The three-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is equally poised, with both sides winning a Test each played at Galle and P Sara Oval in Colombo, respectively.
But the hosts will have to rebuild their side, as they will be missing the willow of Kumar Sangakkara in the third and final Test at Pallekele.
Upul Tharanga has replaced the legendary bastman ahead of the third Test at Pallekele.
Sangakkara had already said before the start of the series that he will not be available for the final Test against Pakistan and the third Test against India in August because of his prior commitments with the county side Surrey.
Sangakkara announced his retirement ahead of the third and final Test against Pakistan. He said it will be tough for the youngsters to build their career in this transitional phase, but they have the potential to do wonders for the Lankan side.
He also said that the leadership in the able hands of Angelo Mathews will be able to guide the new players.
Sangakkara wanted to retire along with his 'best friend' Mahela Jayawardene in 2014 but reconsidered his decision after realising it was not the right time. If he had quit then, Sri Lanka Cricket would have been left with a massive gap in their middle-order.
He had thought again about his retirement from all forms of cricket after the ICC World Cup 2015 where he smashed four consecutive centuires, but former Sri Lanka Cricket selectors and skipper Mathews requested him to play couple of more Tests.
Tharanaga had played his last Test match against Pakistan at Colombo in 2014, scoring 137 runs in two innings. Later, he lost his place to Dimuth Karunaratne during the New Zealand tour.
Tharanga averages above 30 and has a solitary century in 19 Test matches that he has played for Sri Lanka. He would look to cement his position in the Lankan side with a powerful performance in this final Test match against Pakistan.
