India hoping to make up for lost time

Sanath Jayasuriya's omission has deprived Sri Lanka of much-needed experience © Getty Images

After the rain-ruined first Test in Chennai, India will be looking to make up for lost time this weekend when the second Test against Sri Lanka begins in Delhi. Forget their aimless batting when the first Test did finally get under way, India should be and are big favourites to win the match, at 23/20 (2.15) with bet365 and take what would be an unaissailable lead with just one match to go.

Sri Lanka, who actually played well on the day and a half possible in Chennai, are 7/2 (4.50) but it has to be remembered that they have never won a single Test in India and that they were hammered by the home side in the recent one-day series. Throw in the fact that, on paper at least, India are the far better side, and it is no wonder they are such outsiders. The draw - less likely thanks to a good forecast in Delhi, is a 7/5 (2.40) chance.

India have won 10 and lost just five of their last 20 Tests, and have lost just three of their last 20 at home, though nine of those games were drawn. Their record in Delhi is not spectacular - 13 of the 27 matches there have been drawn, but Sri Lanka have a terrible away record in Test matches, winning just 11 of their 76 games on their travels, including four of their last 20.

Much of what was said in the first Test preview still stands. India are the better side and Sri Lanka's decision to leave Sanath Jayasuriya at home has robbed them of the experience that could be crucial to their hopes of success.

That said, they are happy in the conditions and if they can get at India early, then the pressure may build on the home side and things could happen, but it is asking a lot.