Team India celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolour in Galle ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. The match marks India’s 600th Test appearance, making it the first Asian team and third overall to reach the milestone.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva defended Niroshan Dickwella’s recall for the Galle Test against India, saying wicketkeeping skills were crucial on the challenging pitch. He also backed fast bowler Lahiru Kumara despite his recent injury setbacks