Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in Galle. India will face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, which will be crucial for WTC final qualification.
This is India’s 600th Test, making it a historic occasion for the players, especially being played on India’s Independence Day.
After winning the toss, was happy to bat first on a fresh wicket. The Indian skipper said he was filled with pride at having the opportunity to captain India on Independnce Day Test match.
“We’re gonna bat first, looks like a good wicket and the weather also looks good, so hopefully it’s gonna be a good day of cricket for us. We’ve gone with the same playing XI that we played the last match. We’ve got five bowlers, two fast bowlers and three spinners. Very big honor for me, every time you get an opportunity to lead your country, and even more so special on this occasion. Independence Day for us and 600th Test match, so looking forward.” Shubman Gill said.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva admitted that he would have batted first too had he won the toss. de Silva added that he hoped his bowlers get early wickets on a ‘dry’ Galle pitch.
“Yeah, it (pitch) looks good. I was hoping to bat as well. It’s quite dry as well. Nishan Madushka comes in for Pathum Nissanka and Niroshan Dickwella will be keeping, and Keshara will be debuting today. Two fast bowlers, two spinners, and two all-rounders, including me and Sonal Dinusha. [50th Test match in Galle] To be part of this Test match, it’s an iconic ground, and yeah, I’m very happy to play this match as well.” Dhananjaya de Silva said.
India and Sri Lanka teams for first Test:
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando