All eyes on Rawalpindi for Historic return of Test Cricket to Pakistan

[Asian.Century]

All eyes on Rawalpindi for historic return of Test cricket to Pakistan

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1525919

Sri Lanka's return to Pakistan, 10 years after an attack on their team bus, carries significance beyond the results of the two-Test series.

Pakistan v Sri Lanka
1st Test
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
11-15 December; 10.00am local, 5.00am GMT

Another 120 points in the ICC Test Championship are on offer for Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These are points Pakistan can urgently use, following Australia's series sweep over them in November-December. Sri Lanka ended up sharing points during the home series against New Zealand.

Pre-series activities of team Pakistan in Islamabad.#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/Qyn441DV9y

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 9, 2019
But, in the run-up to the series, the excitement has been less about the on-field contest and more about the larger significance of Test cricket returning to Pakistan. The visitors arrived to a warm welcome and high security in Pakistan, and have the gratitude of fans for making the trip. A near full-strength squad agreed to feature in the series. Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad, who captained Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their first-ever Test, have been invited as special guests.

Pakistan have brought back Fawad Alam, the top-order batsman who has been in fine domestic form, after a gap of 10 years from the national side. Usman Shinwari also has been included, with Iftikhar Ahmed and Musa Khan left out from the side that suffered two innings defeats in Australia.

The visitors will be without Suranga Lakmal, who has contracted dengue and will miss the series. He has been replaced by Asitha Fernando.

Pre-series media activity of @OfficialSLC. Visitors look in high spirit. #PAKvSL starts on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/xEhW05UMhv

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 9, 2019
The Tests will also mark the return of Mickey Arthur, Pakistan's coach until a few months ago – this time in his new role as Sri Lanka coach, following his appointment earlier this month.

Remember the last time

Sri Lanka won the last Test series between the teams, handing Pakistan a rare defeat in their adopted home of UAE. In the first Test, Pakistan couldn't chase down a target of 136 runs, while in the second, a first-innings 196 from Dimuth Karunaratne set up a 68-run win for Sri Lanka despite them being bowled out for 96 in the second innings and Asad Shafiq making a century in the hosts' reply.

The last meeting between the sides was the T20Is in Pakistan, where a young Sri Lankan side surprised the No.1 side in the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Team Rankings, taking the series 3-0.

Sri Lanka Test Squad led by Dimuth Karunaratne arrives in Islamabad to take part in a two match Test series. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/2uD0hio6Lt

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) December 9, 2019
What they said

Azhar Ali, Pakistan captain: "It is important for us to play well in this series. We have a fresh batting line up ... We have to figure out how to win Tests in Pakistan."

Mickey Arthur, Sri Lanka coach: "The key will be precision, accuracy and then building pressure with our bowlers. That is hopefully going to be the winning recipe for us. Our batsman cashing into that first innings is of utmost importance."

Conditions

There is some rain expected on days two, three and four of the Test. The first day will be partially cloudy, with highs reaching 26°C. The pitch in Rawalpindi is generally good for batting.

 

[Asian.Century]

Watch Videos: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, HOME OF GHQ ARMY :

 

[ghazi52]

Rival skippers excited as Pakistan, Sri Lanka set for historic Test
AFP
December 10, 2019

Pakistan's captain Azhar Ali (R) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dimuth Karunaratne (L) pose for a photograph with Test series trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. — AFP

Pakistan's captain Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka on Tuesday for returning to Pakistan for the first Test tour here in a decade, after a fatal militant attack on their team in 2009 drove international cricket away.

“It's a historic occasion and all the players are excited to be part of this,” Azhar, who has played 75 Tests — but, until now, none at home — said at a press conference in Rawalpindi with his counterpart, Dimuth Karunaratne.

“We thank the Sri Lankan team for coming here. The last Test was also against them so their visit will send a strong message to the world that we need to support each other,” he said.

Eight people were killed and several players and officials were wounded when militants opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus travelling to a Test in Lahore in 2009.

The attack plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation, with all “home” venues played in the United Arab Emirates.

But with security dramatically improving in recent years international cricket began creeping back starting in 2015, albeit only for limited overs.

Sri Lanka will play two Tests under heavy security, one in Rawalpindi and the second in Karachi, ending a decade-long absence for cricket's five-day format.

They will be the first home Tests for all 16 players in the Pakistan squad.

“Cricket is the biggest thing and if the youngsters can't see matches here then it's a big loss for our cricket and budding players,” Azhar said.

“I am sure our grounds will host more matches in the years to come.”

Karunaratne — who refused to tour Pakistan for a limited over series in September-October this year — shared his rival's sentiments.

“I am really excited... The players are excited to be part of this historic occasion,” he said.

Sri Lanka on the rise
Sri Lanka are on the up in Test cricket after becoming the first Asian team to win a series in South Africa earlier this year.

They then drew a Test series 1-1 against New Zealand at home in August, their first fixture in the World Test championship.

Sri Lanka have not lost a series in Pakistan since 1992 — winning two and drawing two.

They beat Pakistan 2-0 in their last series in UAE two years ago, a win Karunaratne hoped will motivate them.

“We played good cricket in 2017 so that confidence is with us,” he said.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are smarting from a 3-0 defeat in South Africa and 2-0 in Australia this year.

“Test cricket demands discipline and they (Sri Lanka) are a well disciplined side, whether playing at their home or away so we have to play disciplined and good cricket,” Azhar said, adding that as captain he has to “lead by example”.

