India has chosen to bat first after winning the coin toss in the opening Test of a two-match series against Sri Lanka at Galle, while the hosts have made significant squad changes including a debut and a return.

India has won the toss and decided to bat first in the first Test of a two-match series against Sri Lanka, with the match commencing at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lanka has made notable changes to its Test squad for the encounter. Young spinner Keshara Nuwantha has been handed his Test debut, marking a significant milestone in his career. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella has returned to the Test eleven following an extended period away from international cricket.

The Sri Lankan playing XI includes Lahiru Udara, Nishan Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, and Asitha Fernando. Following the Galle encounter, the second Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Colombo beginning August 23.