Dhananjaya de Silva warns 'Galle is a tough place to keep wickets' ahead of first Test vs India

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva spoke at the Galle International Stadium on Friday (August 14, 2026) as he previewed the first Test against India, saying "Galle is a tough place to keep wickets" and outlining selection changes. He confirmed Niroshan Dickwella would replace the injured Kusal Mendis and flagged a likely debut for off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.

De Silva began by assessing the surface and the conditions at Galle, telling reporters: "This will be a different pitch from the usual Galle surfaces. I feel this will help the batters a lot, although the rains have prevented the ground-staff from putting in their best effort. But we should get good batting conditions," the Sri Lankan captain said at the Galle International Stadium here on Friday (August 14, 2026). His initial analysis identified run-scoring potential despite the wet weather affecting preparation.

Addressing a squad affected by injury, De Silva explained the wicketkeeper decision, saying: "Galle is a tough place to keep wickets and we have to get our best wicketkeeper on board. Having spoken to the selectors and head coach, we felt that (Niroshan) Dickwella is the right choice." Dickwella has been named as the replacement for the injured Kusal Mendis.

On the bowling side, De Silva signalled a possible first appearance for a young off-spinner, describing Keshara Nuwantha as a candidate for selection. He said: "He is young and very promising. He has consistency with his line and length and looks a good prospect. He will be a good investment for the future."

De Silva also reflected on the occasion for the venue itself, noting the match will be the ground's 50th Test and commenting on his personal connection to Galle. "It's a big occasion. We had a lot of success here and personally, I grew up playing my cricket here," he said.

Sri Lanka will now prepare to host India in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, with Dickwella confirmed as Mendis' replacement and Keshara Nuwantha a probable debutant for the hosts.