’s crucial final over. It’s an excellent opportunity to present R Sai Kishore, a talented left-arm spinner. Their Impact Player lineup is set: Josh Little if they field and Sai Sudharsan if they bat first.

Probable bat-first XI:

Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, M. Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, and Arshdeep Singh are the other players after Shikhar Dhawan as captain.

Probable field-first XI: 

Wriddhiman Saha is the starting wicketkeeper, followed by Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, the captain, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, and Rahul Tewatia. Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Josh Little, Mohammed Shami, and R. Sai Kishore round out the top ten. Read more cricket team updates here at 22Bet VIP.

Important statistics

• Rashid Khan has seen Livingstone score 119 runs off just 69 balls, for an average of 30 and a strike rate of 173.
• Shikhar Dhawan, who has 149 strikes against Mohammed Shami, has never been removed by him.
• The top three Kings players have contributed the second-largest percentage of their team’s overall IPL total, only behind Royal Challengers Bangalore, at 70.5%.

Sri Lanka has made some major changes to their squad selection for the upcoming Ireland Tests. One of the most notable omissions from the 15-member squad is Niroshan Dickwella, who has been left out of the team as they look to adopt a spin-heavy approach. Instead, the team has named Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama as their wicketkeeping options. This shake-up in the squad is a clear indication of Sri Lanka’s desire to dominate Ireland with their spin attack.

In addition to Dickwella’s exclusion, other players who were part of Sri Lanka’s most recent Test assignment in New Zealand have been rested, including fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara. Asitha Fernando, Oshada Fernando, and Chamika Karunaratne have also been left out of the squad. This move has given a chance for new talent to shine, with the inclusion of uncapped legspinner Dushan Hemantha and the recall of left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya. Dimuth Karunaratne remains the captain for the two Tests against Ireland, and all eyes will be on him and his team as they take on their opponents in this exciting series.

Sri Lanka’s cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the upcoming Ireland Tests. They have made some significant changes to their squad selection, aiming to adopt a spin-heavy approach. With the matches being played in Sri Lanka, the conditions are expected to favor spin bowlers, and the team has taken note of it. As a result, they have left out Niroshan Dickwella, who has been struggling with his form lately, and brought in new talent to take on the challenge.

New Talent and Fresh Perspective for Sri Lanka’s Upcoming Series

The team has named Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama as their wicketkeeping options, while fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara have been rested. Madushka made his debut in Sri Lanka’s most recent Test match in Wellington, replacing Dickwella, who had a forgettable outing in the first Test in Christchurch. The team management has shown faith in him, and he will be expected to deliver on the big stage. On the other hand, Samarawickrama has been given another opportunity to prove his worth after having a mixed outing in the previous Test series.

The inclusion of uncapped leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha and the recall of left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya have added more depth to the spin department. Both the bowlers have impressed in the domestic circuit, and will be eager to make their mark in international cricket. With Dimuth Karunaratne leading the team, all eyes will be on him and his team as they take on their opponents in this exciting series. The Sri Lanka cricket team is known for producing world-class spinners, and it will be interesting to see how the new crop of spinners performs in familiar conditions.

Sri Lanka has made some exciting changes to their squad selection for the upcoming Ireland Tests, as they aim to adopt a spin-heavy approach in conditions that favor spin bowlers. With the exclusion of Niroshan Dickwella and the inclusion of new talent such as Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama as their wicketkeeping options, the team is set to take on the challenge with a fresh perspective.

Furthermore, the fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara have been rested, allowing for uncapped leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha and the recalled left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya to add more depth to the spin department. With the experienced Dimuth Karunaratne leading the team, all eyes will be on him and his team as they take on their opponents in this exciting series.

One notable inclusion to the team is Sadeera Samarawickrama, who returns to the Test squad after a long gap, having played the last of his four Tests – all of them as a specialist batter – in December 2017. This move is expected to bolster the team’s batting strength, providing them with a solid foundation for their spin-heavy approach. Ireland’s tour to Sri Lanka has also been expanded to include a second Test, providing the home team with more opportunities to test their new strategy.

Sri Lanka has played eight Tests in the past 12 months, and had a gap of over six months between their home series against Australia and their tour to New Zealand. Despite having an outside chance of making the World Test Championship final at the start of that tour, they were unable to capitalize on it. However, with their revamped squad and renewed energy, Sri Lanka is set to make a strong statement in the upcoming series.

Despite expressing his desire to step down as Sri Lanka’s captain after the current series, Dimuth Karunaratne has been retained as the skipper for the upcoming two Tests against Ireland. Karunaratne had indicated to the selectors about his intention to relinquish the captaincy, however, he did not receive any response from the board. The series against Ireland is not a part of the World Test Championship cycle, but it will mark the completion of Sri Lanka’s scheduled games in the current period.

Karunaratne has been leading the Sri Lankan team since April 2019 and has had mixed results in his tenure. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka has won 4 out of the 12 Test matches they have played, losing 7 and drawing 1. However, Karunaratne has been one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent batsmen and has scored 1359 runs in 20 Tests as captain, including 5 centuries and 6 half-centuries at an average of 44.87.

Sri Lanka will bank on their experienced captain to lead them to victory against Ireland, and it remains to be seen whether Karunaratne will continue to lead the team after this series or whether the selectors will take his desire to step down into account. 22Bet VIP can give you updated cricket news every week.

The following players will represent Sri Lanka in Test matches against Ireland:

• Dimuth Karunaratne (captain),
• Kusal Mendis,
• Angelo Mathews,
• Dinesh Chandimal,
• Dhananjaya de Silva,
• Kamindu Mendis,
• Nishan Madusha (wk),
• Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk),
• Ramesh Mendis,
• Prabath Jayasuriya,
• Dushan Hemantha,