India make a strong start against Sri Lanka, reach 115 for 1 at lunch on day one

GALLE: Electing to bat, India reached 115 for one at lunch on the opening day of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International stadium, here today.

India lost Abhinav Mukund (12) to paceman Nuwan Praddeep but Shikhar Dhawan (64) and Cheteshwar Pujara (37) ensured the visitors reach lunch without losing any more wicket.

India have handed Test debut to all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

The hosts are being led by Rangana Herath regular skipper since Dinesh Chandimal is unwell.

Brief Scores:
India 1st innings: 115 for 1 in 27 overs. (S Dhawan 64 batting, C Pujara 37 batting; N Pradeep 1/22).

Teams:
Sri Lanka: Rangana Herath (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep.

India: Virat Kohli (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami.