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India vs Sri Lanka Live Cricket Score, 2nd Test, Sri Lanka in India, 3 Test Series, 2017, November 24, 2017

SL 205/10 (79.1) , 166/10 (49.3)
India beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs
IND 610/6 (176.1)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : The first India - Sri Lanka Test turned out to be a cracking draw. Not many gave the tourists a chance to put up a fight and they surprised all by dominating the hosts for most parts of the game. If psychological advantage is a thing in sport, the home side will have plenty of it after running the visitors close towards the end. A bright and sunny weather in Nagpur welcomes us for the second game of the series. Yes, so we don't foresee any amount of time lost this time round.
India under Kohli will continue to not play the same side in consecutive games as Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are out of this one due to personal reasons. While Murali Vijay is expected to walk in to replace the southpaw, the replacement for the latter would be eagerly awaited. Sri Lanka would look at their seam bowling department and ponder over the personnel who could provide a better support to Suranga Lakmal, who looked incisive in Kolkata. Will they get in Vishwa Fernando instead o
The last Test match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium - India vs South Africa in 2015 - saw 33 out of the 40 wickets fall to the spinners. That shouldn't be the case this time as we have a greenish-looking surface on offer. India are looking beyond just this series and are on course to prepare for a tougher South African tour and hence such a surface. What will the story be this time round? Can the Indian batters put a better show in bowler-friendly conditions? What will the compositio
PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden observes that although there is a grass covering on the pitch, this one is a dry surface and there is no moisture on it like Eden Gardens. The previous Test here vs South Africa was a dustbowl and this isn't so, observes VVS Laxman. He is of the view that as the game progresses the cracks will widen and hence the spinners will come into play. Reckons it will be tough for the batsmen.
HEADS is the call from the Sri Lankan skipper... and heads it is! Sri Lanka win the toss and chose to BAT first. Interesting choice.
DINESH CHANDIMAL, the Sri Lankan captain, says that they will bat as it looks like a very good pitch. Opines although there is a grass cover, it is pretty dry underneath. States that apart from the last session in the previous game, they did well and would look to keep up the good work. That has given them the confidence he adds. Ends saying that they are playing the same side as the last game.
VIRAT KOHLI, the Indian skipper, feels that the first session should offer something for the quicks as there is grass on the good length area. States that even they would have batted first as they wanted to challenge themselves. Opines that the surface is pretty hard and would tend to slow down as the game progresses. He says that if the batters apply themselves, they will get runs while if the bowlers prolong bowling on consistent lengths, they'll get success. On the team changes, he states tha
Blue and green are the colours on show at the venue. The clear skies wear a blue drape while the playing surface has a tinge of green. All are pointers to the making of a good game of cricket. In this backdrop, the players stride out for the national anthems. Sri Lanka's anthem would play first, followed by India's.
The anthems are completed now. After a small huddle near the fence, the Indians rush out to the centre. Looks like the comeback man ISHANT SHARMA, minus his big long mane, will steam in with the ball to bowl the first over of the game. He's been in decent form in the Ranji Trophy and would love to emulate that run here. SADEERA SAMARAWICKRAMA and DIMUTH KARUNARATNE will open the batting. Looks like a good combo as one is a natural attacking player while the other is known for his stoic defense.
0.1 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Good carry on that one. Sharma bowls it on a length wide outside off, Samarawickrama doesn't put bat to that and lets it be.
Already a pause! Samarawickrama isn't happy with the movement near the sightscreen and is getting it adjusted. The spectators in that area need to be careful.
0.2 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, This one is closer to the stumps yet outside off. Sadeera shoulders arms to let that pass.
0.3 : I Sharma to S Samarawickrama, FOUR! First runs on the board, courtesy a boundary! Samarawickrama would breathe a bit more easy after getting that away as openers generally love to get off the mark as soon as they can. This is bowled on a fuller length outside off, Samarawickrama strides forward and drives it through covers. Jadeja dives to his right yet is unable to prevent the ball from running away to the fence.
0.4 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, A stifled appeal dies down on its own. Fuller delivery angling down leg, Sadeera misses his flick and gets hit low on the pads. Indians realise this and curtail their appeal.
0.5 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Samarawickrama taps it in front of mid on and hares to the other end for a quick run.
0.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Landed around middle, Karunaratne offers a straight bat in defending that. Decent start for Sri Lanka.
The local lad, UMESH YADAV, will share the new ball from the other end. It's his first Test at this venue and he would want to have an immediate impact. He too will run in with three slips and a gully who is slightly closer, making it seem like almost a fourth slip.
