Some sought refuge beneath umbrellas, others squeezed into the shade of the shed, while many simply endured the blazing afternoon. None of it kept the crowd away. Galle turned out in force to greet India’s Test team on their return to the venue for the first time since 2017.
It was not an easy afternoon to spend in the stands. The heat was intense, the humidity unforgiving, and the sun offered little relief. Yet the spectators stayed where they were, unwilling to trade their place for comfort. Their presence spoke quietly but clearly of what Test cricket still means to those who follow it.
Before the start of the Test series, Sri Lanka Cricket had announced free entry for fans for the two matches. The cricket-loving community of Galle did not miss out on the offer served to them on a platter, as they flocked to the stadium.
It was a weekend, and they could have gone anywhere, but they chose to be at the stadium to witness the clash between the neighbouring countries. Adjacent to the crowd is the iconic Galle Fort. Those who could not get inside the stadium watched the action from the fort, which is located next to the ground.
There was only one grass bank where spectators were allowed, and the entire area was filled with fans. From various parts of the world, they gathered to celebrate the game. At a time when white-ball cricket is garnering the attention of most spectators, it was heartening to see such a crowd for Test cricket. More so because this was not the case when the white-ball matches were played. There were empty stands during the recently played white-ball matches in the country.
Test cricket attracting more spectators than white-ball cricket is a rare sight, but always a delightful one to note.
For about an hour and a half, play was lost to a heavy shower. Conditions became wet. At the stadium, the ground staff dried the playing surface, but the grass banks were wet as they had been left uncovered. Despite that, within 10 to 15 minutes, to everyone’s surprise, the same grass bank was once again filled with fans, with barely a spot left to sit.
Locals, Indian fans and neutral supporters from different countries all created an atmosphere to remember, making India’s 600th Test and Galle’s 50th memorable. More of the same can be expected in the days to come.
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