Rain cuts short India practice ahead of 1st Test in Galle

Rain interrupted India's final practice session on Friday, August 14, 2026, cutting short preparations for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 15, at the Galle International Stadium. The match marks the venue's 50th Test, a milestone for a ground that has become a fortress for the home side.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were seen helping carry equipment back to the dressing room as showers forced the team off the field. The weather has been a persistent concern, with forecasts indicating a high chance of rain for the opening day. While a complete washout is not the most likely scenario, interruptions and a delayed start are possible, particularly in the morning.

The conditions in Galle are notoriously unpredictable. The pitch, a predominantly red-soil surface, is expected to offer significant bounce and turn as the match progresses, posing a major challenge for India's batting lineup. The team has been working to address vulnerabilities exposed in recent series losses to New Zealand and South Africa, where batsmen struggled against spin on turning tracks.

"We have been working hard to not repeat the...