The two match Test series between India and Srilanka is set to begin at Galle today as both teams prepare for an exciting contest. This series is important for both teams as they aim to improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. India currently stands fifth while Srilanka are sixth in the World Test Championship table.
Galle test marks a milestone as India becomes the third team to play 600 tests while Galle hosts 50 tests. England and Australia are the only teams to have played more than 600 Test matches so far in cricket history.
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India last toured Srilanka for a Test series in 2017 winning the three match series 3-0 under Virat Kohli. India are now in a Test cricket transition while Srilanka also seek a strong performance in Test.
Team News
Jasprit Bumrah , Sai Sudharsan and Axar Patel are injured and will miss India’s squad for the series. Devdutt Padikkal is likely to take No.3 spot in place of injured Sai Sudharsan. Wicket keeper batter Dhruv Jurel is likely to play as a pure batter in playing XI.
India Probable XI:- Yashasvi Jaiswal , K.L.Rahul , Devdutt Padikkal , Shubman Gill , Rishabh Pant (wk) , Dhruv Jurel , Ravindra Jadeja , Manav Suthar , Kuldeep Yadhav , Mohammed Siraj , Prasidh Krishna.
Niroshan Dickwella who was recalled to the squad is likely to keep wickets for Srilanka. Keshara Nuwantha performed well in the warm up match and could earn a chance to play in Galle test.
Srilanka Probable XI:- Lahiru Igalagamage , Nishan Fernando , Dinesh Chandimal , Kamindu Mendis , Dhananjaya de Silva (c) , Niroshan Dickwella (wk) , Sonal Dinusha , Prabath Jayasuriya , Ramesh Mendis , Asitha Fernando , Lahiru Kumara
Pitch Report & Weather
First two days at Galle International stadium are expected to offer good batting conditions. Spinners are expected to get more help from the pitch from day three onwards. The team that wins the toss will likely choose to bat first hoping to score big.
Rain and high humidity could disrupt play during the first two days.
Time
Match will begin at 10:00 AM (IST).