India, Aug. 8 -- There was little to dislike about India's first day of preparation for the Test series against Sri Lanka, except perhaps the preparation itself. Sri Lanka XI finished the opening day of the three-day warm-up on 363/8 from 90 overs, spending much of Friday batting with a comfort that India would probably have preferred not to provide.

On a placid Nondescripts Cricket Club pitch, the hosts were allowed to settle, build partnerships, and test the patience of an Indian attack playing its first competitive cricket at this level since the home series against South Africa in November 2025.

India's caution was understandable. Shubman Gill, the Test captain, had already been ruled out after injuring his right ring finger during ...