Following a highly successful tour of Pakistan by the white ball cricketers, it was time for the real test with a red ball… and Test cricket. Since cricket differs from segment to segment, and we see teams being picked for games and series, the need for specialists has arisen.

Based on this and the importance of the series as it is part of the Test championship, it’s no surprise that the selectors opted for plenty of experience rather than a blend of youth, which was their strategy for shorter formats.

White ball cricket – and particularly the T20 version – they say is a younger man’s game; but Test cricket is another kettle of fish altogether. As such, the return of Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva wasn’t surprising.

Sri Lanka is exploring every option and attempting to adjust to conditions on the ground. In the batting department, the options were solid and experienced. With Dimuth Karunaratne at the top, and Kusal Mendis, Mathews and Chandimal in the top five, there was plenty of hope.

The choice of Karunaratne’s opening partner was of particular interest ahead of the series. Despite his elegance and talent, Lahiru Thirimanne will be the first to admit that he has underperformed. The inclusion of Oshada Fernando was therefore, an indication that he may be the first choice but Thirimanne was the more experienced of the two.

Suranga Lakmal was picked to spearhead the bowling lineup although he was forced to pull out after being diagnosed with dengue. And since Nuwan Pradeep has been identified more for his white ball talent, the next bowling option lay with Vishwa Fernando – for the variety he offers as a left-arm bowler and also the fact that he played well in South Africa.

For his wicketkeeping ability, Niroshan Dickwella was my first choice and he is an unorthodox batsman as well. Dilruwan Perera was also a good choice for the skill and experience he brings with his bowling.

Interestingly, this left three spots open with playing XIs perhaps to be determined by the surfaces the team will encounter in Rawalpindi and Karachi. In addition, since Pakistan’s strength is pace, the pitches were expected to have pace and bounce with Yasir Shah providing the wrist spin option. In such a scenario, Sri Lanka was bound to opt for the quickest in the squad.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Kumara is increasingly adding pace to his already impressive speed. The final choice therefore, was between the spin of Lasith Embuldeniya and all-round abilities of de Silva – one expected the latter to get the nod due to the need for extra protection in the batting lineup.

Sri Lanka were likely to have six batsmen including de Silva and Dickwella at number seven, and four bowlers comprising an off spinner and three seamers because the pitches were expected to be hard and green.

However, with a 16 strong squad, the chances of Kusal Perera being included in the top six couldn’t be ruled out although he would have to take on the wicketkeeping duties. Kasun Rajitha was the spare in the seam attack while Embuldeniya could well have been the automatic choice if and when the surfaces had a hint of dryness. Lakshan Sandakan may have been the backup option since one wouldn’t expect three spinners to be playing a Test match in Pakistan.

In the end however, what mattered was delivery rather than reputations particularly since Sri Lanka hoped for a repeat performance in Pakistan with much higher expectations this time around.