Indian players warm up during a training session ahead of the first Test cricket match against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka, on Thursday. com in Galle: Two days before the Test, there has been an unusual intrigue around the playing surface.
Word from both camps is that it isn't the usual strip rolled out at Galle and may not turn as sharply as everyone expected before the series opener. It doesn't look like a dry, raging turner, and generous watering on Thursday suggests there are no attempts to crack it open on the opening day itself.
Recent history suggests that for the first couple of days, Galle is a batting paradise, with gradual turn offered as the game progresses. Those who have seen it up close observed that it is a "good wicket," and India bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasised that "something will start to happen" as the match progresses."
It looked like a good surface. And I think as the Test match will go on, something will start to happen.
We've prepared basically for all that can come our way. And like I said, for us, it's more about the mental challenge now, facing these conditions, batting time, bowling those spells, and getting the ball in the right area," said Morkel during a media interaction.
If you bat first, make sure you go big. And if you bowl first, get the ball in the right area.
So those disciplines are going to be important. Morne Morkel" I think it's a good-looking surface on the eye.
I'll be slightly surprised if it goes the other way. Traditionally, the first two days belong to the batting side.
It's just crucial to get runs on the board. I think that's going to be important to whatever happens with the toss.
If you bat first, make sure you go big. And if you bowl first, get the ball in the right area.
So those disciplines are going to be important. And then from there, as the day's gone, obviously, assess and then come up with the best options for the day," he added.
This leaves India with a crucial riddle to solve. Three spinners or three fast bowlers?
As things stand, the former is a more reliable option, primarily because it adds batting depth, something head coach Gautam Gambhir is always averse to compromising. Galle: From front, India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, vice captain KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal during a practice session ahead of the first test cricket match between India and Sri Lanka, in Galle.
