SL v NZ | Tim Southee in, Neil Wagner out in the 1st Test at Galle
The playing XIs for the first Test match of two between Sri Lanka and New Zealand have just been announced at the toss. New Zealand have fielded a three-spin attack with Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville, while the hosts have opted for just two-spinners in comparison.
Prior to the series, the news from the Kiwi camp was that they would follow in the footsteps of England and South Africa, who found success in Sri Lanka using a three-spin attack. As such they’ve fielded a well-rounded trio with Patel, Santner and overseas specialist Somerville. Trent Boult will open the bowling with his good old partner Tim Southee and that leaves out one of New Zealand's most reliable pacers in the longest format, Neil Wagner.
Jeet Raval will once again walk out for first for the Kiwis who’ve won the toss and elected to bat first.
The pitch report suggested that there is a fair bit of grass covering on, and that the spinners would take control from the third day. If that is the case, this is a good toss for the visitors to win.
The Sri Lankan side has slightly less emphasis on spinners, with only Akila Dananjaya and teenage sensation Lasith Embuldeniya as their options. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews will fill in as the fifth bowling option, with Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara will likely share the new ball. Vishwa Fernando has been left out despite his performance against South Africa earlier this year.
Teams:
New Zealand XI: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will Somerville, Trent Boult
Sri Lanka XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara
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