India - Sri Lanka set for final Test

Test cricket returns to Mumbai’s venerable Brabourne stadium after 36 years when India and Sri Lanka clash in the third and final match here from Wednesday. The two teams will enjoy the graceful setting of one of the country’s oldest cricket venues as India look for a 2-0 scoreline to dislodge South Africa at the top of the official Test rankings.

The stadium, owned by the Cricket Club of India (CCI), was the regular Test venue in the city from 1948 until the Mumbai Cricket Association built its own Wankhede stadium in 1974.

The Brabourne, which hosted the last of its 17 Tests in February, 1973, was given the game against Sri Lanka because the Wankhede is being renovated for the 2011 World Cup.

The 20,000-seater Brabourne was due to host a Test against England last year, but the match was moved following the Mumbai attacks in November which killed 166 people.

The stadium in south Mumbai lies close to landmarks like the Taj and Oberoi hotels, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji rail terminus, targets of the militant attacks.

Tight security will be in force around the Brabourne, CCI officials said, as they worked overtime to ensure a memorable Test match for teams and fans.

Milind Rege, a former first-class cricketer who looks after the playing facilities at the stadium, was confident the Test will produce a positive result.

India will be without in-form opener Gautam Gambhir, given permission to miss the Test for his sister’s wedding in New Delhi on Thursday.

The left-hander has hit centuries in each of his last four Tests, including knocks of 114 and 167 in the first two matches of the current series.

Tamil Nadu opener Murali Vijay, who played one Test against Australia last year, is expected to replace Gambhir.

MUMBAI, AFP