Shubhman Gill
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Sri Lanka are set to square up against India in the first Test of the two-match series from 4th to 8th March 2022 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India won all three matches of the T20 series and would look to continue the winning momentum in the Test series as well.

The upcoming Test series will be the first for Rohit Sharma as captain in the longest format. The senior Indian cricketer would want to start it on a positive note. India have announced a pretty solid squad for the series. Senior members such as Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, and Ishant Sharma have all been axed from the squad. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari and Shubman Gill could get a chance to feature in the playing XI.

Rohit Sharma. India vs England
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The first Test against Sri Lanka also marks the 100th Test for Virat Kohli. The fans would want him to end his century drought on the special occasion. KL Rahul is still recovering from the injury, which means that Mayank Agarwal is likely to open with Rohit Sharma.

In the pace-bowling department, India have picked all four senior fast bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, etc. As for spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin has made the cut but his inclusion in the playing XI is subject to fitness. Besides, Ravindra Jadeja marks his return to the playing XI. The spin attack also has got the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Jayant Yadav.

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Sri Lanka
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Facing them are Sri Lanka, who won their last Test series against West India by a 2-0 margin. However, it isn’t going to be easy for them to replicate a similar result against India in their own backyard.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne led the way with the bat against West Indies. He scored 278 runs in 2 matches at an average of 70. He will be the biggest bet for the team in the batting department ahead of an important series. The likes of Dhanajaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka also are going to be key to Sri Lanka’s fortune in the series. Both did well against West Indies and it will be interesting to see how they fare in Indian conditions.

Angelo Mathews continues to be part of the team, while the likes of Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella mark their return to the side after serving a ban for violating Covid-19 norms. Senior fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will be playing his last Test series.

He will be sharing fast bowling duties alongside Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara. In Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, they have a great spin bowling unit.

IND vs SL Weather Forecast And Pitch Report Of IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali – India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test

Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva
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India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the first Test of the two-match series from 4th to 8th March 2022 at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Earlier, the pitch used to be lightning-fast and had a lot of help for the pacers.

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However, with time, it has slowed down and the pitch is helpful more to the spinners. Having said that, the batsmen enjoy making runs here as the balls come nicely onto the bat. Both teams should look to bat first upon winning the toss.

STATS – TEST

Total matches 13
Matches won batting first 3
Matches won bowling first 5
Average 1st Inns scores 355
Average 2nd Inns scores 379
Average 3rd Inns scores 270
Average 4th Inns scores 129