Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva is hopeful that his team can climb up the World Test Championship (WTC) standings as they prepare for a crucial match against England at Lord's this week.
With Sri Lanka seeking their first-ever Test win at the iconic venue, the stakes are high as they aim to level the three-match series and set up a decider at the Oval next month.
After a valiant effort at Old Trafford that saw them push England hard before succumbing to a five-wicket defeat, Sri Lanka is eager to turn the tide at Lord's. The visitors have historically struggled at the venue, with six draws and two losses in their previous eight Tests. However, De Silva is focused on reversing this trend to secure vital points in the WTC table, where Sri Lanka currently sits in fifth place, just behind England.
"It is all about getting a Test win," De Silva stated during a pre-match press conference at Lord's on Wednesday. "It will mean a lot for the country. But more importantly, we need to get points in the World Test Championship. We are more confident heading into this game. We were confident at Old Trafford as well, but we failed to deliver. We have to be clear with our plans and execute them well."
Sri Lanka have made two changes to their lineup for this crucial encounter. Pathum Nissanka, who has shone in one-day internationals this year, returns to the Test arena for the first time since 2022, replacing Kusal Mendis in the top order. Meanwhile, paceman Lahiru Kumara steps in for left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando.
"Overall, Pathum is the best batter in the country at the moment," De Silva noted. "He has a good mindset and he has a good technique."
Despite a painful thumb injury sustained during a gritty second-innings knock of 79 at Old Trafford, Dinesh Chandimal remains in the squad. However, Nishan Madushka is on standby to take over wicketkeeping duties if needed.
While England will be without their express paceman Mark Wood due to injury, De Silva highlighted the challenge posed by Chris Woakes, whose precision has troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen.
"I am not concerned about the speed," De Silva, 32, explained. "Speed is not troubling us. It is the line and length that's troubling us. Chris Woakes is able to bowl 20 to 30 balls at one area and that's what is troubling us."
One player who arrives at Lord's in red-hot form is Kamindu Mendis. The left-hander scored his third century in just four Tests with a stellar 113 at Old Trafford, taking his average to an impressive 92.16. Playing at Lord's fulfills a childhood dream for the 25-year-old Mendis.
"It was a dream to play at Lord's when I was a boy," Mendis said. "I'm excited to play here."
As the teams gear up for the second Test, all eyes will be on Sri Lanka as they seek to make history at Lord's and keep their WTC hopes alive.
