Galle Test looks set to be unpredictable
The and everyone will cross their fingers when the first ball – the significance of which stretches well beyond the boundary of this pretty seaside ground - is eventually bowled.
Slowly, some semblance of order is taking over from the complete confusion that we witnessed on the day we arrived here.
Some seats are now in place and a scoreboard was being hastily erected on Monday afternoon, hours before the Test is due to start.
England have remained firmly focussed on playing the game, despite the distractions and the under-prepared playing area.
There was no realistic possibility of the game being transferred to Colombo as was suggested in some quarters.
That view completely missing the point of the exercise which is, predominately, to return cricket to this ground.
Michael Vaughan’s team and have prepared indoors as, outside, the groundstaff battled against the heavy downpours.
The pitch was finally allowed to bake in the searing heat on Monday morning, and it changed colour before our eyes.
What no one can predict with any certainty is how it will play or, even, how long it will last.
There is a danger that the damp surface will dry too quickly and form a crust which will then be knocked off by the ball and encourage sharp and unpredictable spin.
That is why Graeme Swann has been included in the squad. He might well be 12th man, but it shows the squad need to be prepared for all eventualities on the morning of the game.
The odds must favour a result – and that’s what England need to level the series.
As I mentioned last week, Vaughan recognises that his batsmen must convert fifties into centuries – although he did say that it shows his players are in form, at least.
With , England should be able to choose a well-balanced attack, as long as Steve Harmison recovers from a minor ear infection.
Sri Lanka look good for their 1-0 lead so far, and have .
