Team India, led by Shubman Gill, has reportedly raised concerns over the grass cover on the pitch prepared for their three-day practice match against Sri Lanka. The warmup game begins on Friday, August 7, at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo ahead of the two-match Test series.
India are also dealing with several injury setbacks before the series. Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out with a left knee injury, while Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar are also unavailable. Shubman Gill's side will play the practice match before the first Test in Galle on August 15.
Team India Raises Concerns over Practice Pitch Ahead of Sri Lanka Test
The Indian team expected a spin-friendly surface for their three-day practice match, keeping the upcoming Test series in mind. However, the visitors were reportedly unhappy after finding a noticeable amount of grass on the wicket prepared at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo.
The practice match was initially scheduled as a four-day game before being reduced to three days. Speaking to RevSportz, Nondescripts Cricket Club official A. Francke defended the pitch and said the grass was necessary for a three-day match.
"The Indian team said that there is too much grass on the wicket, but that is how we keep it because it is a three-day game. You can't give a wicket without grass. Other than that, they were happy with it. The wicket we have given is a good wicket, so I can't tell whether it will favor any team. It depends on how they play."
Sri Lanka Cricket Requested the Grass on the Pitch
Francke said that the ground staff prepared the pitch according to instructions from Sri Lanka Cricket. He added that the surface should still provide good batting conditions and help both teams prepare for the Test series.
"The tinge of grass has been requested by Sri Lanka cricket, so we will keep it like that. Maybe conditions will change, but normally NCC wickets are good batting tracks. We are hoping that there will be high scores here. But the Indian batters can have good practice here before they go to Galle."
"Our wicket may help the spinners on the second day or third day. But I will suggest anybody who wins the toss here to bat first. We always prepare good and fair wickets."
India Eye crucial World Test Championship Points in Sri Lanka
The upcoming Test series is important for India in the 2025-27 World Test Championship. Shubman Gill's side is currently fifth after a mixed start to the cycle. They drew 2-2 in England, defeated the West Indies 2-0 at home, but suffered a surprise 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa.
India also missed out on the WTC final in the 2023-25 cycle for the first time. With valuable WTC points on offer, the team will be keen to make a strong start in Sri Lanka. The three-day practice match in Colombo is expected to help the team finalize its combination before the series begins.
India have won 22 of the 45 Tests against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. Sri Lanka have won seven and 16 have ended in draws. India have not lost a Test series in Sri Lanka since the 1-2 defeat in 2008.
After the warm-up game at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, India will travel to Galle for the opening Test, which begins on August 15. The second and final Test will be played in Colombo from August 23.
