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India's preparations for Sri Lanka Tests take a hit as warm-up match reduced to 3 days

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Team India in a huddle (Source: IG/@shubmangill)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 02 Aug 2026, 06:18 PM Read time - 2 mins

India’s warm-up fixture ahead of the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka has been reduced to 3 days instead of the originally scheduled four-day game. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed about the change in schedule through their social media handle on Sunday, August 2.

Team India will arrive in Sri Lanka on August 4 and will take part in the warm-up fixture beginning on August 7 at the NCC Grounds, Colombo. The series will begin on August 15 with the first Test set to be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS), while the second Test will be held at the SSC, Colombo, from 23 to 27 August.

Meanwhile, India have announced their squad for the two-match Test series as Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has earned his maiden call-up. In 54 first-class matches, he has scored 2223 runs at an average of 31.75 with two hundreds and 14 fifties.

Apart from him, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah have made their comebacks to the longest format after being rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Bumrah's availability will be subject to fitness clearance as he suffered a knee injury ahead of the series-decider third ODI against England at Lord's.

India placed 5th in WTC points table

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are yet to announce their squad for the series. India will be eyeing their third successive Test series win in Sri Lanka and fifth successive overall against the Island nation. The Test rubber is extremely crucial for India to improve their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table for the 2025-27 cycle.

The Shubman Gill-led side is currently placed at fifth position with four wins and as many losses from nine matches, having a points percentage of 48.15%.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are placed sixth, having won one out of their four matches so far, with a points percentage of 41.67%.