Second Test preview: Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka only just put Zimbabwe away in the first Test and the second will be all about who learned the most from the first outing in Harare just last week.
Zimbabwe showed they have the steel to save a Test match even if they fell short in their efforts but what they don’t seem to have is a bowling attack that can take 20 wickets in a game.
Carl Mumba will give the hosts a lift in that department as he proved to be able to strike reasonably regularly but with only skipper Graeme Cremer looking likely to get wickets at the other end the hosts don’t look likely to win this encounter.
Sri Lanka seem content to approach this tour as batting practice ahead of what will be a much tougher examination in South Africa in December.
Their batsmen will look to assert their dominance over Zimbabwe early and hope they can bowl the stubborn hosts out twice.
The Sri Lankan spinners did not get the kind of turn we may have expected in the first Test and didn’t look as lethal as they did against Australia but seamer Suranga Lakmal was something of a revelation extracting lethal swing at critical moments.
Key players
For Zimbabwe veteran batsman Hamilton Masakadza has to come to the party after scoring just 19 runs in the first Test against New Zealand and making a total of 53 runs in tow innings in the first Test.
Ervine and Williams will be expected to contribute with both bat and ball as will skipper Graeme Cremer who will get through a mountain of overs before this Test is through.
Sri Lanka have a young team but Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga and Dimuth Karunaratne all cracked hundreds in the first Test and will be eager to repeat the success.
Herath will be looking to lead his bowlers by example but unlike his opposite number Cremer he will have plenty of back up at least in terms of spinners.
Last five head-to-head results
2016 First Test: Sri Lanka won by 225 runs in Harare
2004 Second Test: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 254 in Bulawayo
2004 First Test: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 240 runs in Harare
2002 Third Test: Sri Lanka won by 315 runs in Galle
2002 Second Test: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 94 runs in Kandy
Squads
Zimbabwe squad: Graeme Cremer, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva, Peter Moor, Donald Tiripano, Christopher Mpofu, Taurai Muzarabani, Michael Chinouya, Brian Chari, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba, Tarisai Musakanda.
Sri Lanka squad: Rangana Herath,(capt), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Madhushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Gamage, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne.
Details
Dates: November 6-10
Morning session: 09:30-11:30 (11:30-13:30 GMT)
Afternoon session: 12:10-14:10
Evening session: 14:30-17:00
Umpires: Simon Fry and Ian Gould
Match referee: Chris Broad
Latest
-
News
Ollie Pope recalls moment England knew success in India would be uphill struggle
Pope revealed he was told by India’s captain Virat Kohli: “This is the last of the flat wickets.”
-
News
Chennai Super Kings: Hazlewood withdraws from IPL 2021
Jos Hazlewood became the third Australia international to withdraw from the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League.
-
News
Ollie Robinson grateful for ‘invaluable’ time spent with two of England’s finest
The 27-year-old spent last summer travelling, netting, chatting and watching two all-time greats in James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
-
News
Tammy Beaumont believes the new season heralds 10 years of growth for the sport
The 29-year-old had an impressive winter series in New Zealand and topped the ICC ODI batting rankings.
-
News
Sir Alastair Cook open to keeping county cricket career going past this season
The former England captain’s three-year contract with Essex expires after the 2021 campaign.
-
News
Jason Roy can renew partnership with Jonny Bairstow after signing for Sunrisers
England stars Roy and Bairstow will be reunited at the franchise.
-
News
Dan Lawrence happy with first England steps on ‘challenging’ subcontinent tour
The 23-year-old made his long-awaited Test debut in Sri Lanka in January.
-
News
Kent coach Matt Walker expects Sam Billings to be fit for Indian Premier League
Kent captain and wicketkeeper sprained his collarbone while fielding during England’s first one-day international against India earlier this month.
-
News
England paceman Jofra Archer facing two weeks’ rehab after surgery on right hand
The 25-year-old suffered the injury in January when the fish tank he was cleaning at home smashed.
-
News
Cricket South Africa given more time to get their house in order
Cricket South Africa continues to risk the future of the game in the country with selfish infighting.