Rest day to return in two match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand

Sri Lanka and New Zealand. (Source – Twitter/X)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently announced a schedule for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand that includes a tradition from the past, a rest day during the first Test match.

The schedule for the two-match Test series against New Zealand is set to begin next month. What makes this series particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of a rest day during the first Test in Galle, scheduled from September 18 to 23. The rest day, falling on September 21 is due to the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka.

This unusual six-day format goes back to an earlier era of Test cricket when rest days were common, especially in England where Sunday was often a day of break. The last time Sri Lanka hosted a Test with a rest day was over two decades ago, in 2001 against Zimbabwe, to accommodate Poya Day, a full moon holiday in the island nation. The most recent instance when a rest day was implemented was in 2008 when Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka in Dhaka, due to a parliamentary election.

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Notably, the series is an important assignment for both teams considering the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. Both of them are currently well-positioned in the standings, with Sri Lanka and New Zealand occupying the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Both Tests will be played at the picturesque Galle International Stadium, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions. The second Test is scheduled from September 26 to 30, following the standard five-day format.

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