WTC Final: Australia vs South Africa – A Battle Beyond the Boundary at Lord’s

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

It's more than a test

The cricketing world has turned its attention to Lord’s again. This time, it’s about legacy, structure, and the evolution of Test cricket. The World Test Championship Final (2023–25) between Australia and South Africa is more than a game; it marks two years of planning, execution, and resilience. The term "pinnacle of cricket" suits it well. 

The WTC: A Much-Needed Push for the Red Ball 

When the ICC launched the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019, it aimed to give context to Test series and restore importance to matches often overlooked outside the Ashes or BGT events. The WTC sought to turn Test cricket into a league format where every match matters. A dead rubber would no longer be truly dead; every run, session, and win now has a purpose. 

The 2023–25 cycle is the third cycle and arguably the most balanced. While the structure, including uneven series lengths and teams not facing each other, remained the same, it gave Test cricket a clear goal. It pushed teams to plan for long-term, resting and rotating players wisely and building players for the future with the WTC table in mind. 

Australia’s Campaign: Australia began their journey as defending champions after defeating India in the 2021–23 final. This time, their campaign was marked by discipline and quiet dominance. Cummins’ men didn’t overpower their opponents like some past Aussie sides like Steve Wough’s or Ricky Pontings’s Aussie sides but maintained steady control over series both at home and abroad. They swept Sri Lanka, shared the Ashes with England, and handled Pakistan and New Zealand with careful precision and won BGT against India handsomly. Their success wasn’t just about results; it was about depth. Players like Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Lyon , and Starc, Khawaja formed a strong core. However, Australia’s ability to adapt—bringing in players like Todd Murphy, Sam Konstas and rotating Green and Marsh based on conditions—showed their planning. 

First day at Lord's

At Lord’s, on Day 1 of the final, they were bowled out for 212. Still, their bowlers, especially Pace trio Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood, fought back, leaving South Africa at 43/4. That’s Australia in the WTC era: not always dominant from the start but always steady and ready. 

South Africa’s Rise: The table toppers of this cycle but before the cycle no one had bet on South Africa to compete at Final. Fast Bowlers and Strong Intent South Africa crafted an impressive story. They were not among the tournament favorites, might have fairly inexperienced batting line-up yet a reenergized pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, along with Jansen, Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee and with the help of Maharaj, gave them the ability to dismantle batting line-ups across conditions. Their campaign featured consistency: solid home wins, gritty performances away, and a team that collectively responsible for the Lord’s birth. 

For Bavuma’s team who is undefeated as a test captain so far, the final is a debut, a dream, and a statement that they belong with the world’s elite once again. Known as chockers in ICC knockouts, but this time it is a great chance to break the all hoodoos at Lord’s.

What WTC brings for Test Cricket

The value of the WTC goes beyond trophies and points. It brings significance-an important aspect in today’s cricket world, where players retiring from international cricket to take up the franchise cricket, where money decide the fates of cricket, WTC stands high and future of this beautiful format heavily depends on WTC. It also reminds us that in the era of T20 and franchise cricket, the charm of red-ball cricket still has value and a beauty. Having known there will be final at the end all the matches get equal respect. With the WTC world could see some of the fortresses in home conditions are been broken. Especially sub-continent teams (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh) lost at their own backyards with visiting teams develop skills and play strongest xis to gain points. Empty stands are no longer common for key Test series. Streaming numbers have increased, and top players have repeatedly expressed their commitment to red-ball cricket when it has real context. Players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith talk much about the value of test cricket and it definitely increases the curiosity among youngsters. 

Test Cricket’s Future 

There’s no denying the challenges Test cricket faces. The schedule is busy, and T20 leagues are the financial foundation for many players and boards. Scheduling conflicts and workload management will continue to affect team selections and tour lengths. However, Test cricket offers something no other format can: character and patience. 

In this T20 era, red ball cricket still has it's wow

As the final unfolds at Lord’s, it’s not only about Australia vs South Africa; it’s about the essence of cricket. It’s about the future of the most beautiful format of game of cricket. It’s about the players that take this format to the next generation. 

The flame of Test cricket still burns, and as long as it does, the World Test Championship will be the torch barrier. Crowds at Lord’s in the first day of the ultimate test suggest it.

