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New Delhi: The first match of the two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Galle International Stadium from August 15. This series is also important from the point of view of the World Test Championship. Before the match, the biggest discussion is about the pitch and weather of Galle.

Who will get help on the first day?

The pitch of Galle is generally considered helpful for spin bowlers. However, in the beginning the batsmen may also get good chances to score runs. According to recent reports, the picture is not completely clear regarding the condition of the pitch and that is why eyes are also on the final combination of the Indian team.

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated the possibility of going with three spinners. Options like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar can give India a chance to take advantage of the conditions in Galle.

The effect of spin will increase as the match progresses

With the pitch gradually drying up during the Test in Galle, the role of spinners could be important. Conditions are expected to be relatively better for the batsmen in the initial stages, but turn and uneven bounce may help the bowlers as the match progresses.

Starting time will also be important for fast bowlers. Due to heat and excess moisture, the challenge of the ball becoming soft quickly may arise. Morkel has said that the hardness of the Kookaburra ball may reduce after 25-30 overs.

Rain increased concern

The possibility of rain in Galle on August 15 remains a matter of concern for the match. The game may be interrupted due to bad weather. However, this does not mean that the entire day will be washed out by rain. Clouds and moisture can also create additional help for fast bowlers in the early hours.

Toss can also be important

If the weather is clear then the team winning the toss can consider batting first depending on the circumstances. Whereas if clouds and moisture are present then the captain can choose to bowl first. In such a situation, it will be very important for Shubman Gill and Dhananjay de Silva to take the right decision after the toss.

Overall, there can be a competition between the batsmen and fast bowlers on the first day, while the dominance of the spinners is likely to increase as the match progresses.