Rest Day Returns As Sri Lanka To Host New Zealand In An Old-School Two-Match Test Series
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Sri Lanka vs New Zealand two-match series announced (x)
In the latest development, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a unique two-match Test series against New Zealand, set to begin next month. The highlight of this series is the inclusion of a rare six-day Test for the first match, scheduled for September 18 at the Galle International Stadium.
Sri Lanka To Play A Rare 6-Day Test Vs New Zealand
This extended Test format includes a rest day on September 21 due to a presidential election in Sri Lanka, marking the first time in over two decades that a six-day Test will be held in the country.
The last such instance was in 2001 during a match against Zimbabwe, where a rest day was observed for Poya Day, a traditional full moon holiday.
Rest days in Test cricket were once common, especially in England, but have largely disappeared in recent years.
The most recent example was in 2008 during a Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, where a rest day was observed due to a parliamentary election.
This series is particularly important as both Sri Lanka and New Zealand are strong contenders in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Sri Lanka and New Zealand currently sit in third and fourth place respectively on the World Test Championship standings.
The series will also feature another Test match, from September 26 to 30, also at the Galle International Stadium.
SL Vs NZ Test Series Schedule:
| Schedule | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | September 18-23 | Galle International Stadium |
| Second Test | September 26-30 | Galle International Stadium |
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