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Sri Lanka T20I World Cup Squad

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming T20 World Cup reaches as Sri Lanka unveils its 15-man squad for the highly anticipated tournament. The squad announcement sparks discussions and speculations about the composition, strengths, and misses-outs. However the squads can be changed until 25th of May. Let’s dig into Sri Lanka’s squad that will take on global stage in June. 

The squad looks balanced, and has enough variety as well even though the power-hitting remains bit of concerns. The batting lineup looks fixed with what we have seen in last couple of series with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka expected to lead the charge in the top seven and Wanindu Hasaranga ready to step up in the order as needed. In the spin department, skipper Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana and notable inclusion of Dunith Wellalage who is yet to make his T20I debut take three spots out of fifteen.

Wellalage in 15-men squad.

While Matheesha Pathirana is in hot form in IPL, Nuwan Thushara is going ok for MI and Dushmantha Chameera is injury-less they come in to the team as right arm pace bowlers. The room for left arm pacer has been grabbed by Dilshan Madushanka who is coming back after an injury. With those four the pace lineup has covered it bases well.

Going in to the tournament, the combination stands as the linchpin for Sri Lanka. Either Sri Lanka can form 6-5 combination or 7-4. Writer thinks this will be the toughest decision Tharanga has to make while the World Cup. Having a strong in bowling line-up with variety and batting is yet to find its full flow, choosing the combination will be crucial.

Pathirana was in hot form for CSK

Exploring further into the options, the decision lies in choosing between fielding three frontline pacers or opting for a blend of two alongside the duo of Angelo and Shanaka. Hasaranga and Theekshana are set to spearhead the spin department, as expected.

Should Sri Lanka opt for the 6-5 combination, it would necessitate leaving out Sadeera, paving the way for Angelo and Shanaka to slot in at numbers five and six respectively. Conversely, a 7-4 combo would see only two pacers taking the field, with Angelo, Shanaka, and either Kamindu or DDS filling in the remaining four overs.

As travelling reserves Sri Lanka has go for Bhanuka Rajapaksha, impressive Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, All-rounder Janith Liyanage and pacer Asitha Fernando. Bhanuka last played for Sri Lanka in January 2023, but Tharanga has shown faith in his big-hitting ability. Viyaskanth unfortunately not in the first 15 men as the legbreak option is filed with skipper and understandable that selectors have opted for variety with left arm spinner.

Noticeably absent from the squad are players such as experienced Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, , Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan. Avishka's recent showings during the Bangladesh fell short of expectations, while Kusal Perera's has struggled with injuries as well as not so impressive as he used to be. Meanwhile, Dilshan might gain fitness after the injury to overtake Binura who filled the left arm pacer role in Bangladesh series.

Can Wanindu clinch the trophy for SL ?

Sri Lanka are in group D at the T20 World Cup along with Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands and South Africa as only two teams will advance to the super 8 stage. Their schedule is as follows.

3rd June- vs South Africa

8th June-vs Bangladesh

12th June-vs Nepal

17th June -vsNetherlands

Sri Lanka squad for 2024 T20I World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka,Nuwan Thushara.

Travelling reserves: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Asitha Fernando.

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Bazball's biggest challenge: England tour of India Preview

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Bazball vs Indian spinners, the battle on the way

Since Brendon McCulum took over England's test team coaching role, English red ball team remodelized the test cricket. So far they had a fruitful Bazball era. Even at the start of the Bazball era, many had their doubts on English approach in spinning conditions, to be precise rank turners. Now, the time has come. All the doubts are to be answered, England vs India 5-match test series starts tomorrow.

As always in Indian soil, England's main challenge is India's spinners, Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. India may play all these three spinners in their playing xi and it will be great battle if England batters continue their approach. 

India's spin trio

Leading upto the series, two notable as well as crucial omissions happened for both the teams. Firstly, English star batter Harry Brook opted out due to personal reasons. He was one of the main contributor towards the success of Bazball and one of the key reasons of England drawing the last Ashes. Like Brook, India's prime batter Virat Kohli has requested not to consider him for the first two tests due to personal reasons. Absence of these two is going to affect both the teams heavily.

Teams

Joe Root will be the key

England young spinner, Shoaib Bashir will miss the first test since his visa was not granted on time. England has named their xi for the first test including three spinners, challenging India with their own medicine. Joe Root, their best batter against spin will hold key for English batting lineup.Mark Wood will be their sole fast bowler in their playing xi. England's best wicket-keeper Ben Foakes is back as designated wicket-keeper.

