Only England (1,097) and Australia (883) have played more Tests than India and the landmark match also coincides with the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
India’s Shubman Gill said it is a “huge honour” to lead his side for the country’s 600th Test when they face Sri Lanka Saturday in the opening match of a two-Test series. “It’s a big honour and privilege for me to captain India in any Test match,” Gill told reporters in Galle.
India began their Test journey in 1932 against England at Lord’s and have since won 186 matches and lost 188. They have drawn 224 games, with one match ending in a tie. India, who have won eight and lost 10 of their 20 Tests under Gambhir, have slipped to fifth in the World Test Championship standings, one place above Sri Lanka.
I feel we are moving in the right direction,” said Gill.
“I’m very comfortable with the way we have progressed over the last year.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who has played at the venue since his school days, said it would be a “big occasion” for the picturesque venue overlooking the Indian Ocean. “Our main goal is to play in the World Test Championship final next year and if we win six or seven games out of the next nine, we have a good chance. Top-order batter Sai Sudharsan is unavailable, and Devdutt Padikkal, who struck an unbeaten century in the warm-up game in Colombo, is set to take his place.
