Angelo Mathews urges positive mindset as Sri Lanka prepare for first Test against India in Galle
Angelo Mathews urged Sri Lanka to adopt a positive attitude as they attempt to end a decade-long Test win drought against India, speaking on the eve of the first Test in Galle on Friday. He made the remarks during an online interaction ahead of the match.
“You’ve got all the videos, and there are no secrets in international cricket nowadays. So, it’s about the positive body language and the mindset they need to take into the field. They are coming up against a huge Indian line-up, and it’s never easy to play against them in any condition. It’s a matter of having the right attitude and taking the game on,” Mathews said during the online interaction; the build-up to the match has concentrated on the spin resources both sides might deploy. The 39-year-old former Sri Lanka captain added that positive intent and body language would be decisive for the home side.
“Spin plays a major role, especially in these conditions. So Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis will be vital. But I wouldn’t rule out the pacers. Guys like Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando will have a bigger role to play, especially with the new ball, and also trying to keep it tight at one end so the spinners can go at the Indian batters. It has to be a collective effort,” he said, naming players he expects to influence the contest.
Mathews also addressed India’s bowling options, singling out Jasprit Bumrah and commenting on his absence for Sri Lanka’s preparations. “Bumrah has got the skill to bowl in any condition. And he would have been lethal, especially in Galle with the reverse swing. So, Sri Lanka is quite lucky not to have come up against Bumrah. But Siraj, Jadeja, and Kuldeep have got the skill. So, Sri Lankan batters can’t be complacent. You have got to respect the game and take it in a positive attitude,” said Mathews.
Mathews framed his remarks around a collective approach that blends spin and seam work, noting the specific roles he expects from Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando in the series. He emphasised that both containing the new ball and allowing spinners to attack will form part of Sri Lanka’s plan.
The first Test in Galle can be watched live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and on Sony LIV from 10 a.m. on August 15; the article carrying Mathews’ comments was published on August 15, 2026, at 06:02 am IST.