England xi:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood

Since Virat Kohli's absence, KL Rahul will play as a batter at middle order resolving their wicket keeper discussions. India is set to play without either of Virat, Rahane and Pujara for the first time since 2011. They will likely to play 6-5 combination including two seamers.

India is without Virat, Rahane and Pujara for the first time since 2011

India likely xi:

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat(wk), Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Jusprit Bumrah, Mohomadd Siraj

Toss will be one key factor as always. There will be no hesitations, the captain who wins the toss will bat first. We are into a long, but fascinating series. The much-awaited red ball series is few hours away.

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Can Sri Lanka End the Defending Champions' World Cup Run ?

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

England, the defending champions are in a tremendous pressure. Came to india as one of the favorites. Now their journey's hanging by a thread.And they are facing a team that they haven't beat in a WC since 1999.

Sri Lanka, lost couple of major players even before the WC, lost its captain and a bowler at the first couple of matches. Nothing to lose, everything to gain scenario. What you can ask than that to play freely and fearlessly. 

Even with the most dangerous side in 2019 , England lost to Sri Lanka. Predictors showed 3% for us but we beaten them thanks to great Lasith Malinga. So who's gonna do for us this time.

As mentioned England are in pressure in this must win game. Their attacking pattern didn't give them the results they wanted. So they are in a spot of bother with their approach. They might try a defensive mode at some stages of the game. That's where Sri Lanka has to put the gas on their game. One bowling spell, One good batting partnership may , One good attacking inning might push Englishmen to the backfoot. Remember , in this game pressure can do wonders !!!

If Sri Lanka can play their A-game, we might have a chance to beat defending champions once again in a world cup. Short boundaries will be tough challenge since Sri Lankan bowlers haven't clicked yet in the tournament. Bangalore always provides run fests. Batters always dominate in this ground and tomorrow will be no different surely. For Sri Lanka if Kusal Perera could find his groove again and Kusal Mendis could do what he did in the first two matches, Sri Lanka will be in a great position with the bat. Pathum Nissanka's 50s converting to a 100 would be ideal too. Dilshan Madushanka is having a great world cup campaign so far, and is currently the second most wicket taker of the tournament. 

Madushanka is SL's best bowler so far

Considering about playing xi, couple of changes can be expected. Chris Silverwood confirmed that Maheesh Theekshana is available for the selections, hence he will come in to the xi. Still no confirmation on whether Angelo Mathews play or not, but with the way things were aligned past two days he will play his 4th world cup. With the ground conditions and dimensions, Hemantha will have to sit out most probably. If Mathews play as a finisher, there is a chance to play a proper fast bowler instead of Chamika Karunaratne.

Mathews set to play his 4th World Cup

Probable xi:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka,  Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.

Can the defending champions take a turnaround for their campaign ?

Can Sri Lanka continue their winning streak over England in WCs ? 

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Marching in to the Super 6s..

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Sri Lanka's going to the super 6 undefendedly

4 wins in 4 matches and Sri Lanka into the Super 6 of ICC CWCQualifiers. Neither one out of 4 matches of the group stage were difficult task for Sri Lankan quality of cricket. But there are some conserns even though Sri Lanka marches into Super 6 stage comprehensively.

Positives...Positives

Came out of nowhere and grabbed the chance with both hands

SL selectors had no answer to the opening position than calling their world cup specialist opener. With all the criticism, Sri Lankan test skipper did his part in the group stage with being the highest runscorer for Sri Lanka with 223 runs at 74.33.  103 runs came up as his maiden century in ODI cricket. Nissanka played second fiddle to Dimuth until the Scotland match where he made a magnificent half-century and green tick for opening duo in the group stage.

Kusal Mendis' four-century-desire is at impossible state with qualifiers are on, and Sri Lanka's number 3 batter showed his struggle against pace throughout the group stage. 

Writer is extremely happy with what Sri Lanka's Number 4-5 showed so far. Sadeera was upto the task (unfortunately missed a century) knowing he has to fill Mathews' shoes at no 4 and Asalanka was the most fluent batter in group stage. Ability to clear the boundary and intent shown was pleasing. Dhananjaya de Silva who is batting out of his comfort position did a good job at closing overs as well.

It was clear Shanaka needs to be wise as a batter, his aggressive intent didn't help Sri Lanka as a finisher and Shanaka who had 3 failures and Hasaranga need to address issues, otherwise Sri Lanka could be in trouble in super 6 stage. 

