Colombo. On the second day of the practice match being played before the upcoming Test series between India and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka XI declared their innings after scoring 363 runs for 8 wickets. In reply, the Indian team did not have a good start and lost the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the very first over of the innings. However, after this Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul took charge of the innings. By lunch, India had scored 67 runs for 1 wicket in 17 overs. Devdutt Padikkal was unbeaten on 44 and KL Rahul on 23. There was a partnership of 66 runs for the second wicket between the two.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was out in the very first over.
After Sri Lanka XI declared at 363, India came out to bat, but the start was disastrous. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the second ball of the innings without scoring. Vishwa Fernando took Jaiswal’s wicket for Sri Lanka XI. Devdutt Padikkal then batted aggressively and steadied the innings with KL Rahul. By lunch, both batsmen had recovered India from the initial setback.
Padikkal handled the innings, Rahul also got support.
At lunch, Devdutt Padikkal was at the crease with 44 runs and KL Rahul with 23 runs. The two had put on an unbeaten partnership of 66 runs. This practice match is considered crucial for the Indian team in preparation for the upcoming Test series.
Test series will start from August 15
India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a two-Test series. The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be played in Colombo from August 23 to 27. Both matches will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC).
Free entry announced for spectators
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators to certain stands during the India-Sri Lanka Test series. Free entry will be provided from Gate No. 4 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium and from Gates No. 3, 4, 5 and 7 at the Grass Embankment at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. SLC has appealed to cricket fans, young players and families to avail this facility and enjoy the Test cricket between India and Sri Lanka.