Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted that the fast bowlers will come into action in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle. Records show that the spinners always enjoy bowling at Galle, but Ashwin reckons there will be assistance for the pacers.

India has fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi Dar in the squad. While Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack, it would be interesting to note who would be India’s second-choice fast bowler.

Ashwin recalled how former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth took a five-wicket haul while playing at the same venue.

“I think 80% of the wickets at Galle have been taken by spinners. I think that trend will continue. I don’t remember the year, but Sreesanth bowled a brilliant spell and took five wickets at Galle. So if you bend your back a bit and put in good effort, you will get help. I see pacers coming into it,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Ashwin said there will be enough pace and bounce on the surface and added that there will be assistance for the spinners too.

“In Sri Lanka, you will never get to see from the top if the pitch is one where the ball will turn. From the top, it stays dry. There is enough speed and bounce. It looks like a typical Galle pitch, I feel there will be a little bit of bounce and some help for fast bowlers initially. And then as the game pans out, it will turn on the first day too, but by five days it will become a slow turning pitch, which Sri Lanka fancies always. The team winning the toss will have an advantage, and if they can bat long, it will be a huge factor,” he said.

Ashwin highlighted that Shubman Gill be challenged to get the best out of his spinners in Sri Lankan conditions.

“The first thing to note in Gill’s captaincy will be whether he plays three spinners or four. I think he will play only three. It will be important to see which spinner he uses from which end. He has to nail that. I feel Gill has to get this magic potion ready.”

India will face Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle from August 15.