Colombo, Aug 30: Australian batsman Ricky Ponting has a simple piece of advice to his teammates preparing to bat in the first Test against Sri Lanka - get your starts right and you'll be fine.

Ponting reckons that if batsmen can get through their first 20 deliveries they can succeed in the island nation.

"That's what I've been talking to the guys about, making sure they get the defensive part of their game right because like in all conditions starting is always the hardest," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"Your first 20 balls become the most critical here," he added.

The 36-year-old is the only member of the Australian squad who has played Test cricket in Sri Lanka.

The opening Test of the series will be played in Galle from Wednesday. (ANI)