The Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill and coached by Gautam Gambhir, is preparing for a three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka XI at NCC Ground in Colombo, starting on Friday, August 7, 2026. The practice match gives the visitors an important opportunity to adjust to subcontinental conditions prior to the two-match Test series.
Galle International Cricket Stadium will host the first Test from August 15 to August 19. The second Test will take place at SSC, Colombo, from August 23 to August 27. Three days instead of four were allotted for the warm-up match.
The Indian squad’s management reportedly became enraged by the amount of grass that was left on the wicket during the practice match. Recently, NCC official A.
Francke answered these concerns by describing the grounds’ conditions for the warm-up game and the justification for the pitch preparation.
“The Indian team complained that there was too much grass on the pitch, but since the game lasts three days, that is how we maintain it. Without grass, it is impossible to give a wicket. They were content with it aside from that. I’m not sure which team will benefit from the wicket we’ve provided because it’s a decent wicket. Francke told Revsportz, “It depends on how they play.”
Why the grass at the wicket was kept up by the NCC
Francke clarified that the choice to install grass on the wicket was not made at random but rather after conferring with Sri Lankan cricket authorities. The official was optimistic that the pitch would provide a fair bat-ball fight despite the NCC Ground’s reputation for producing batting-friendly grounds.
“We shall maintain the grass tinge as asked by Sri Lanka Cricket. NCC wickets are typically good batting tracks, but conditions may fluctuate. Here, we’re hoping for high scores. However, before they get to Galle, the Indian hitters can practise well here’, Francke stated.
The pitch’s anticipated behaviour
Francke also provided tactical advice for the team that won the toss and his assessment of how the pitch would alter during the three-day match. The ground’s commitment to establishing level playing fields that don’t favour one team over another was emphasised by the NCC delegate.
“On the second or third day, our wicket might assist the spinners. However, I’ll advise whoever wins this toss to bat first. Francke remarked, “We always prepare fair and nice wickets.
