![Dhananjaya de Silva and Shubman Gill [Source: AFP and BCCI]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1786597466841_deSilvaandshubmanGill.jpg?type=hq)
Dhananjaya de Silva and Shubman Gill [Source: AFP and BCCI]
The Indian cricket team is all set to face Sri Lanka in the Test series, starting on August 15. The upcoming match will be a difficult one for the visitors, as it has been quite some time since they played red-ball cricket in Sri Lankan conditions.
After Shubman Gill's men endured a difficult practice match against Sri Lanka XI and eventually won it, they will be confident ahead of the first Test on August 15. However, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva has sent a sharp warning to the Men in Blue just two days ahead of the match.
Sri Lanka Captain Sends In Sharp Warning for Shubman Gill & Co.
Dhananjaya de Silva was quite confident that India, which recently lost their home Test series against New Zealand and South Africa, would be wounded and could be easier to handle for the hosts on turning pitches. He mentioned how India can be a difficult team to read, as they will be hungry for revenge after their home defeats.
“Well, India did lose two series (against New Zealand and South Africa) in India on turning wickets, but it’s not that they have forgotten how to play on turning wickets. They’ll surely be itching to make a comeback,” De Silva told TOI ahead of the first Test in Galle.
Dhananjaya then spoke about the ultimate weapon Sri Lanka possesses against the Men in Blue, that is, Prabhat Jayasuriya. The spinner has been a menace at Galle, and Silva also acknowledged their statistical advantage, with Prabhat having the ability to trouble Indian batters on the surface.
“Stats-wise, we have the upper hand. Prabath has played more matches than any other guy in the two teams, especially in Galle. He has had the upper hand over many touring batting lineups over the years. Plus-one to Sri Lanka, I would say.”
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Dhananjaya de Silva also spoke about the absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the Test series and said that India has been putting in the necessary preparation work. However, Sri Lanka will not make things easy for the visitors.
“He (Bumrah) will be a big loss for India. But we’ve done our homework for others, and we’re well prepared for them,” De Silva added.
Dhananjaya De Silva Reveals Sri Lanka’s Plans For India
Dhananjaya was also critical when discussing how Sri Lanka could strategically restrict India's scoring and drag them deeper into the game on days two, three and four.
“International cricket is not easy. If we can take the games to the fourth and fifth day, we will have a greater chance to beat them,” De Silva said. “I hope we make it as hard as possible for them and they are under the pump during the series,” De Silva added.
Changing Conditions Toughen Test Equations
However, the turning pitches have changed their characteristics recently, as the weather has become windier and it has been raining in Sri Lanka for quite some time.
Instead of the conditions remaining relatively dry, the weather has brought more moisture into the equation. Dhananjaya said they are expecting a sporting surface that will reward batters early before the spinners come into the contest.
“Normally, we get spinning wickets in Sri Lanka. But currently, it’s raining here and weather conditions are not going to be dry. We have a strong batting lineup as well, so I feel pitches will be sporting, helping batters in the first 2-3 days and then start turning. Spinners are going to be our primary line of attack. But, that said, we’ve some quality seamers in our team who can change the game,” he added.
Although India won the warm-up match by six wickets, it was a thrilling contest. Sri Lanka posted 363 in their first innings, while India were bowled out for 357.
Later, India chased down the target comfortably, with Mohammed Siraj playing a crucial cameo, scoring 32 off 15 balls in the final hour of the match to seal the victory for the visitors.
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