Sri Lanka will host India in the 2 match Test series which will start on August 15 (Saturday) at Galle International Stadium. After three days, both teams will face each other for the second game on August 23
at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. As reported by Times of India, India will reach Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 4 (Tuesday). The visitors will play a four-day practice match in Colombo before heading to Galle for the first test. India have a great record in Sri Lanka. They have won the last five Tests in Sri Lanka and have not lost a series since 2008.
India are expected to play a four days warm up game at Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo from August 7 to 10 as part of the preparations. India struggled in their previous test series, where they lost to South Africa 0-2 at home. Hence, they are in desperate need of points from this series to improve their position in the WTC table. Sri Lanka lost their last test series against West Indies and slipped to the sixth spot on the table.
Crucial WTC points up for grabs for both teams
The series is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the WTC standings. India has a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15 after nine matches and is in fifth place. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is in sixth spot with a PCT of 44.44. A series victory will provide a much-needed push for either side in their bid to secure a top-two finish and make the final
This series is crucial for India and the coaching staff, who have struggled in this format for about a year. There have been questions on Gautam Gambhir and co. after the decline in performance in the white-ball format along with Tests. India have suffered a white wash at home against New Zealand and South Africa. They lost the BGT in Australia and could draw the series 2-2 in England. The upcoming Test against Sri Lanka followed by the New Zealand tour will be a challenge for the Indian team and they will be keen to put up a good performance.
