India Vulnerable, But Are Sri Lanka Ready?

Rex

island|11-08-2026

The warm-up game in Colombo is over, and both teams are now heading to Galle for the first Test, which starts later this week. India arrived on the south coast after a day off at the City of Dreams resort, but Sri Lanka have plenty to think about before finalizing their playing XI.

At least one batting spot is up for grabs. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake had chances in the warm-up but failed with low scores. Still, given their domestic records, one of them is likely to get the nod.

The bigger headache is wicketkeeping.
Kusal Mendis is ruled out through injury, and Anjala Bandara also failed to impress in the three-day game. The selectors now appear to favor a specialist keeper rather than a part-time option, a shift from recent philosophy. Players like Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, and Sadeera Samarawickrama have all kept wickets for Sri Lanka but don't do so regularly for their clubs.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Kumara bowled with serious pace at the NCC, reminding everyone that fitness, not speed, has always been his issue. India may look vulnerable, but Sri Lanka have their own unresolved questions.
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