Can India take on the Lankan spin challenge to keep their WTC hopes alive?
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Test cricket returns to Sri Lanka after more than a year as the hosts prepare to take on neighbours India in an exciting two-match Test series, starting from August 15 in Galle. For India, more than Sri Lanka, there are crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake.
After losing to South Africa at home, India now need 8 wins out of 9 matches to make it to the WTC final. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need 6 out of 7 wins to keep their hopes alive, but they also depend on other results.
However, India will be without the services of their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has sustained an impact injury to his left knee. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be without opener Pathum Nissanka and wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis.
The head-to-head record sits heavily in favour of Shubman Gill’s men. India haven’t lost a series against Sri Lanka since 2008. In fact, India last lost a Test match against Sri Lanka way back in 2015. But that was a very different Indian side.
The recent home results against New Zealand and South Africa have left a big question mark on the Indians’ spin-batting capabilities, which will be exactly what the Sri Lankan spinners will look to exploit.
India also got some valuable game time ahead of the series in a three-day practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo. Devdutt Padikkal made the most of the opportunity, smashing 142, and looks set to be a straight swap for the injured Sai Sudharsan at No. 3.
Read on to find out how to watch the Sri Lanka vs India test series from wherever you are, including free options.
Cricket fans in India and Sri Lanka that haven't yet cut the cord are in luck!
In India, the match is available for free on DD Sports but only for DD Free Dish viewers. DD Free Dish is Prasar Bharati’s free-to-air DTH service that requires a compatible DD Free Dish set-top box and dish antenna.
Likewise, in Sri Lanka, the match is free-to-air on Siyatha TV.
Cord-cutters in Australia, meanwhile, have a sneaky trick they can use to watch the Test match live: Kayo Sports offers a 7-day free trial to new users, letting you catch all five days of action live and free.
Outside any of these countries right now? No worries, you can still stream the action by using a VPN. More details below…
If you're keen to watch cricket but you're away from home and your preferred coverage is geo-blocked, you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.