New Delhi .The discussion regarding the pitch has intensified before the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka starting from August 15 in Galle. The Indian team's strategy may depend to a large extent on how the Galle surface will behave before the match. The team management is closely assessing the conditions, especially regarding the bowling combination.
Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak reached the Galle ground during the practice session of the Sri Lankan team and inspected the pitch. Both the coaches went straight to the 22-yard strip and observed the condition of the wicket in the presence of the ground staff. During the inspection, the pitch was removed from the cover and the surface was inspected.
The pitch was covered again after Gambhir and Kotak returned from the field. However, after about two hours the ground staff removed the main cover and started work on the wicket. During this, a grass cutting machine was used and the machine was run several times on a 22 yard strip. After this a soft roller was used and the wicket was kept open in the sun for some time.
This process on the pitch does not mean that the final surface of the match has been decided. Factors such as amount of grass, water usage, sunlight and rolling over the next two days can affect the final shape of the wicket. This is why the Indian team will constantly keep an eye on the pitch conditions before deciding the final eleven and bowling combination.
The Galle pitch is generally considered to be suitable for spin bowlers, but the Indian team does not want to decide its combination based only on this conventional belief. If the surface remains relatively dry and flat in the early stages of the match, fast bowlers may also get a role. On the other hand, the importance of the spin department may increase in case the pitch becomes dry and cracked.
The Indian team also has the option of fielding three fast bowlers. Options like Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar can be used depending on the circumstances. At the same time, Kuldeep Yadav's claim as an additional spinner can be important. Ravindra Jadeja can play an important role in team balance due to both his batting and bowling abilities.
Weather can also affect the conditions of the Galle Test. In recent days, both rainy and sunny conditions have been seen. If there is cloud and moisture during the match, the fast bowlers may get early help. Consistent sunshine may allow the pitch to dry out quickly and conditions may improve for the spinners as the match progresses.
The Indian team took a break from practice on 11 and 12 August. Before this, the players made adequate preparation through practice sessions and a three-day warm-up match in Colombo. In such a situation, the changing nature of the Galle pitch is one of the most important aspects of the team's strategy.
Gambhir and Kotak's inspection of the pitch and the subsequent cutting and rolling on the wicket have brought this surface into the spotlight ahead of the match. The work on the pitch over the next two days will indicate whether the fast bowlers or the spinners can get more advantage of the conditions in the Test starting on August 15.