Wanindu shines with three 5-fers

As expected Sri Lanka's spin was the trump card against all the teams in group stages. Wanindu's world-record-equaling run along with Theekshana's crucial supportive role helped us to get through the group stage undefeatedly. But it can be challenged by West Indies and Zimbabwe, (even in the last two matches batters attacked Wanindu) ,that's where pacers need to step up and Dushmantha Chameera's absence could be a major blow for us. Lahiru Kumara was impressive and writer expect Kasun Rajitha would be replaced by Dilshan Madushanka who added to the squad as the replacement of Chameera.

Huge blow for SL as Chameera ruled out

Sri Lanka's Super 6 journey starts in few hours. We are with 4 points that carried from group stage. Two wins definitely win the world cup spot but they should try to win all three and dominate other teams. Few issues to be rectified and hoping for the best. India is waiting 🏆...

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Can Sri Lanka qualify for the World Cup 2023 Directly ?

(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Here is what you need to know about World Cup Super League points table and Sri Lanka's chances.. Let's go through..

As the Sri Lanks vs New Zealand 3 match ODI series is one just started, let's talk about the scenarios of the automatic qualifications for the World Cup 2023.

Sri Lanka need a non-less than  3-0 or 2-0 with one no result. Otherwise we are not going to make the top 8 only with our efforts. If we can achieve one of above results, that will surely assure the 8th place. If we lose one match, then we will have to wait until Netherlands beat South Africa and Bangladesh to beat Ireland atleast one in match.

For your ease, here is the points WI, SL, SA and Ireland will achieve with the results of remaining World Cup Super League Matches.

🌴WI- 88 (no more matches) - at 8th place

🇱🇰Sri Lanka (3 match series vs NZ)

3-0 : 107 pts

2-0 with one no-result: 102

2-1 : 97 pts

1-2 : 87 pts

🇿🇦South Africa (2 match series vs Netherlands)

2-0 : 98 pts

1-1 : 88 pts

🇮🇪Ireland (3 match series vs Bangladesh)

3-0 : 98 pts

2-0: 93 pts

2-1: 88 pts

*The points are calculated assuming there  will not be any deductions for slow over rate, remember Sri Lanka lost 3 points due to slow over rates and that could've increased Sri lanka's chances if we have those deducted points.

After all these considerations, Sri Lanka has only one job, that is winning. That will ensure their world cup spot than expecting others to lose. Let's hope for the best.

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Preview- New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI Series

 (Poornama Edirisooriya writes)

Do or Die Situation for Sri Lanka as crucial WCSL points awaits..

Two Captains with the trophy (pc-papare)

We had a dream about World Test Championship final. The result we wanted is 2-0, but we got the other way round. As writer said in previous article, this New Zealand tour is one of the most important series of Sri Lankan Cricket history. 

Now we are having a dream about direct qualification for the World Cup 2023. Again, a whitewash needed. If not, have to wait for Dutches do a favor for us. Unless above two scenarios, we have to travel to Zimbabwe for the World Cup Qualifiers in June.

Being a country that won a world cup and played two consecutive finals, it would be a shame if Sri Lanka have to play qualifiers. Nonetheless Dasun and Co. has a job to do. And there will be no better chance since about 8 New Zealand first choice players will not play the ODI series due to their participation in IPL and Lockie Ferguson too will miss the series due to an injury.

Angelo Mathews returns after about 2 years

After lots of talkings, experienced Angelo Mathews returns to the white ball team after March 2021. He definitely will play and that means one from Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Chamika has to sit out. This might be the last opportunity for the veteran to show of he's still got white-ball capacity.

Eden Park Auckland has quite a small straight boundaries and long square boundaries. NZ bowlers may try the short-ball ploy as ther did in the second test to unsettle Sri Lankan batters, Sri Lanka bowlers and Dasjn himself should aware of that to put them in their own trap. Interesting call there to be taken with the bowlers who honna make to the xi with the fact that Eden Park offering some assistance to the spinners as well. 

Expecting XI for the first ODI,

1. Nuwanidu Fernando
2. Pathum Nissanka
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Charith Asalanka 
5. Angelo Mathews
6. Dasun Shanaka (c)
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
8. Chamika Karunaratne
9. Kasun Rajitha
10. Lahiru Kumara/ Maheesh Theekshana
11. Dilshan Madhushanka

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