Cricket fans are bracing for a dramatic finish to the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh Test series as the teams gear up for the all-important second Test.
With the first match ending in a competitive draw in Galle, both sides remain hungry for victory as they aim to notch crucial points in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. However, injury concerns and a major retirement have shaken the Sri Lankan camp ahead of the decider.
Fast bowler Milan Rathnayake has been ruled out of the second Test due to a left-side strain suffered during the opening game.
His absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s pace department, especially as Rathnayake was expected to play a pivotal role in exploiting the conditions. The team now faces the challenge of reshuffling its bowling lineup to maintain pressure on a confident Bangladesh side.
Compounding the setback, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the series opener.
Mathews leaves behind a legacy of over a decade in Sri Lanka’s red-ball setup, known for his dependable batting and calm leadership.
His exit from the squad not only removes a seasoned performer but also disrupts the team’s strategic balance in a match that could define their WTC momentum.
To reinforce the squad, Sri Lanka has added experienced left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando and young spinner Dunith Wellalage. Fernando, with 79 Test wickets in 27 matches, brings experience and swing bowling prowess to the side.
Meanwhile, Wellalage, although relatively new with just one Test cap, offers a promising spin option that could prove crucial if the Galle pitch favors turn.
Bangladesh, buoyed by their gritty performance in the first Test, will look to carry forward the momentum and exploit Sri Lanka’s reshuffled setup. Their batsmen showed discipline, while the bowling unit held its nerve in tough moments.
As both teams eye a winning start to the new WTC cycle, the second Test promises a gripping contest filled with high stakes, emerging stars, and tactical shifts. With Sri Lanka dealing with setbacks and Bangladesh sensing opportunity, the Galle Test is poised to deliver a memorable cricketing showdown.