The third and final Test between India and Sri Lanka starts this morning at 9:30 AM IST at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. India cannot lose this 3-Test Series having drawn the first one at Ahmedabad and then clinching an innings win at Kanpur.

The pressure is very much on the Sri Lankans with the bowlers getting plenty of humiliation having taken for three consecutive big totals by the Indians. The batsmen are now feeling the heat as well having failed to counter India’s 600-plus total on a good batting track at Kanpur. Sri Lanka have dropped Ajantha Mendis after getting clobbered in the second Test and he just couldn’t hold onto any consistent lengths. The visitors are likely to bring in swing bowler Nuwan Kulasekara in place of him.

For Sri Lanka, the aging Muttiah Muralidaran will continue to be a big worry. The off spinner for once has been really struggling to bowl six good balls in an over. Like never before, Murali has been dropping the ball too short which has been failing him in sustaining any sort of pressure on the batsmen. The Lankans were delighted when left arm swing bowler Chanaka Welegedara shook the Indian top order on the first day morning of the Ahmedabad Test taking three wickets. But since that Test, the Indian batsmen have done their homework against him and know quite well which way the ball is swinging.

India will remain upbeat despite losing Gautam Gambhir in this Test. Gambhir’s replacement – Murali Vijay is a class of his own and should be able to deal with any kind of bowler. The hosts are surely going to retain the same XI except for Vijay in for Gambhir. India will be looking to do everything to prevent Sri Lanka from tasting their first ever test win in their country. India’s problem has been Zaheer Khan as the left armer had struggled with his rhythm. Zaheer has been bogged down by plenty of no-balls in the last test.

The pitch at the Brabourne Stadium is expected to be a sportive one. It will not be a cakewalk for the batsmen. There could be some nice carry and pace on this track to help both the pacers and spinners. Swing is expected to be the key factor in this Test Match because of the venue being very close to the sea. Evening time could see plenty of action for the pacers. Sri Lanka have Nuwan Kulasekara to take full advantage of the humid conditions while India have a better bowler in Sreesanth who has that brisk pace to complement his seam and swing bowling.

Live Scores along with Ball by Ball Commentary of this 3rd Test at Mumbai can be followed at www.cricketmove.com.

Tags: India Vs Sri Lanka