India focus on sweep shots and footwork ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

India began preparations for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka with a three-day warm-up match against SLC XI in Colombo. The batting group has been told to use the sweep shot and get down the pitch against spin, the two areas where they struggled in recent home series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir told the team they must be ready with every answer when the first Test begins on August 15. Steve Smith and Cheteshwar Pujara succeeded in Sri Lanka by using their feet to smother the turn, while Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey relied on the sweep shot.

Sri Lanka's spin attack includes left-arm spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Dunith Wellalage, along with off-spinners Dhananjaya de Silva and Ramesh Mendis. India will face a similar trial by spin on turning pitches in Galle and Colombo.