IND vs SL 1st Test: Morne Morkel hints at Team India fielding three spinners for Galle's clash

Morne Morkel (Pic: File Pic)

Team India is set to clash with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series. The first match is scheduled to be played from August 15 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium near Galle Fort.

Ahead of the match, Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel indicated that the visitors could field three spinners in the Galle's clash. He said that Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja have the skills to claim all 20 wickets.

"Kuldeep is there, and he's the attacking sort of bowler and for us, his experience and class can't look past. So yeah, I think for us they're all different in their way. So one (Suthar) turns a bit more, one (Jadeja) is slightly more accurate and I don't think it's a (three left-arm spinners) massive concern for us," he said.

"It's just how Gill is going to use those guys at certain times. But yeah, I mean in terms of skill they've got the skill to get the 20 wickets for us," added Morkel.

He then said that considering the nature of the Galle's pitch, it may favour the spinners as the match progresses.

"Traditionally also if you look at the venue how it stacks and how it's been played up, that's sort of the way (three spinners) to go I think. The way we go with our spin bowling attack or spinners, it's a very attacking option. But looking at the surface, you know, to me, looks like a good surface, and I think as the Test goes on, you know, something will start to happen," he said.

The bowling coach expressed readiness for the conditions in Sri Lanka and said that it is about the mental challenge of playing in these conditions.

"So, we've prepared for all that can come our way, as it is more about the mental challenge in playing these conditions, batting time, bowling those spells and getting the ball in the right areas," said Morkel.

IND vs SL 1st Test: Full squads

India: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Sarfaraz Khan.

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kamindu Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Dilshan Madushanka, Keshara Nuwantha.

(With PTI Inputs)