After a dramatic end to the white-ball series, the West Indies is gearing up to host Sri Lanka in the first Test match of the two-match series at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Both teams will be eyeing a lead by winning the match.

 

West Indies

 

The West Indies are having a tough time in this format. They played their last Test series in December last year, where they were whitewashed by a scoreline of 0-2 against New Zealand. They have a poor record in the Test format, sitting in the ninth spot of the WTC table with zero wins in their 8 matches and just one draw to their name. The West Indies team's performance has been very poor in the Test format, yet Roston Chase will continue to lead the side in the series. The hosts lost the ODI series on this tour, but bounced back to clinch the T20I series. They have the momentum and confidence to win the Test series and improve their track record against this side. 

 

Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be coming into this match after a match-winning momentum victory over Bangladesh in their last series by an innings and 78 runs. They achieved the whitewash over Bangladesh after the opening Test match ended in a draw. Sri Lanka is placed third in the WTC points table. Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Sri Lankan team. The squad features a blend of experience and raw, nurturing talent. All eyes will be on Pathum Nissanka, who was the highest run-scorer in the last series against Bangladesh. On the bowling front, Asitha Fernando will be the key, who had taken 8 wickets in the last series against Bangladesh. 

 

WI vs SL Test Match Details

 

WI vs SL Test Match Details
Match	West Indies vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Match
Date and Time	Thursday, June 25 to Monday, June 29; 7:30 p.m. IST
Venue	Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua
Broadcasting and live streaming	TV - NA; Live Stream - FanCode (app and website)

 

WI vs SL 1st Test Pitch Report

 

The pitch in Antigua is known for early assistance to the pace bowlers, making the first few hours crucial in the match. The surfaces offer great help to the fast bowlers at the start, offering them good pace, movement, and bounce, especially in overcast or windy conditions. However, as the game settles, the pitch becomes more comfortable for batting, allowing set batters to play their strokes with confidence.

 

WI vs SL Test Weather Report

 

The weather for the 1st Test match in Antigua seems to be cold and partly cloudy. Temperatures are likely to be between 18 and 20 °C. The humidity will be around 89% with the wind blowing at a speed of 18 kmph.

 

WI vs SL Head-to-Head Records

 

WI vs SL head-to-head (in Test)
Match Played	24
Won by West Indies	4
Won by Sri Lanka	11
Draw	9
No Result	0

 

WI vs SL 1st Test Probable XI

 

• Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando

 

• West Indies: Roston Chase (c), John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

 

Players To Watch Out For In WI vs SL 1st Test Match

 

• Kavem Hodge | WI: Kavem Hodge is a brilliant all-rounder who contributes with his batting and bowling for the team. He has scored 713 runs in just 26 Test innings, including three half-centuries and two centuries. He had played his last Test match against New Zealand last year and had scored a brilliant unbeaten century for the team.

 

• Dinesh Chandimal | SL: The 36-year-old veteran batter is one of the key players of the Sri Lankan Test team. He has had a stellar career throughout his cricketing life and has been a really good red-ball cricketer. In his career of 90 Test matches, he has scored 6361 runs to his name, including 34 half-centuries and 16 centuries. He will be a player to watch out for.

 

• Kamindu Mendis | SL: In just 14 Tests played by him in his short career, Kamindu has scored five centuries and five half-centuries and has also picked up three wickets in 7 innings. He is a brilliant all-rounder who takes his time to settle at the crease but can play a long innings after settling down. He can scalp good wickets with his spin deliveries. 

 

WI vs SL Test Toss Prediction

 

Historical Toss-Winning Stats at the Venue

 

• In the last three Test matches played at this venue, the toss-winning skippers have opted to bowl on all three occasions.

 

Advantages of Bowling First on This Pitch

 

• In the total 13 Test matches played at this venue, the team batting first has won 3 matches, while the team batting second has won 4 matches. This suggests that batting second at this venue will be an ideal option.

 

WI vs SL Test Today's Match Scenario

 

Scenario 1

 

• Toss Winner: Sri Lanka (opts to bowl first)
• WI 1st Innings: 240-280
• WI 2nd Innings: 290-310
• Match Winner: Sri Lanka

 

Scenario 2

 

• Toss Winner: West Indies (opts to bowl first)
• SL 1st Innings: 280-310
• SL 2nd Innings: 270-310
• Match Winner: West Indies

 

Who will win today's WI vs SL Test match?

 

Sri Lanka might start as favourites to win this game, but the West Indies can pull off a miracle on their day. These two teams have faced each other 24 times in this format, and WI have won on just 4 occasions while SL are leading the charts with 11 wins to their name. In the last five head-to-head matches, SL are still ahead in this game, with three wins to their name. However, both have a stellar squad for this series, but SL is likely to win this game.