NEW DELHI: A scary moment unfolded during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle when Nishan Madushka was hit on the helmet by a KL Rahul sweep.The incident happened off the final delivery of Prabath Jayasuriya’s over. Rahul went down low and played a well-timed sweep, but Madushka, stationed at short leg, was directly in the path of the shot.Madushka spotted the danger and immediately lowered his head to protect himself. However, the ball still struck him flush in the centre of his helmet.
Rahul rushes to check on Madushka
The ball deflected towards fine leg after hitting Madushka. Rahul was initially reluctant to take the run, but Yashasvi Jaiswal had already crossed, leaving him with no option but to complete it.As soon as he finished the run, Rahul rushed towards Madushka to check on him.The Sri Lankan batter was attended to by the physio, who carried out concussion checks.
Madushka leaves the field
Madushka was then taken off the field. He removed his shin pads before walking away.The incident left players from both teams concerned as Sri Lanka assessed Madushka’s condition following the helmet blow.
India bat first in 600th Test
Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the two-match series.Both teams are looking for crucial World Test Championship points as they aim to stay in contention for the 2027 WTC final. India are currently fifth in the standings, while Sri Lanka are sixth.
Sri Lanka pick four spinners
Sri Lanka have gone with two fast bowlers and four spinners, including captain Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha.Twenty-five-year-old off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha is making his Test debut.India have selected three spinners and two pacers, retaining the same combination they used in their last Test against Afghanistan in June. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar are the three left-arm spin options.Devdutt Padikkal has replaced Sai Sudharsan, who is out of the series with a stress fracture. Jasprit Bumrah is also unavailable because of a knee injury.
India play 600th Test on Independence Day
India are playing their 600th Test on the day the country celebrates its 80th Independence Day.The Galle International Stadium is also hosting its 50th Test. The pitch is expected to offer good batting conditions during the first two days before spin becomes more effective as the match progresses.Playing XIsSri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