1.1 : U Yadav to Samarawickrama, Umesh angles this down the leg side on a length. Sadeera helps it to fine leg for a run.
1.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, FOUR! Magnificent shot that. The balance that Karunaratne maintained there was just perfect. Yadav hurls in a very full inswinger around off and middle, Dimuth had to get his bat down quickly. Does so and times the flick through mid-wicket perfectly. The ball speeds away to the fence in not time.
1.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, This is much wider outside off. Dimuth refuses to put bat to that.
1.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Fuller on the stumps, pushed back towards the bowler.
1.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
1.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, This ball is blocked solidly from the crease. 5 runs off this one as well.
Ishant Sharma isn't happy with the ball and has thrown it to Richard Kettleborough. So soon in the game? The umpires check it with the help of the 8-shaped gauge and deem it alright to continue.
2.1 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Bowled outside off, Sadeera shoulders arms to let it go.
2.2 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Fuller around middle and leg, Samarawickrama looks to flick hurriedly and ends up getting it off the inner half of his bat. The ball runs through mid-wicket. Vijay hares after it, slides and saves a couple of runs for the side.
2.3 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Around off and middle, the batsman blocks it solidly.
2.4 : I Sharma to S Samarawickrama, This ball is played towards mid on.
2.5 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Length outside off, Samarawickrama plays it towards backward point. Jadeja stationed there dives to his left and stops it partially. He cannot prevent the single though.
Extra cover goes to fine leg.
2.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Ishant lands it on a length just outside off, Karunaratne has a feel for that but misses.
3.1 : U Yadav to Samarawickrama, Bowled outside off, Samarawickrama points his bat skywards and leaves it alone.
3.2 : U Yadav to S Samarawickrama, Running race between the fielders! Yadav serves it on a length outside off, the ball swings away. Samarawickrama drives it on the up away from the body through covers. Even as Vijay from the position chases that, Rohit seems to rush quicker from point, overtakes Vijay, slides and parries it to the former. All this helps the batsmen take three.
3.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Fuller around middle, driven back. Yadav stops it in his followthrough.
3.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Ishant Sharma fielding at point! Karunaratne stays in his crease and plays it to him.
3.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
The ball is checked again. It is again passed through the loop and the umpire says it is good to play with. Strange this, as only two boundaries have been struck so far and yet the Indians seem to be unhappy with the cherry.
3.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Beauty! Yadav lands it just outside off, Karunaratne expects it to come in and has a push at that. But the ball holds its line and flies to the keeper, past the edge of the bat.
Down to two slips now.
4.1 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, Short delivery around off, pulled away in front of square on the leg side for a run.
4.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Around off, driven towards mid off.
4.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Collision in mid-pitch! Sharma bowls it on the pads, Dimuth flicks it through mid-wicket. The other Sharma, Rohit, chases it down. Both the batsmen are ball watching and hence dash against each other in the middle. The brace is completed though.
4.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Dimuth works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Samarawickrama is a goner! The on-field umpire wants to be 100 percent sure and hence refers it upstairs. The soft signal is OUT.
4.5 : I Sharma to Samarawickrama, OUT! Excellent catch by Pujara at first slip! Samarawickrama doesn't stop playing away from the body and pays the price yet again. In the previous game it resulted in him playing on, and now, he offers a catch to the slip cordon. Ishant bowls it on a driving length outside off, Sadeera is lured into the shot. Plays at it with minimal feet movement and gets a thicks outside edge. The ball goes low to the left of Cheteshwar at first slip who gets low and grabs it
LAHIRU THIRIMANNE makes his way out next. The half century in the previous game would make him feel confident enough to face the Indian attack on this surface. Two slips to welcome him.
4.6 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
5.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
5.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
5.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Landed around off, pushed back towards the bowler.
5.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
5.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
5.6 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, This ball is kept out from the crease.
6.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
6.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, This ball is defended off the back foot.
6.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Dimuth gets his front foot ahead and blocks it watchfully.
And again... India aren't entirely happy with the ball and take the issue to the umpires yet again. This time they call for the change of ball and it is changed. Would you change a ball that has just got you a wicket?
6.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, This delivery is too wide for Dimuth to play at that.
6.5 : I Sharma to D Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, Karunaratne gets an edge towards gully. Rahane dives to his left but is unable to get a hand to it. Jadeja from backward point chases it and keeps the batsmen down to two.
Sunil Gavaskar and Russel Arnold analyze Samarawickrama's wicket on-air. Earlier, he got a boundary through covers when he took a good stride forward to drive the ball. There was no movement on that delivery. But on the one that got the wicket, the ball had some movement. That ended up being the opener's undoing. When the shots come off, they look glorious. But when the ball moves, the technique gets questioned.
