India will look to start their two-match Test series on a high when they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium from Friday, August 15.
India arrive under pressure following dismal home series sweeps against New Zealand and South Africa, and Shubman Gill's side will be desperate to revive their red-ball fortunes on the island.
The hosts have already shown just how tough the competition will be as India narrowly won the practice match against the Sri Lankans with some last-over heroics from Mohammand Siraj.
The tourists are also without the injured Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the opener, while Sri Lanka will bank on their spinners exploiting a surface that traditionally aids slow bowling as the match wears on.
With plenty at stake in the World Test Championship race, The Sporting News takes a look at the latest weather forecast for the opening day at Galle.
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Galle weather forecast for Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test
There is some concern for cricket fans, with conditions in Galle looking warm and humid but carrying a genuine threat of showers on the opening day.
The venue's coastal location makes it prone to sudden afternoon rain at this time of year. The amount of dew will also depend on how the winds will move.
Daily weather forecast for Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test
- Day 1 (August 15): High of 30°C, low of 27°C, with around a 50% chance of rain
- Day 2 (August 16): High of 31°C, low of 27°C, with around a 25% chance of rain
- Day 3 (August 17): High of 30°C, low of 27°C, with around a 40% chance of rain
- Day 4 (August 18): High of 31°C, low of 28°C, with around a 40% chance of rain
- Day 5 (August 19): High of 31°C, low of 27°C, with around a 35% chance of rain
Chances of rain interrupting play in Galle
As per the forecasts, there is a moderate chance of rain interrupting play in Galle on the opening day, with the probability peaking through the afternoon session at around 50 per cent. Passing showers rather than a full washout look the likeliest scenario.
The outlook improves as the Test progresses, with the rain threat easing from Day 2 onwards. High humidity and warm temperatures of around 29 to 30 degrees Celsius are expected throughout the five days, which could make conditions taxing for the players.
What happens if the Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test is stopped by rain?
Unlike limited-overs cricket, Test matches do not use the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Any time lost to rain or bad light is instead recovered by extending the day's play, with umpires able to add up to an hour of extra time and bring forward the start on following days.
A maximum of 98 overs are bowled on a normal day, and lost overs are made up where light and time permit. Should significant portions of the match be washed out, a draw becomes the likeliest result, an outcome that would suit neither side in the WTC context.
What time does the Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test start?
The Sri Lanka vs India first Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium.
The match will start at 10:00 a.m. IST on Friday, August 15, 2026.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test in India?
Here's how to watch the Sri Lanka vs India match in India:
TV channel: Sony Sports Network
Live stream: SonyLIV
The Sri Lanka vs India series will be available to stream live through the SonyLIV app and website for fans in India. For TV viewers, they can watch the game live on the Sony Sports Network channels.