Now Reading: Crosswinds and pitch add intrigue to India-Sri Lanka Test
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Crosswinds and pitch add intrigue to India-Sri Lanka Test
The first Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on Saturday in Galle, where crosswinds and an unusually prepared pitch could shape the contest. Former spinner V Raju said the wind will…
The Story in Brief
The first Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on Saturday in Galle, where crosswinds and an unusually prepared pitch could shape the contest. Former spinner V Raju said the wind will affect how spinners generate drift and that adjusting quickly will be key. The pitch, watered generously before the match, may not turn as sharply as expected. India bowling coach Morne Morkel said he expects something to happen as the game progresses.
India have a range of spin options including Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar. The team may field three spinners for batting depth, with Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack. The last Test at this venue saw two 450-plus totals and four hundreds. India must decide whether the crosswinds or the pitch's gradual wear will be the bigger factor.
The Indian Opinion
Narratives of Galle as a raging turner ignore recent evidence: the last Test and India A matches there saw runs plentiful and fast bowlers effective. Equally, assuming India's spin-heavy attack will dominate overlooks the need to first survive the first two days. The real test will be whether Kuldeep, Jadeja, or Suthar can extract movement from a surface that may not offer sharp turn. Will the crosswinds do what the pitch cannot?
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
