Why is there a break in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test?

Sri Lanka and New Zealand are currently in the middle of a Test match at the Galle International Stadium. After three excellent days of Test cricket, today (September 21) is a rest day. Why is that?

When the schedule for the series was announced, it was made clear that there will be a rest day after the first three days. The reason behind that is there is a presidential election underway in Sri Lanka. However, play will resume on September 22 (Sunday) at 10 AM local time and will reach its conclusion the following day.

This is the first time a rest day has come into play in Test cricket since 2008. Incidentally, on that occasion, there was a parliamentary election in Bangladesh, during Sri Lanka's visit.

The ongoing Test in Galle is very well poised. Sri Lanka have taken a lead of 202 runs and have six wickets in hand. Veteran batter Angelo Mathews (34*) and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (34*) are currently in the middle of an unbeaten 59-run stand for the fifth wicket.

After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 114 in their first innings thanks to a magnificent 114 from Kamindu Mendis. Kiwi pacer William O'Rourke impressed with a five-wicket haul. New Zealand rode on fifties from Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57) to take a slender 35-run first-inning lead.

The second of the two-match Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC), will commence from September 26 onwards at the same venue.

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