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Colombo: Indian batsmen will have a crucial opportunity to test their preparations ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Team India will play a three-day practice match against a Sri Lankan XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club ground, starting Friday. The Indian batsmen will focus specifically on strengthening their preparations against spin bowling.

In recent Test series against New Zealand and South Africa, Indian batsmen struggled against quality spin bowling even in home conditions. Conditions in Sri Lanka could also be challenging for spin bowling. Therefore, this practice match is considered crucial for the team ahead of the first Test in Galle, starting August 15th.

Gill, Rahul, and Jaiswal have already prepared

Captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Lokesh Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have already prepared against spin at their home practice centers before departing for Sri Lanka. However, batting in match-like conditions in Sri Lanka could prove more beneficial for them.

The three-day match will provide the Indian players with an opportunity to acclimatize to the local conditions, pitch, and weather. Many players will be playing red-ball cricket in Sri Lanka for the first time.

A Changed Team in Sri Lanka Since 2017

India last played a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017. The team has undergone significant changes since then. In the current Indian team, only Lokesh Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja have experience playing Tests in Sri Lanka.

Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable due to injury. Mohammed Siraj will lead the fast bowling attack. He is joined by Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar, Manav Sutar, and Saransh Jain.

Brar and Saransh also in focus

With the exception of Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav, most of the Indian bowling attack is relatively inexperienced in Sri Lankan conditions. Therefore, the practice match will be a good opportunity for them to showcase their abilities.

Gurnur Brar and Saransh Jain performed effectively for India A against Sri Lanka A in Galle last month. Both players will look to strengthen their preparations with a good performance in this match. Aaqib Nabi, who has performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket, will also look to strengthen his claim at the international level.

Gautam Gambhir urges players to be prepared for every challenge

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged the players to prepare thoroughly in every aspect. In a video released by the BCCI, he stated that the team is aware of the challenges ahead and must prepare to the best of their ability.

According to Gambhir, the team must be prepared to meet every potential challenge by the morning of August 15th, whether India bats or bowls first.

Rain could hinder preparations

Weather conditions could also impact the Indian team’s preparations. The Meteorological Department has predicted intermittent rain in Colombo from Friday. Therefore, the weather could play a key role during the practice match.

Sri Lanka XI also strong, with several contenders included

Sri Lanka has also selected a strong team for the practice match. Sonal Dinusha, who has played three Tests, will captain the team. The team includes fast bowlers Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, as well as spinners Isitha Wijesundara and Ramesh Mendis.

Many of these players are contenders for a place in the Sri Lankan Test team. Therefore, the Indian batsmen are expected to face a strong challenge in the practice match.

India’s Team

Shubman Gill (Captain), Lokesh Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Sutar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Aaqib Nabi.

Sri Lanka XI

Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Suriyabandara, Pawan Ratnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (captain), Anjala Bandara (wicketkeeper), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha, Dilum Sudira.

Match start time: 10:00 AM IST.