Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said the conditions at the Galle International Stadium for the first Test against India are unlikely to be dry, with rain prevailing in the city. The match is set to begin on Saturday, August 15.

Speaking ahead of the series opener, Dhananjaya de Silva said (via TOI): “Normally, we get spinning wickets in Sri Lanka. But currently, it’s raining here and weather conditions are not going to be dry. We have a strong batting lineup as well, so I feel pitches will be sporting – helping batters in the first 2-3 days and then start turning. Spinners are going to be our primary line of attack. But, that said, we’ve some quality seamers in our team who can change the game.”

“Stats-wise, we have the upper hand. Prabath has played more matches than any other guys in the two teams, especially in Galle. He has had the upper hand over many touring batting lineups over the years. Plus-one to Sri Lanka, I would say,” he further added.

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Dhananjaya de Silva also opined on India’s home defeats against New Zealand and South Africa in the last couple of years, but added that India will be eager to bounce back. He further said that Sri Lanka will look to make things as difficult as possible for India as well.

“Well, India did lose two series (against New Zealand and South Africa) in India on turning wickets, but it’s not that they have forgotten how to play on turning wickets. They’ll surely be itching to make a comeback. International cricket is not easy. If we can take the games to the fourth and fifth day, we will have a greater chance to beat them. I hope we make it as hard as possible for them and they are under the pump during the series,” he shared.

Dhananjaya de Silva has lauded India opener KL Rahul, describing him as the biggest threat to Sri Lanka. De Silva shared that KL Rahul has performed well around the world as well. He also opined on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence and believes it will be a big loss for India.

“I would say experience-wise KL Rahul would be the biggest threat for us. He has done well all around the world and he has played a few matches in Sri Lanka as well. Last time (in 2017), I think he played in our conditions and knows it pretty well,” Dhananjaya de Silva concluded. “Even if India are missing some of their key players, I’m not going to take them lightly. They have several match-winners in their team. He (Bumrah) will be a big loss for India. But we’ve done our homework for them and we’re well prepared for them.”