IND vs SL 1st Test | 'I’m very proud of him...': Sri Lanka’s spin and fielding coach Jordan Gregory on Keshara Nuwantha

Sri Lanka’s Keshara Nuwantha on Day One of the first Test against India in Galle on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Sri Lanka's spin and fielding coach Jordan Gregory praised India batters Devdutt Padikkal (131 not out of 178 balls) and KL Rahul (retired hurt on 77) for taking the game to Sri Lanka on Day One of the opening Test in Galle on Saturday.

India ended the rain-shortened day on 288-2 after 73 overs. Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant (27 not out) were at the crease at stumps.

"Firstly, credit to Padikkal. He batted superbly today and so did KL. Unfortunate for him to get injured," said Gregory.

Gregory was also delighted to see debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha holding his own against Indian batters. However, Nuwantha was the most expensive of the Sri Lankan bowlers, going for 98 runs off his 21 overs without picking any wickets.

"It's very encouraging to see that Kesh on his debut had asked a lot of questions and created a lot of opportunities.

"So credit to him. I could imagine there may have been a couple of nerves from his side. But I'm very proud of him and the way he bowled on his debut," he added.

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