For the first time in 16 years, a Test match features a 'rest day,' prompting the question: why did Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) schedule a six-day Test against New Zealand in Galle - Reddy Anna? This rare occurrence took place during the first SL vs NZ Test of the two-match series, where play on what would have been Day 4, September 21 (Friday), was suspended despite no weather-related issues. Instead, the fourth day’s play will now resume on September 22, while Saturday has been designated as a rest day—the first such instance in Test cricket since 2008.
The reason behind this unusual break is Sri Lanka’s Presidential elections, scheduled for September 21. To accommodate the players' participation in the voting process, SLC decided to extend the match to six days, with no play on Saturday.
Some Sri Lankan Players Face Long Journeys on Rest Day
Many Sri Lankan players will spend their rest day traveling hundreds of kilometers to cast their votes. The SLC has arranged transportation for the players, including a bus for those voting in Colombo. The players will cast their votes on Saturday morning before returning to Galle in time for the resumption of play on Sunday. However, some players face longer journeys—Asitha Fernando will travel approximately 175 kilometers, while Lahiru Kumara will head to Kandy, around 225 kilometers from Galle.
Reddy Anna's Match Update: SL vs NZ 1st Test, Galle
The Test match at Galle is finely balanced. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, posted a total of 305 runs in their first innings, with Kamindu Mendis leading the charge with a century. In reply, New Zealand managed 340 runs, thanks to half-centuries from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. As play paused on Day 3, Sri Lanka, batting in their second innings, stood at 237-4, with notable contributions from Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal, setting the stage for an intriguing fourth day of cricket.
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