Pakistan vs Sri Lanka : First Test assignment for Sangakkara as Captain

The test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka starting from saturday would be the first Test series for Sangakkara as captain. He has been the senior player for Sri Lanka for some time now, and as a wicketkeeper plays a very active role in the decision making process during the game. So he should fit right in this new role as captain.

But there is one thing to be considered, that is his work load. He would be a batsman, a wicketkeeper and a captain. It can get a bit too much. Dhoni also plays the role of batsman, wicketkeeper and a captain, but India is not really dependent on Dhoni for runs. If scores he adds depth to the batting else there are other batsmen to do the job. But for Sri Lanka Sangakkara along with Jayawardene is the main batsman. Its true that Dilshan has been doing well in limited overs format, but in Tests Jayawardene and Sangakkara remain the top 2 batsmen. So it will be interesting to see how Sangakkara takes on this additional responsibility.

SLC XI v Pakistanis, Tour match, Colombo : Match Drawn

SLC XI 354 for 5 dec (Thirimanne 116, Kapugedera 115, Tharanga 50) and 137 for 2 dec (Paranavitana 48, Tharanga 44) drew with Pakistanis 400 for 8 dec (Fawad Alam 83, Manzoor 83, Butt 82, Suraj 4-120) and 54 for 4)

With little chance of an out-and-out result and rain threatening to mar proceedings, SLC XI captain Thilina Kandamby gave Pakistan their best shot at a win in the tour game, declaring at 137 for 2 and setting the visitors a tempting target of 83. However, a mini-collapse which saw Pakistan lose 4 for 29 put an end to the possibility of an outright result.

The Pakistanis would no doubt have their team strategy in place ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Fawad Alam looking in good touch and Salman Butt’s welcome return to form. With both Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq failing to impress, Fawad’s success gives Younis Khan a good selection dilemma.