Bangladesh has taken the field today, Tuesday, for the first match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. In the Galle Test, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to bat first.
Spin all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is unavailable for this match due to fever. Since the wicket is dry, Shanto chose to bat first and bowl later. He hopes Bangladesh will be able to put up a big total in the first innings.
This Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marks the beginning of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). From 2025 to 2027, nine countries will participate in this competition. Each team will play six series over two years — three at home and three away.
Each series will include a minimum of two Tests, with a maximum of five. In total, there will be 27 series and 71 Tests during this cycle. The final will be held in June 2027 between the top two teams on the league table. Like the last three editions, the final is expected to be held in England, with Lord’s as the probable venue.
In the last WTC cycle, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were close in standings. Sri Lanka won only 5 out of 13 matches and was ranked sixth on the points table. Bangladesh managed 4 wins out of 12 matches and was in seventh place. It remains to be seen how far the two teams can go this time.
Bangladesh Playing XI:
Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Zakir Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando.
