GALLE: Sporadic showers of rain that disrupted the preparations of the Sri Lankan and Indian teams ahead of today’s first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium is expected to continue throughout the five days of the match.
Heavy showers and strong winds followed by hot sunshine and bright blue skies were a feature yesterday as the ground staff battled with the weather to cover the entire ground to ensure that minimum playing time is lost.
Over the next five days the Test is heading for a stop-start affair. A winning result is imperative for both teams as they strive to qualify for a place in the World Test Championship final. There is not much of a difference between the two teams in the WTC standings – India are lying fifth with a percentage of 48.15 and Sri Lanka sixth with 41.67. There is a long way to go for both teams to catch up with the top three nations currently in the standings – Australia (87.50), South Africa (75.00) and New Zealand (72.22).
The Test marks a special occasion for Galle as well as for India. Galle will become the first venue in Asia to host 50 Test matches and India will be playing their 600th Test since making their debut in 1932.
Sri Lanka Captain Dhananjaya de Silva who has spent his school days at this venue said, ‘It’s a big occasion for Galle. We have had a lot of success here and personally for me, I grew up playing my cricket here. This will be a different pitch from the usual Galle surfaces that we get.’
‘I feel this pitch will help the batters a lot, although the rain around has prevented the ground staff from putting in their best effort. We should get good batting conditions.’
Injuries have forced Sri Lanka to make changes to their side, notably in the wicket-keeping position where the recall of Niroshan Dickwella has sparked off some debate over his selection. He comes in place of Kusal Mendis who has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury.
Dickwella has not done anything noticeable with the bat in domestic cricket to earn a recall, but De Silva defended his selection saying, ‘Galle is a tough place to keep wickets and we have to get our best wicket-keeper on board. Having spoken to the selectors and head coach, we feel that Dickwella is the right choice.’
One hopes that Dickwella who is returning to Test cricket after a three-year absence makes full use of this opportunity to try and score his maiden Test century which has eluded him in 96 Test innings.
Sri Lanka’s other concern is an off-spin partner to their left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Ramesh Mendis and uncapped Keshara Nuwantha have been named in the squad. Mendis has been given several opportunities but has failed to grab them and become a permanent fixture in the side.
The Lankan Captain hinted that Nuwantha could be in line for a Test debut.
‘He is young and very promising. He has consistency with his line and length and looks a good prospect. He will be a good investment for the future,’ said De Silva.
Indian Captain Shubman Gill said that leading his country in their 600th Test was a ‘huge honour’.
‘It’s a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match. Captaining India in our 600th Test is a huge honour and doing it on India’s Independence Day makes it even more special,’ said Gill.
‘Our main goal is to play in the World Test Championship final next year and if we win six or seven games out of the next nine, we have a good chance. To get there, winning this series is very important and that’s what everyone is focusing on,’ he said.
India too has been forced to make changes due to injury. They are without their main spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, which means a heavy responsibility lies on Mohammed Siraj’s shoulders. He is most likely to be partnered by Prasidh Krishna whom Gill said is bowling at his best.
In the batting, an injury to their number three bat Sai Sudarshan has forced Devdutt Padikkal to take his place.
‘We have players with immense potential and skill. We want them to succeed, but players are going to develop at their own pace,’ said Gill. ‘When I came into the side, I struggled with consistency as well, but they persevered with me. Some players require more time and we are ready to back them.’