This series is part of the World Test Championship. Bangladesh have so far played five matches of this event but failed to win any of them, while Sri Lanka have played 10 games and won only one. And in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh played a total of 12 matches but won just one.

Bangladesh captain Mominul said they would rely on the pace bowlers more in this series. Three right-arm pacers — Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed Rahi and Ebadot Hossain -- are his biggest bet. Taskin is making a Test come back after three years. He last played a Test in 2017 against South Africa.

Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have also been included in the team. The duo will be leading the spin-bowling department in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Mehidy is also expected to play the role of an allrounder in this game. He hit his maiden Test century in the last series against West Indies at home. 

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Angelo Mathews is also making a comeback after missing the last series in the Caribbean. He replaced Dinesh Chandimal, while Lahiru Kumara is also in the playing XI. 

Sri Lanka have fielded three pace-bowlers and one specialist spinner in this game, while Dhananjaya de Silva may play the role of a part-time off-spinner.

Bangladesh playing XI: 

Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadat Hossain

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Sri Lanka playing XI: 

Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando