The impossible dream

Sri Lanka have made six tours to India over the last 27 years, played 14 Tests, and are yet to win one. As this current squad departs for India against the weight of history, SR Pathiravithana, in Sri Lanka's Sunday Times, evaluates the ammunition in possession if they are going to create history.

The Lankans embark on this tour with a lot at stake. Though we harp on the point that we have only a limited number of Test matches during the next few moons first Sri Lanka has to beat India on their own soil and do it convincingly to keep their position as the second in the ICC Test rankings. I do not know if they manage to draw the three Tests what it would be, but if they lose badly in Tests India may overtake the island nation. Then with the disparity of the quantum of Test cricket that the two teams play within the next calendar year Sri Lanka may never be able catch up with India. This also may put paid to Lanka’s aspirations of becoming the “Best Test playing Nation” in the foreseeable future.