RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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As India prepare to play their landmark 600th Test, the setting could hardly be more fitting. The first Test against Sri Lanka, beginning on Saturday, coincides with India’s 80th Independence Day and will be played at Galle International Stadium, itself celebrating a milestone by hosting its 50th Test. Nestled beside the Indian Ocean and overlooked by the iconic 17th-century Portuguese fort, Galle has long been Sri Lanka’s spin fortress. India, meanwhile, arrive seeking not just a series win but a revival of their fading Test fortunes after an inconsistent year under coach Gautam Gambhir. Leading India in the historic Test is skipper Shubman Gill, who described the occasion as a “huge honour”. “Leading my country in our 600th Test is a big honour and privilege for me and doing that on Independence Day is even more special,” Gill said on Friday. Only England (1,097) and Australia (883) have played more Tests than India. Since beginning their Test journey at Lord’s in 1932, India have won 186 matches, lost 188 and drawn 224, with one famous tie. The significance of the occasion, however, is matched by the challenge facing Gill’s men. India have slipped to fifth in the World Test Championship standings after losing 10 of their 20 Tests under Gambhir. With only nine Tests remaining before the next WTC final cycle concludes, Gill knows there is little room for error. “The main goal is to play the WTC final next year. We probably need to win six or seven of our remaining Tests to have a good chance,” the Indian captain said. Selection remains one of the key talking points. Going by Gill’s comments on Friday, Prasidh Krishna appears set to partner Mohammed Siraj with the new ball ahead of rookie pacer Gurnoor Brar. While Gill praised Gurnoor’s ability to extract bounce and make an impact with the old ball, he hinted that Prasidh’s recent form may have given him the edge. On a pitch expected to aid spin as the game progresses, India are likely to field a three-pronged left-arm spin attack comprising Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.
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