Debasis Sen, Pallekele: The picturesque Pallekele International Stadium will be hosting the third and final test match of the series between India and Sri Lanka, starting from Saturday. Located about a half-hour drive east of Kandy the stadium will be hosting the Indian cricket team in a test match for the first time ever. The last time an Indian team played at the Pallekele stadium was in 2012 when they played an ODI and a T20.
The stadium owned by the Sri Lanka Cricket is by far the best cricket centres in the emerald isle. With a capacity of 35000, the Pallekele stadium was built during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Located at the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, the stadium showcases state of the art facilities with beautiful grass banks on both sides of the stadium.
Before the new stadium came up, test matches were played at the Asigiriya Stadium in Kandy. India last played a test match in Kandy was way in Ausgust 2001. Sourav Ganguly led Team India emerged victorious. Ganguly scored a brilliant 98 runs to script a 7 wicket victory for the visitors.
It will be historic occasion when Virat will lead the Indian team for the time at the stadium for a test match. The Indian captain is on the verge of creating a milestone by making a clean sweep of a test series away from home.
The ride up the hilly roads to the stadium is a wonderful experience with the mountains and the Mahaweli River presenting a pleasant look. The city of Kandy, located at the bottom of the hills is popular for its tourist attraction. Set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, the city’s heart is scenic Kandy Lake. Overseeing the Kandy lake is the beautiful Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The test match is being played at the backdrop of The Festival of the Tooth. Every year the festival is celebrated during this time ended a couple of days back. Still the hotels across the lake are filled with tourists all over the world.
Last but not the least; Kandy is famous for Muttiah Muralitharan. The spin wizard unfortunately will not be present during the test match in his hometown as he is now playing a T20 tournament in Annual Singapore Cricket Club.