Sri Lanka paceman can make early impact

Second Test
Sky Sports Cricket, 4am Friday

India's fast bowlers almost conjured up a stunning win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Eden Gardens and the quick men can expect more assistance from the surface in Nagpur.

The Indian management are keen to play on seam-friendly pitches as the players gear up for January's tour of South Africa and the Lankans were left to cling on for a draw, ending the final day at 75-7.

All 17 of India's wickets were claimed by seamers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami and the hosts are 4-11 to win the second Test in Nagpur.

However, Sri Lanka have some dangerous quick bowlers of their own and Suranga Lakmal is well worth a bet at 7-2 to be their top wicket-taker in the first innings.

Lakmal took three wickets in six overs without conceding a run on a rain-shortened first day at Eden Gardens and ended up with seven scalps in the match.

Spinner Rangana Herath, the 2-1 market leader, bowled only eight overs in the first Test and may be overshadowed once again on a grassy Nagpur pitch.

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2pts 7-2 bet365

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