India's preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka have received a significant tweak, with the warm-up fixture against a Sri Lanka XI being shortened from four days to three. The practice match, originally scheduled as a four-day contest, will now be played from August 7 to August 9 at the NCC Ground in Colombo.
The warm-up clash is expected to play a crucial role in helping Shubman Gill's side acclimatise to Sri Lankan conditions ahead of the opening Test, which begins on August 15 in Galle.
Also Read: Will Jasprit Bumrah skip Sri Lanka tour even after fitness clearance? Big update emerges
India's warm-up fixture reduced to three days
When announcing India's squad for the Sri Lanka tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had stated that the team would play a four-day practice match before the Test series.
However, the fixture has now been officially reduced to a three-day game, with all stakeholders, including the BCCI and the Indian team management, informed about the change. The exact reason behind the decision has not been disclosed.
The practice match will take place at the NCC Ground, near the SSC Stadium in Colombo. The fixture is also expected to be broadcast live.
India last played a Test match in June, making the warm-up encounter an important part of the team's preparation ahead of the World Test Championship assignment.
India set to depart on August 4, Sai Sudharsan recovers
The Indian team is scheduled to leave for Colombo on August 4, giving the players enough time to settle before the practice fixture begins.
After completing the three-day warm-up match, the squad will travel to Galle for the opening Test before moving to Colombo for the second and final Test, scheduled to start on August 23 at the SSC.
Meanwhile, there has been encouraging news regarding Sai Sudharsan, whose selection for the series was dependent on his fitness. The left-handed batter is reportedly recovering well from a toe injury after undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and has resumed batting.
Also Read: Rinku Singh given leadership role of this team under Rajat Patidar for Duleep Trophy
India have also received a timely boost on the fitness front, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah believed to be progressing well from his knee issue and expected to be available for the Test series.