After mindless runs and ageless batting on the pitch in the National Stadium, Karachi, Sri Lanka hope to seal a series victory in the second Test in Lahore as farewell for Mahela Jayawardene who has decided to give up the captaincy. Even as stalwarts of the game back in Sri Lanka want Jayawardene to continue on, at least as Test skipper, Jayawardene is heading into the sunset of his captaincy and the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Lahore will mark his last. With the first Test having proved a senseless run fest, given the nature of the pitch, both teams will now look to extract win from the second Test to win the series. Younis Khan led the way for Pakistan and unfazed by Sri Lanka’s timeless batting led by Jayawardene himself, scored a triple century to add to the academic nature of the Test. His own personal achievement apart, Pakistan will need to get to grips with the Tests, not having played for a year before the Test in Karachi in order to stop Sri Lanka from winning away from home. While Sri Lanka may persist with Tharanga Paranativana in the opener’s role, there is no option of using the likes of Ferveez Maharoof who has now gone back home with a groin injury. In light of the fact, Sri Lanka are likely to field an unchanged side fo the second Test beginning tomorrow. Pakistan though may have one change on the cards. There is talk that Mohammad Talha, a twenty year old bowling sensation, may make his debut if the selectors and team management fail to look past the fact that Sohail Khan was not helped in his efforts by the dropped catches. Security though has been beefed up for the second Test in light of the violent protests that marked the political tensions when Nawaz Sharif and his brother was disqualified of their candidature in the forthcoming elections. With Lahore being the epicenter of political unrest at the present time, the organizers are not taking any chances but firmly going ahead with the second Test as scheduled.

Younis Khan: Ode to a Dodo

Jayawardene Should Make Captaincy Comeback

Ahead of SL-Pak Test: Selectors Do Not Like to Be Picked On

Words of Advice From Out Going Skipper to A Young Ace

Mahela Showed Style and Grace in his Leadership

Jayawardene’s Resignation: Self Inflicted

IND- SL ODI Series: Another Feather in Dhoni’s Cap

India Ships Odd Names to New Zealand

Pathan Brothers Revive Brotherly Interests on Same Day as Hussey Duo

Sachin Tendulkar: Forgettable Tour Ends