Two familiar opponents meet Wednesday in Galle as these two Tests will be the sixth series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan since the start of 2009. Three ODIs will follow.
Osman Samiuddin looks at five players who could make an impact:
Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka farewells its greatest batsman and arguably its finest captain. He has not imposed himself on Pakistan as he has on others, but he is in decent form. The second Test, his last, will be in Colombo, where he averages nearly 80, so expect a final flurry.
Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka
He is working his way to being an all-time great. In his past 13 Tests he has failed to make at least one fifty just once (and was unbeaten in that). He averages 80 against Pakistan and is certain be a major player in this series.
Mohammad Talha, Pakistan
On an unhelpful pitch in Pakistan’s last Test win, against Sri Lanka in Sharjah, he eked out six wickets to cap an impressive return to the side. Pakistan have held great expectations from Talha, and he may be about to come good.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan
Pakistan’s captain is the oldest player in international cricket but is one of the fittest in the side, and his record against Sri Lanka stands up well. He has not played a Test since January, but he is just as likely to have benefited from the break.
Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka
Since taking over as captain in 2013, he has jumped into the big leagues and in 11 Tests has raised his batting average from 40 to 51. As Sri Lanka were staring at a leadership gap with the retirements of Sangakkara and Jayawardene, they have found an answer.
Click here to read more about the first Test, which starts Wednesday.
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