Sri Lanka wins toss, elects to bat first

After a prolonged delay, play has finally begun in Colombo. Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena won the toss and elected to bat first despite the heavy and overcast conditions. For India’s new ball pair of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma this might just be a blessing in disguise.

As expected Sri Lanka has handed the mystery man Ajantha Mendis his Test debut and his guile will be tested against the might of the experienced Indian batting line up that features stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar (who is on the threshold of a major record), Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Earlier, wet conditions due to overnight rains delayed the start of the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo on Wednesday.

India are to play three Tests and five one-day International matches during the Island nation’s one and a half month tour.