Sri Lankan team would be visiting New Zealand for playing test series consisting of two matches. The first match is scheduled from 10th to 14th December 2015 while the second one would be played from 18th to 22nd December 2015. University Oval Park in Dunedin, the venue of the first match consists of a pitch with lots of seam and wing early on. Kiwis would be all set to exploit the weakness of the Sri Lankan batsmen against the moving ball. Led by Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lankan side could be a formidable force in New Zealand and with the grounds being small; the batsmen would get full value for their shots.
Last time when the two teams met for the test series 2014-2015 in New Zealand, the home side thrashed Sri Lankans by 2-0. Tourists smarting under the defeat would be looking to set the record straight however it would not be an easy task. Trent BOULT is murderous on the home pitch and he along with TIM SOUTHEE can make early inroads into the Sri Lankan batting line up. Sri Lankan opening pair appears brittle against sustained pace attack however the middle order seems promising due to CHANDIMAL, THIRUMANE and AMGELO MATHEWS.
As far as the bowling department of Sri Lanka is concerned, LAKMAL and DHAMMIKA PRASAD could be more than handful on a swinging pitch. BRENDON MCCULUM and Ken Williamson will prove to be a biggest hindrance in their path because they have the panache of scoring huge at the crunch moments. Ross Taylor would be another thorn in the eyes for the tourists as he can bludgeon quick runs lower down the order.
The only weakness visible in the home side is in spin department and it might be exploited by the Sri Lankan batsmen as well as bowlers. KAUSAL, the wily off spinner can prove to be the trump card in the upcoming test series promising to be an enthralling encounter.