The Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test, Day 1, is set to begin on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the iconic Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka, as part of the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 and the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. This historic fixture marks India’s 600th Test match, adding extra significance to an already high-stakes series opener. Play is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time (SLST), which is also 10:00 AM IST, making it a convenient viewing time for fans across South Asia. The match will run for five days, concluding on Wednesday, August 19, weather permitting.
This is not just another Test match—it’s India’s 600th Test in history and the opening fixture of their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign. Both teams are stranded in the middle of the WTC standings, meaning a 2-0 series win is almost essential to stay in realistic contention for the final.
The Galle surface has traditionally been a spin-friendly track, but this edition could play slightly differently. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva noted the pitch may have more moisture than usual due to recent weather, making it a good batting track early on before spinners come into play.
Weather is the biggest talking point. Forecasts indicate a high chance of rain and thunderstorms across all five days, with up to 90% precipitation probability on Day 1. Temperatures will hover around 30–31°C with high humidity, increasing the likelihood of interruptions and bad-light stoppages.
This two-Test series marks the start of India’s ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign, making every point crucial. For Sri Lanka, it’s an opportunity to build momentum at home against a strong opponent, especially with key batters like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis unavailable.
India come in with mixed recent Test form (W, L, L, W, W in last five), while Sri Lanka’s record reads D, L, W, D, L. Both sides will be eager to start the WTC cycle on a high, but rain could heavily influence outcomes.
Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test, Day 1
- Match / League / Season: Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test –
- Date: Saturday, August 15 – Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (Day 1: August 15)
- Time: 10:00 AM Local Time (SLST) | 10:00 AM IST
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
IND vs SL Live Streaming Info
The 1st Test Match between India vs Sri Lanka is scheduled for Aug 15, 2026.
- In India: The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and live streaming will be available on FanCode and Amazon Prime Video (SonyLiv app).
- In New Zealand: The match will be telecast on TVNZ 1 and streamed live on Sky Sport Now.
- In Australia: Telecast is available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and Fox Cricket channel (Channel 501) with live streaming on Kayo and Foxtel platforms.
- In Pakistan and other regions, platforms like Tapmad may also provide live streaming options
How to Watch the Match for Free:
On TV: The match is available free on DD Sports if you have a DD Free Dish connection; this lets you watch the game without any extra subscription fee.
On apps/sites: Live streaming is officially on JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar (as per current rights), but these usually require at least a basic mobile or bundled plan; full live action is not generally free, though highlights are often available at no cost after the match.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st Test match will be live on Willow TV.
Live Score Info:
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Match 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Head-to-Head Summary (Tests)
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Total Matches Played: 46
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India Wins: 22
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Sri Lanka Wins: 7
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Draws/Tied: 17/1
Last Five Test Meetings (Win/Loss Record):
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India: W, L, L, W, W
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Sri Lanka: D, L, W, D, L
Team Analysi
India
Strengths:
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Strong top order with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
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Spin depth with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar.
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Experience in subcontinental conditions.
Weaknesses:
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Absence of Jasprit Bumrah reduces pace threat.
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Middle-order consistency questions with multiple wicketkeepers in the squad.
Key Players:
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Shubman Gill (c): Leading the side in WTC; crucial with bat and leadership.
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Rishabh Pant: Aggressive middle-order batsman, vital in counter-attacking roles.
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Ravindra Jadeja: All-round value with bat, ball, and fielding.
Sri Lanka
Strengths:
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Home advantage at Galle, a fortress for spinners.
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Spin trio of Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
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Familiarity with moist, turning conditions.
Weaknesses:
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Missing key batters Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.
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Pace attack lacks experience compared to India’s.
Key Players:
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Dhananjaya de Silva (c): Leading from the front; vital with bat and off-spin.
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Kamindu Mendis (vc): Versatile batter and part-time bowler.
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Prabath Jayasuriya: Left-arm spinner, Galle’s chief wicket-taker threat.
Probable Playing XIs
India (Probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara
India are favourites on paper due to superior batting depth and a more balanced attack. However, Galle’s spin-friendly nature combined with persistent rain threats levels the playing field significantly. If the pitch stays dry for long periods, India’s batters should dominate. But if moisture persists and spinners get early grip, Sri Lanka’s home spin trio could trouble India’s middle order.