Sri Lanka tour to West Indies 2021 [Preview]

Sri Lanka is scheduled to tour West Indies to play three T20Is, three ODIs and two-match Test series, starting from 3^rd March in Antigua.

The visitors have announced their T20I and ODI squad for the series in the Caribbean. Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis and Ashen Bandara are three uncapped players named in the Sri Lanka’s T20I and ODI squads. Veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne will lead the side in all three formats for this tour.

On the other hand, West Indies have yet to announce their T20I and ODI squads for the home series against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Kieron Pollard is expected to lead West Indies in both the formats.

The Islanders will kick-start their campaign with a three-match T20I series, starting from 3^rd March in Antigua. All three matches will be played at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua on 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th March respectively.

For the three-match T20I series, the home side certainly will see the return of players like Shimron Hetymer, Chris Gayle, Sheldon Cottrell, Dwayne Bravo and Lendl Simmons into the squad.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Angelo Matthews, Danushka Gunathilaka and Dinesh Chandimal to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Since May 2019, Angelo Mathews has shown excellent form with the bat in limited-overs cricket. Former captain and all-rounder has accumulated 449 runs in 13 innings at an average of 40.81 with one century and three half-centuries.

All-rounders Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera and Niroshan Dickwella are other experienced players who will need to contribute with the bat in the upcoming T20I and ODI series.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Suranga Lakmal, Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan to provide crucial breakthroughs.

On the other hand, West Indies Cricket Board will be looking to pick their full-strength T20I and ODI squads against Sri Lanka.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the experienced trio of Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard to deliver the bulk of runs.

All-rounders like Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell will certainly add a lot of experience and value with bat and ball.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on likes of Sheldon Cottrell and Kesrick Williams to make early inroads with the new-ball. Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell are important bowling options for the side for the series.

Since May 2019, Sheldon Cottrell has topped the bowling charts for West Indies in the T20 format. Left-arm quick has claimed 17 wickets in 17 innings at an average of 25.47 with an economy rate of 7.19. He will be looking to do well for West Indies in this upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

The culmination of the three-match T20I series will see West Indies lock horns with Sri Lanka in a three-match one-day series. All three matches will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua on 10^th, 12^th and 14^th March respectively.

West Indies will also compete with Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series that will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua from 21^st till 25^th March and 29^th March till 2^nd April respectively.