In a rare scheduling decision, the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand features a rest day, sparking curiosity among cricket fans. The rest day, scheduled for September 21, comes after the first three days of play at the Galle International Stadium.

This break between match days is not a common occurrence in modern Test cricket, which generally sees five consecutive days of play.

Reason of rest during the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand

The main reason behind this unusual scheduling is the Sri Lankan presidential election. After taking a rest on Saturday (September 21), the players will return to the field on days 4 and 5.

The last Test match to feature a rest day was in 2008 when a match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was delayed due to parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Thilan Samaraweera was dismissed just before stumps on Day 3, leaving Mahela Jayawardene on 129 not out. The next batter, Tillakaratne Dilshan, had to wait an entire day before beginning his innings.

Sri Lanka’s last six-day Test match was hosted in Colombo in 2001 against Zimbabwe. The extended duration was due to Poya Day, a Buddhist religious holiday.

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024, Test series – Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast & Live Streaming details

SL vs NZ 2024, 1st Test: Playing XI of both teams

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and opted to bat at the spin friendly surface.

“We will bat first. Obvious reason to bat here in Galle. We’re playing 2 pacers and 2 spinners. The mood is good and the team is well motivated,” Dhananjaya said at the toss.

“The conditions look fantastic, the pitch looks good, there’s plenty of grass on the surface which is covered by some brown grass. That means there will be movement with the new ball for the first 30-45 minutes,” he added.

New Zealand (starting XI): Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee(c), Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke

Sri Lanka (starting XI): Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 1st Test: Galle Weather Forecast for all 5 days

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