India will play their 600th Test when the first Test against Sri Lanka gets underway at the Galle International Stadium today, with captain Shubman Gill describing the opportunity to lead his country in the landmark game as a “huge honour”.
Only England (1,097) and Australia (883) have played more Tests than India and the occasion carries added significance as the milestone falls on India’s Independence Day.
“It’s a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match. Captaining India in our 600th Test is a huge honour and doing it on India’s Independence Day makes it even more special,” Gill told reporters on the eve of the Test.
Gill also believes India are heading in the right direction as they attempt to secure a place in next year’s World Test Championship final.
“I’m very comfortable with the way we have progressed over the last year. I feel we are moving in the right direction. Our main goal is to play in the World Test Championship final next year and if we win six or seven games out of the next nine, we have a good chance.
“To get there, winning this series is very important and that’s what everyone is focusing on,” Gill went on to say.
India have been forced into changes due to injuries. Sai Sudharsan, who has occupied the number three position in recent Tests, is unavailable, with Devdutt Padikkal, who struck an unbeaten century in the warm-up game in Colombo, set to take his place.
“We have players with immense potential and skill. We want them to succeed, but players are going to develop at their own pace. When I came into the side, I struggled with consistency as well, but they persevered with me. Some players require more time and we are ready to back them,” Gill said.
Today’s Test will also mark a milestone for Galle, which will become the first venue in Asia to host 50 Test matches.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who has played at the venue since his school days, said the landmark occasion made the Test particularly special.
“It’s a big occasion for Galle. We have had a lot of success here and personally for me, I grew up playing my cricket here. This will be a different pitch from the usual Galle surfaces that we get.
“I feel this will help the batters a lot, although the rain around has prevented the groundstaff from putting in their best effort. But we should get good batting conditions,” de Silva said.
Sri Lanka have also been forced into a couple of changes due to injuries, with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella set to return to the Test side after an absence of more than three years following an injury to Kusal Mendis.
The selection has sparked some debate, with Dickwella’s returns with the bat in domestic cricket having been modest.
“Galle is a tough place to keep wickets and we have to get our best wicketkeeper on board. Having spoken to the selectors and Head Coach, we feel that Dickwella is the right choice,” de Silva said.
Sri Lanka also have uncapped off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha in the squad, with de Silva indicating that the youngster could be in line for a Test debut.
“He has shown a lot of promise. He is young and very promising. He has consistency with his line and length and looks a good prospect. He will be a good investment for the future.”
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