The World Test Championship is back and ready to rumble. The first series of the 2025-27 cycle is set to kick off in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh is gearing up for a tough tour against the home team. Both teams have had a tough time in Test cricket lately, so they are both eager to turn things around and make a strong start in the new championship cycle.

The weather in Sri Lanka is a big factor in this series. The monsoon season is in full swing, which means rain is likely. The forecast for the first Test in Galle shows that rain could interrupt play on most days. The first day has an 80% chance of rain, with temperatures peaking at 32°C. The humidity will be high, making it tough for the players. The rest of the week looks similar, with high chances of rain and temperatures dropping slightly each day. The fifth day might be the best for playing, but there is still a chance of light rain.

The pitch at Galle International Stadium is known for favoring spin bowlers. It starts off dry and firm, giving batters a good chance to score in the first two days. However, as the match goes on, the pitch breaks up, making it harder to bat and easier for spinners to take wickets. Fast bowlers might get some help early on, but their impact usually fades as the pitch wears down. Teams often choose to bat first to take advantage of the better batting conditions early in the match.

Sri Lanka will be looking to make a strong statement at home. They have some experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva who will be key to their batting. Their spinners, Prabath Jayasuriya and Kamindu Mendis, could play a big role on the turning pitch. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be trying to improve their overseas Test record. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will be crucial to their chances. If their spinners can adapt quickly to the Sri Lankan conditions, Bangladesh could give Sri Lanka a real challenge. This series opener is expected to be competitive.

The Sri Lankan team will be playing in familiar conditions, which could give them an advantage. They will rely heavily on their experienced batsmen and spinners to anchor their innings and take wickets. The Bangladesh team, however, will need to adjust quickly to the conditions if they want to compete. Their spinners will be key to their chances, and if they can take wickets early, they could put pressure on the Sri Lankan team.

GALLE STADIUM

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Kicking Off the World Test Championship

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