Sri Lanka Opt To Bat As Kusal Mendis Debuts

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first in the second Test against the West Indies at P. Sara Oval Stadium in Colombo.

Kusal Mendis makes his test debut as Sri Lanka replaces Lahiru Thirimanne with him. Meanwhile Tharindu Kaushal has been replaced by Dilruwan Perera. Rangana Herath will be the Vice Captain of the team in this test.

Both teams will be pleased a result looks likely. West Indies need a victory to save the series, and to inspire a new captain and his young team ahead of a difficult tour of Australia. Meanwhile, a strong series win would partially absolve the hosts of the disappointment of two mid-year humblings at the hands of India and Pakistan.

Sri Lanka arrive full of confidence following the innings victory in the first Test, of course, but their batting may still be vulnerable. Milinda Siriwardene and Kusal Perera are playing their second and third Tests respectively, opener Kaushal Silva has gone some time without a big score, and the no. 3 position has been so problematic Sri Lanka are likely to give 20-year-old Kusal Mendis an opportunity there. West Indies conceded 484 in Galle, but that had been more a reflection of poor catching, than toothless bowling. The extra pace and carry often available on the P Sara pitch will raise the visiting attack's chance of scripting an upset as long as chances are held.

(With inputs from espncricinfo)