Galle pitch offers gradual turn as India weigh three-spinner option

Two days before the first Test, word from both camps suggests the Galle pitch is not the usual dry turner and may not offer sharp spin from the opening day. Recent history indicates that for the first couple of days, Galle is a batting paradise, with gradual turn offered as the game progresses. India bowling coach Morne Morkel said something will start to happen as the match goes on. This leaves India with a choice between three spinners or three fast bowlers. As things stand, the former is the more reliable option because it adds batting depth. If the spin attack remains as expected, it could be a rare instance where the visitors field all left-arm spinners. The last Test at this venue saw two 450-plus totals, four hundreds and four half-centuries.