# Mathews urges Sri Lanka to attack India in Galle Test

2026-08-15T01:41:16+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Sri Lanka must show positive body language and take the game to India in the first Test at Galle, former captain Angelo Mathews said on Friday. Sri Lanka last beat India in a Test in 2015, also in Galle. Mathews expects spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis to matter, but said Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando could influence the match with the new ball. He added that India could miss Jasprit Bumrah, though Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav remain threats. Mathews also backed Rishabh Pant to make a Virender Sehwag-like impact and urged batters to use their feet and sweep well against spin. He warned that rank turners can backfire on home sides. He also criticised the limited number of Tests Sri Lanka plays, saying longer gaps hurt consistency.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/sl-vs-ind-tests-have-the-right-attitude-and-take-the-game-on-angelo-mathews-advice-for-sri-lanka/article71345695.ece>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/rishabh-pant-can-make-virender-sehwag-like-impact-angelo-mathews/articleshow/133253745.cms>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/india-need-to-be-proactive-to-tackle-spin-says-former-sri-lanka-skipper-angelo-mathews-4112124>

Tags: Angelo Mathews, Galle International Stadium, India national cricket team, Rishabh Pant, Sri Lanka national cricket team, Test cricket
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