He managed just 59 in six innings in South Africa and 62 in four in Australia.

The second Test is in Karachi from December 19.

 

[Asian.Century]

Sri Lanka team arrives in Pakistan for historic Test series, given status of State Guests

After more than 10 years, Test cricket will return to Pakistan in December when Sri Lanka will play their World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sri Lanka's cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Monday for their two-match Test series
• Pakistani government gave the Sri Lankan team the status of State Guests
• Sri Lanka will play their World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi

Sri Lanka's cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Monday for their two-match Test series, with the Pakistani government giving the visiting team the status of State Guests.

After more than 10 years, Test cricket will return to Pakistan in December when Sri Lanka will play their World Test Championship matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. Major teams have avoided Pakistan since that 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which killed eight people and injured several players.

The first Test will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 11-15 December, while the second Test will be held at the National Stadium from 19-23 December.

Sri Lanka played three ODIs and three T20 matches in September and October in Pakistan this year, though 10 key players opted out of that trip citing security concerns. The Test squad that arrived on Monday, though, is full-strength.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had announced that Suranga Lakmal would not feature in the series as he was down with dengue.

Sri Lanka Test Squad led by Dimuth Karunaratne arrives in Islamabad to take part in a two match Test series. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/2uD0hio6Lt

Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) December 9, 2019
"Sri Lanka Test Squad led by Dimuth Karunaratne arrives in Islamabad to take part in a two-match Test series. #PAKvSL," SLC tweeted.

Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Test series: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan.

.https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...ries-state-guests-security-1626583-2019-12-09

 

[Cash GK]

Rival skippers excited as Pakistan, Sri Lanka set for historic Test
AFP
December 10, 2019

Pakistan's captain Azhar Ali (R) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dimuth Karunaratne (L) pose for a photograph with Test series trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. — AFP

Pakistan's captain Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka on Tuesday for returning to Pakistan for the first Test tour here in a decade, after a fatal militant attack on their team in 2009 drove international cricket away.

“It's a historic occasion and all the players are excited to be part of this,” Azhar, who has played 75 Tests — but, until now, none at home — said at a press conference in Rawalpindi with his counterpart, Dimuth Karunaratne.

“We thank the Sri Lankan team for coming here. The last Test was also against them so their visit will send a strong message to the world that we need to support each other,” he said.

Eight people were killed and several players and officials were wounded when militants opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus travelling to a Test in Lahore in 2009.

The attack plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation, with all “home” venues played in the United Arab Emirates.

But with security dramatically improving in recent years international cricket began creeping back starting in 2015, albeit only for limited overs.

Sri Lanka will play two Tests under heavy security, one in Rawalpindi and the second in Karachi, ending a decade-long absence for cricket's five-day format.

They will be the first home Tests for all 16 players in the Pakistan squad.

“Cricket is the biggest thing and if the youngsters can't see matches here then it's a big loss for our cricket and budding players,” Azhar said.

“I am sure our grounds will host more matches in the years to come.”

Karunaratne — who refused to tour Pakistan for a limited over series in September-October this year — shared his rival's sentiments.

“I am really excited... The players are excited to be part of this historic occasion,” he said.

Sri Lanka on the rise
Sri Lanka are on the up in Test cricket after becoming the first Asian team to win a series in South Africa earlier this year.

They then drew a Test series 1-1 against New Zealand at home in August, their first fixture in the World Test championship.

Sri Lanka have not lost a series in Pakistan since 1992 — winning two and drawing two.

They beat Pakistan 2-0 in their last series in UAE two years ago, a win Karunaratne hoped will motivate them.

“We played good cricket in 2017 so that confidence is with us,” he said.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are smarting from a 3-0 defeat in South Africa and 2-0 in Australia this year.

“Test cricket demands discipline and they (Sri Lanka) are a well disciplined side, whether playing at their home or away so we have to play disciplined and good cricket,” Azhar said, adding that as captain he has to “lead by example”.

He managed just 59 in six innings in South Africa and 62 in four in Australia.

The second Test is in Karachi from December 19.

Will be there to watch

 

[loanranger]

Keep an eye on security. There should be no complacency as even smallest event will be exaggerated. Nonetheless, security situation is way better now. There are no kill squads or suicide jackets moving around. Hopefully

 

[jupiter2007]

no Fawad Alam and no spinner. I think Mishah is playing a dangerous game.
I think he wants to keep Harris Sohail and continue with him after his failure in Australia.
I hope both Azhar and Harris Sohail fail with the bat.

 

[Manidabest]

we will finally lose them and people will be sad

 

[RIP Pak LAW]

Shitty stadium shitty team. Hell boring test match with zero excitement.

 

[Asian.Century]

Shitty stadium shitty team. Hell boring test match with zero excitement.

Pakistan's Cricket Stadium needs to be revamped on Australian standards, pathetic, its looks ok but needs massive improvement.

 

[airmarshal]

What a pathetic cricket ground!

PCB had 10 year to improve its grounds. The grass is pale and dead. In neighbouring India having similar weather, the grass is lush green.

The ground and its surroundings look so shoddy. It seems like its some kachee abadi. This is extremely lazy on part of PCB.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

100+ Million Dollar from ICC each year and they can't field a team that can catch and bat 50 overs
and grounds which are college or university level at best