Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century at No. 3 addresses India's middle-order selection gap

Shubman Gill underwent a specially designed throw-down session aimed at preparing India's batters for the possibility of reverse swing in Galle. The team management instructed ground staff at the Nondescripts Cricket Club to prepare a surface resembling a Day 4 track with cracks.

Gill faced throw-down specialists using semi-old Kookaburra balls to simulate reverse swing conditions expected as the Test progresses. He also faced Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi bowling with the same balls during centre-wicket practice.

India travelled to Sri Lanka with a variety of Kookaburra balls after noting that abrasive pitches and drier conditions can scuff the ball quicker than in Australia. The first Test begins on August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.