Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh made a brilliant 63 in the practice match against a Sri Lanka Board XI leading up to the three Test matches, and at the end of the day's play declared that it was a crucial innings.

"It's an important knock. Before going for the Test series it gives you a lot more confidence. It definitely helped me to get my confidence back for the Test series," Ramesh said.

The tall left-hander from Tamil Nadu was troubled by a back injury and missed the second Test against Zimbabwe, which India lost. Since then he hasn't played any competitive cricket.

But today he played well, and got some valuable match practice by staying in the middle for 165 minutes, facing 104 deliveries. He hit 11 classy boundaries.

There were lots of complaints about the wicket at P. Sara Stadium. The game was delayed by 45 minutes today because of some patches in the wicket. It followed a 30-minute delay yesterday due to dampness.

"It's not a real batting track. It was a dicey track," agreed Ramesh. "I am happy that I got stuck into it."

He was dismissed by a lifting Dinusha Fernando delivery. "It took me by surprise. I wanted to drive it to mid-off, but at the end the ball kicked up and I finished spooning a catch."

Ramesh was disappointed that he couldn't go on to a big score. "I was seeing the ball well. I really wanted to go for a big one, but unfortunately that didn't happen."

The 25-year old is eagerly awaiting the Test series which starts next week at Galle. "It's going to be one of the best. Sri Lanka have become a very formidable side. After the victory in the one-day series they'll be pumped up to do well in the Tests too. I am looking forward to the challenge against Muralitharan as well. He's a great bowler. I haven't faced a single ball off him, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

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