India to play four-day practice match ahead of Sri Lanka Test series

India will begin their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with a four-day practice match before the opening Test in Galle. The series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, will get underway on August 15.

Before the series begins, the Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Colombo on August 4 to kick-start their preparations. According to RevSportz, India will play a four-day warm-up match from August 7 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC). The venue is situated close to the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), which will host the second Test from August 23 to 27. Following the practice game, the visitors will travel to Galle for the opening Test of the series.

The upcoming tour marks India's first Test assignment in Sri Lanka since 2017, when they registered a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash over the hosts. India head into the series after their most recent red-ball outing against Afghanistan, where they secured an innings victory in a one-off Test. However, that match was not part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after suffering a series defeat to the West Indies in their most recent Test assignment. The home side will hope to make full use of familiar conditions as they aim to improve their position in the WTC standings.

The series is important for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship 2025-27. India currently occupy fifth place in the standings, having registered four wins in nine matches, while Sri Lanka are sixth, with one victory from four Tests. With valuable WTC points on offer, both sides will be eager to make a strong start to the series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce India's squad in the coming days. The selection will be closely watched as the team looks to strengthen its position in the WTC table and build momentum ahead of a crucial phase in the championship cycle.