The rain-hit draw in the first Test of the two-match series has disappointed both Sri Lanka and touring Bangladesh. In the second Test, starts on Wednesday, both teams eye a win to seal the series. 

Bangladesh’s head coach Phil Simmons sounded optimistic ahead of the second Test. He drew inspiration from the performance of the first match, where Bangladesh dictated the match much of the time before the rain ruined the potential result. 

“We hit the ground running,” Simmons said. “That gives us a lot of belief going into the second Test.”

There are criticisms that Bangladesh had declared earlier, the result would have been possible. Simmons defended the team’s approach, citing the flatness of the pitch and reduced time due to rain.

“The wicket was still good. It wasn’t turning much, and the rough wasn’t going to be as effective with only two left-handers in their lineup,” he explained.

In the first match, Bangladesh’s stars were Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim. While Najmul hit centuries in each innings, Mushfiqur hit one. And with the ball, Nayeem Hasan bags a five-for. 

The return of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, now fully fit after illness ruled him out of the first Test, provides a boost.

Sri Lanka suffer a blow ahead of second Test vs Bangladesh

But it also poses a selection dilemma, especially after Nayeem’s standout performance in Galle, where he took a five-wicket haul across both innings.

“That’s the hard part,” Simmons admitted. “Nayeem had a wonderful game, and it would be tough to leave him out. But we always prioritize what’s best for the team.”

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be without seamer Milan Rathnayake due to a side strain. 

Vishwa Fernando replaces him, while spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage comes in to fill the void left by Angelo Mathews, who retired from Tests after the first match.

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva is anticipating a high-scoring affair but expects the pitch to offer some turn in the latter stages.

“It’s going to be a batting wicket, especially in the first few days,” he said. “But it should start turning later.”

While Dhananjaya acknowledged Miraz’s quality, he downplayed any specific threat from the off-spinner.

“He’s a good performer, and we respect that. But we’re focused on our own game. It should be a good contest.”