The Galle weather in August is unpredictable. It is usually warm and humid like most parts of Sri Lanka. But in the southern coast with the monsoon winding up, showers can show up impromptu. Just like the weather, the strip at the picturesque venue overlooking the Galle Fort can be equally tough to predict, particularly during the second half of a Test. It can create illusions in batsmen’s mind, its notorious invariable bounce never makes batsmen feel completely comfortable.
Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spin OG, was eagerly awaiting this showdown as far back in February. “They may well come very well prepared. Because, if New Zealand and South Africa spinners can do it, then Sri Lanka spinners can definitely cause more problems,” he had told The Indian Express.