India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2008: Live Score and Preview

With the hope of coming back in the series, India is going to face Sri Lanka in the second test, starting from 31 July 2008 at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka is leading in the three-match test series 1-0 after clinching an inning and 239-run victory in the first test in Colombo. The match kicks off at 10:15 local time (04:45 GMT).

Indian fans are expecting India to come back strongly in the series with a confidence-booster performance at Galle. History can not give anything inspirational for Team India. In their previous tour to Sri Lanka, India lost the test series. Moreover, India never went down 1-0 after the first test in a three-match series in the recent past. Last time India experienced it was their previous visit to Sri Lanka in 2001-02.

Against all odds, Indian team is now eagerly waiting to bounce back in the series and want to win the second test in order to level the series. With Sri Lankan spinners (Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis) currently at their prime form and their seemingly inexperienced batting line up creating enough ground for the bowlers, Indian team has something to worry for. Top of all, Indian team has got to worry about their won batting line up, that could hardly show any resistant against Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly their spinners.

In the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag, Indian batting line up seems to be invincible. Moreover, all of these star batsmen are proven performer against any spin attack. Not only Indian fans, but also Sri Lankan fans did not expect that such a batting line up could have been bundled out twice within four session of play.

Indian bowlers and fielders also failed to gain any momentum in the first test. In the presence of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, India’s spin attack also looks strong enough, but that was of no use in the first test. In fact, the visiting side conceded 600 runs in Sri Lanka’s only innings in the first test. In addition, Indian fielders made the task harder for their bowlers, giving a number of chances to Sri Lankan batsmen. So, ahead of the second test, batting should not be the only factor to worry about rather their bowlers and fielders need to realize their responsibility.

Spin Factor in the Second Test

As I earlier mentioned, Indian batsmen failed to stave off the challenge of Sri Lankan spinners. So, there is no doubt, Indian batsmen are now busy with making plan how to stop the Sri Lankan spinners.

Well, it is true that in the sub-continent wickets spinners always get some extra advantage. So, spinners will also have some great role to play for their respective sides in the second test as well. However, I think, there will be something for the pacers at Galle and pacers will have an important role to play in the second test.

Galle stadium is located at the Southern Part of Sri Lanka. Given the fact that the stadium is very close to Indian Ocean, I think, there will large amount of air in the stadium and that would be helpful for the spinner. Sri Lanka included quick bowler Dammika Prasad for the second test, and I think, it was a good decision taken by the Sri Lankan selectors ahead of the second test.

Online Live Score
I know that many Indian and Sri Lankan fans are still very excited with the second test, even though they experienced a dull, one-sided first test. So, I guess, many of you are now managing your time to enjoy the live action of the Sri Lanka vs India second test. However, if you can not manage to get time to stick to your television set, do not put your head down. Here, I am giving some online live score website names so that you can remain updated about the latest news of the second test:

Cricinfo
Cricketnext
Cricket.sulekha
stickcricket
cricpoint
indvsauslivescore
cricbuzz
squidoo
Sify
cricketworld

Well, there is no doubt; Sri Lanka will go into the match as favorite, given their current form and home condition in evidence. However, I think, it would be unfair to write off the chances of India. They have one of the most formidable batting line ups in the world with huge experience, beside a balanced pace attack. So, I think, the second test is going to be much more interesting and enjoyable than the previous one, though I am not sure who are going to win it.