MUMBAI: Test cricket returns to Mumbai’s venerable Brabourne Stadium after 36 years when India and Sri Lanka clash in the third and final match begining 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.

The stadium 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.

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. History may not support Rege’s optimism — 11 of the 17 Tests played at the stadium ended in draws, with India winning four and losing two.

But current Mumbai captain Wasim Jaffer says the wicket has changed over the years. “The ball generally swings in the evening and will give spinners the bounce and drift they need, said Jaffer” That should be welcome news for world bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.

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