Kumar Sangakkara heads into the three-match Test series against India with a proud captaincy record of played five, won four, drawn one. In contrast his team head to Indian shores having failed to win in India since making their debut in Test cricket 27 years ago.

So potent on home soil the Sri Lankan's position as contenders for the number one spot in Test cricket is often hammered by a poor record on foreign ground; this series provides the Lions with a great opportunity to begin to change such statistics, with a series win enough to see them top the rankings.

The skipper together with Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene form a formidable - and experienced - batting order that is complimented well by the ever improving all-rounder, Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene who is likely to beat of the challenge of Kaushal Silva for the wicketkeeping berth.

As has been the case for many a year now, the Sri Lankans are well stock in the spin department with Muttiah Muralitharan well supported by either Ajantha Mendis or Rangana Herath. Wile often over-shadowed by the spinners, the new ball pair of Thilan Thushara and Nuwan Kulasekara are more than competent in their own right.

After seven months of one-day and Twenty20 cricket, India will be forced to adjust quickly to Test cricket and will be mindful that a 2-0 series win or better will take them to the top of the rankings.

The opportunity to reach number one has been largely over-shadowed by talk of Sachin Tendulkar reaching 20 years in international cricket. It's a an incredible achievement and MS Dhoni's men will need no extra motivation to ensure the Little Master celebrates the occasion with a win.

The return of Zaheer Khan is sure to boost the Indian attack, with the experienced past man adding some much need firepower.

Key Players

India: With Sreesanth chomping at the bit in anticipation of a return to the international fold, the pressure on an under-performing Ishant Sharma to produce the goods has increased considerably. Sharma's performance in the first Test will not only be key to India's cause but also to Sharma's future in the starting XI.

Sri Lanka: The only bowler with Test match experince in India, much will - as always - be expected of the magical Muttiah Muralitharan.

Prediction

India may have to shake off a bit of rust, but should have what it takes to fend of a strong Sri Lankan charge.

Last Five Head-to-Head Results

2008: Third Test; Sri Lanka won by eight wickets in Colombo
2008: Second Test: India won by 170 runs in Galle
2008: First Test: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 239 runs in Colombo
2005: Third Test: India won by 259 runs in Ahmedabad
2005: Second Test: India won by 188 runs in Delhi

Likely Teams

India: Mahendra Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Shantha Sreesanth, Amit Mishra.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Ajantha Mendis.

Dates: 16-20 November; First Session: 04:00-06:00, Second

Session: 06:40-08:40, Third Session: 9:00-11:00 (all times GMT)