Toss Sri Lanka chose to bat against West Indies
Sri Lanka elected to bat first after winning the toss, opting to play on a North Sound surface that featured a well-maintained grass covering. The West Indies currently lead the two‑match series 1–0.
At the toss, Dhananjaya de Silva underlined the need to secure twenty wickets—a benchmark the Sri Lankans struggled to achieve in the opening Test, a shortfall he Northern quoted as a key reason for their heavy defeat. Roston Chase was pleased to bowl first, noting that it would have been his preference had the toss fallen in his favor.
West Indies welcomed back Shai Hope, with Joshua Da Silva making way. Kemar Roach was ruled out due to injury, and Anderson Phillip stepped in to round out the quartet of pacers in the starting XI.
The pitch is described as even, featuring a substantial grass covering with hints of green. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first caught a few observers off‑guard. West Indies’ fast‑bowling quartet will aim to dismantle the Lankan top order—particularly during the opening hour of play. The surface may also offer uneven bounce and occasional cracks, while Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal will be ready to provide support when the ball is turned back into play.
The weather remained dry, with a possibility of rain forecasted for later in the day.
West Indies: 1 John Campbell, 2 Brandon King, 3 Kavem Hodge, 4 Amir Jangoo, 5 Shai Hope (wk), 6 Roston Chase (capt), 7 Justin Greaves, 8 Jayden Seales, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Shamar Joseph, 11 Anderson Phillip
Sri Lanka: 1 Lahiru Udara, 2 Nishan Madushka, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Kamindu Mendis, 5 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 6 Kusal Mendis supp, 7 Sonal Dinusha, 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Milan Rathnayake, 10 Isitha Wijesundara, 11 Asitha Fernando
