Galle, Aug. 19 -- Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten remained optimistic about his side's Test prospects despite their 165-run defeat to India in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium, saying the team is "starting to build some shape" as it gets more opportunities in the longest format.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372 on Day 5 of the Galle Test, handing India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. However, Kirsten believes a busier Test schedule could help his players develop greater consistency and understand the demands of the format.

"It's sometimes tough when you don't play much Test cricket to understand how you need to play," Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, as per Cricinfo.

"This is ...