The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 will be a part of the ICC’s World Test Championship. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can improve their current standings in the World Test Championship at the conclusion of this series. As a result, players will be motivated to give their all during the competition. Furthermore, players on both sides are usually eager to give their all whenever these two teams meet due to their history. Let's take a look at who can make it to a combined Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test XI.
2022 Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series: The best combined XI
The Bangladesh cricketers have been granted a little preference in the combined XI selection because they are playing on home soil. One of the reasons for this is their relatively strong performance in Bangladeshi conditions. Moreover, Sri Lankan cricketers' success in sub-continental conditions is noteworthy. This has been considered as well.
1) Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim has one of the best batting records among the Bangladesh batters. He could be one of the major headaches for the Lankan side during the series. Tamim will play the anchor role for Bangladesh and he can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
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2) Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 147 | Runs: 5,620 | HS: 244 | Ave: 39.57 | 100s: 14
Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne has the highest number of centuries (14) on both sides. He is the most consistent Test batter among the Lankan players. Dimuth Karunaratne will have to play a crucial role for the visitors during the series.
3) Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 93 | Runs: 3,078 | HS: 196 | Ave: 34.58 | 100s: 7
Two years ago, Kusal played a match-winning knock against South Africa away from home. Since then, he has had a special place on the Lankan side. Kusal is a big-match player and can step up when needed.
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4) Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque has a brilliant record at home. He has more than a 50 average in 49 innings in Bangladesh. Mominul’s captaincy and his batting performance in the middle-order will be crucial for the hosts.
5) Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 148 | Runs: 4,932 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.26 | 100s: 7
Mr. dependable Mushfiqur Rahim is the heart of Bangladesh's middle-order. He can be lethal with the bat during the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
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6) Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Shakib is an automatic choice for the number six spot. He is the best player between the two teams and will be vital in the series’ final outcome. Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal are also experienced players and can easily find a place in the playing XI. However, given their recent performances, others deserve more than them.
7) Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been one of the most consistent batters since 2021. He has matured a lot as a genuine Test batter. Litton can play a vital role lower down the order for Bangladesh.
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8) Praveen Jayawickrama (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 4 | Wickets: 25 | BBI: 6/92 | Ave: 19.48 | 5Ws: 2
Bangladesh’s pitches could be ideal for Lankan young left-arm orthodox spinner Jayawickrama to shine with the ball. He could put pressure on the Bangladesh batters at the crucial stages of a contest.
9) Lasith Embuldeniya (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 15 | Wickets: 70 | BBI: 7/137 | Ave: 34.77 | 5Ws: 5
Embuldeniya has had a brilliant start to his Test career. He has picked up 70 wickets in just 15 matches, showing his wicket-taking ability. Bangladesh’s batters should be watchful against Lasith Embuldeniya.
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10) Taijul Islam (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Taijul Islam has the best record in home conditions. Taijul has picked up 115 wickets in just 23 matches in Bangladesh, which shows his effectiveness on slow pitches.
11) Vishwa Fernando (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 16 | Wickets: 43 | BBI: 5/101 | Ave: 37.30 | 5Ws: 1
Pace bowling is the weakest link for both sides. Lankan left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando has the most wickets among the two teams’ pace bowlers. Fernando's stats show that he is more capable of picking up wickets than others.
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Afterward
Finding the best-combined XI from a pool of excellent players is never an easy task. The combined Test XI for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was selected depending on their recent bilateral series performances and overall contribution to their respective country in the longer-version format. The picked players have shown consistency, and their performances have had a significant influence on their respective teams' outcomes. The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 is expected to be a highly contested affair.