Wed Sep 18 03:29:03 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Rejig Batting Order for New Zealand Test Series
**Galle, Sri Lanka** – Sri Lanka has announced a revamped batting order for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday in Galle. Kamindu Mendis, who impressed on the recent tour of England with a century and two half-centuries, has been promoted from No. 7 to No. 5.
Coach Sanath Jayasuriya said, “There was a lot of discussion that Kamindu has to move up the order when we were in England. Too often he was batting with the tail and we felt that we need to make the best use of him.”
The move sees former captain Dinesh Chandimal shifted to No. 3 and stripped of wicketkeeping duties. Kusal Mendis will now be behind the stumps and bat at No. 7.
Sri Lanka is also expected to make two more changes from the team that defeated England in the third Test last week at The Oval. Seam bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Milan Ratnayake are likely to be replaced by spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis.
“Our fast bowlers have done well, but it’s horses for courses and we have to back spin in Galle,” Jayasuriya added.
The spin-friendly Galle pitch is expected to favor the home team, but New Zealand has historically performed well in these conditions. The last two series in Sri Lanka, in 2012 and 2019, ended in 1-1 draws.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without their scheduled warm-up Test against Afghanistan after rain washed out the entire match in Greater Noida, India. Despite the disappointment, captain Tim Southee remains optimistic.
“Disappointing, no doubt, but we cannot control the weather,” Southee said. “We have had some good training and have spent time together both in India and in Galle.”
Southee is also eyeing a personal milestone, needing 20 more wickets to become the second New Zealander to take 400 in Tests.
The series will see a clash of styles, with Sri Lanka aiming to utilize their spin advantage and New Zealand looking to capitalize on their experience in these conditions.
First Piper 