Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin their search for a way forward in Tests

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in Rawalpindi, with both struggling sides aiming to establish a positive direction in Test cricket. Pakistan enters the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship table after winning just two of their last nine matches, including a 3-0 defeat in England. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka arrives seeking form after four winless Tests this year, led for the first time by captain Kusal Mendis.

Pakistan has restructured its leadership under all-format coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Shaun Tait, while leaving out former captain Shan Masood and omitting specialist spinners from their squad. Sri Lanka features in-form batter Sonal Dinusha, who scored two centuries against India in his previous match, alongside spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and a balanced pace attack.