6.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
7.1 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Yadav continues round the wicket and hurls it outside off. Thirimanne just shoulders arms.
7.2 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Lahiru has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
7.3 : U Yadav to L Thirimanne, Back of a length ball outside off, Thirimanne hangs his bat at that to defend. But the inward angle of the delivery means that he ends up getting an inside edge onto his back pad.
7.4 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Fuller than the previous ball, Lahiru shows the full face of the bat to defend that.
7.5 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Well outside off, left alone by Thirimanne.
7.6 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. A maiden over from Umesh Yadav.
8.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Fuller around off, driven straight to the man at mid off.
8.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Hurled outside off, it is a harmless one and the opener leaves it unharmed.
What that early fall of wicket has done is that it has eased the work for the Indian bowlers. Both the batters at the crease now are lefties and that makes it slightly easy in terms of the lines to bowl. A right-left combination is always hard to contend with.
8.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, FOUR! Shot! The straight drives is one of the glorious shots to watch in the sport and here it is. Sharma lands it on a fuller length around off, Karunaratne gets his front foot forward a bit and just times his push down the ground perfectly. Ishant tries to stop it in his followthrough but is unable to do so. A boundary results.
8.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Dimuth stays in his crease and blocks this.
8.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, The Ishant Sharma stare is here! Bowls a bouncer which is swayed away from Karunaratne. Gets a stare from the bowler in reply.
8.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, On a length around off, defended off the back foot.
9.1 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Beaten on the inside! Length delivery around off, Thirimanne once again looks to keep it out by hanging his bat away from the body. The ball passes from the inside, not far away from the edge.
9.2 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, What has that come off? Length delivery angling down the leg side, Lahiru looks to flick and the ball goes off something to the right of Saha. He dives full stretch to his right but is unable to catch that as the ball was always dipping on him. The batsmen get a brace. Leg byes signaled and the replays show that it came off his thigh pad.
9.3 : U Yadav to L Thirimanne, Thirimanne strides forward and drives it through covers. Rahul dives to his left and gets some hand to it to take the pace off the ball. Ashwin from mid off jogs after it, puts in a lousy slide to save a couple of runs.
9.4 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.
9.5 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Another bouncer around off. Lahiru ducks to let the keeper do the rest.
9.6 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
10.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
10.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Bowled in line of the stumps, Dimuth pushes it defensively back towards the bowler.
10.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery on the pads, Dimuth jumps up to flick but ends up getting it off his thigh pads towards the vacant short leg region.
10.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Karunaratne gets a small stride forward and he presents a straight bat to block that.
10.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Some more chin music for Karunaratne. He realizes that early and ducks in response.
10.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Around middle and leg, flicked defensively towards mid-wicket.
Rohit Sharma seems to be having some fun! The spider camera that gives us wonderful close up pictures of the players, had come low. Rohit's love for the cam seems evident as he just doesn't want to let go off it even as the camera is taken up for an aerial view.
11.1 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
0.0 : Umesh aborts his run up. As he runs in to bowl, Thirimanne signals that there is some movement behind the bowler's arm. Yadav has to go back to his run up and steam in again. The people in that stand need to realise how crucial their every movement is.
11.2 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Bowled outside off, shouldered arms to.
11.3 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Another delivery outside off is left alone.
11.4 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Driven towards the mid off region. One run added to the total.
11.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, This delivery is defended off the front foot with a straight bat.
11.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Bowled outside off, Karunaratne continues his leave-alone game as he lets the keeper do the rest.
Drinks are on the field! Just 12 overs have been bowled in this hour. Although it is understandable as seamers have bowled from both the ends, it isn't an excusable thing. The hosts would be happy picking up an early wicket. But the visitors will be confident as both Karunaratne and Thirimanne are amidst a grafting stand.
Spin time! RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN is into the attack. He had a wicketless game in the previous game, not often do you see that from him in India. A slip and a short leg in place.
12.1 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Ashwin starts off from around the wicket and loops it up around off, Thirimanne drives it with a stride froward towards Pujara at short extra cover.
12.2 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Drifting in from around off, blocked gently off the front foot.
12.3 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Tosses it up wider on off, stabbed off the front foot again.
12.4 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, A bit flatter through the air around middle and off, Lahiru goes back and offers a straight willow.
12.5 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Floats it up outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder.
12.6 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Around off, a bit fuller, pushed off the front foot and into the ground.
13.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Umesh bowls a pacy delivery, touch fuller outside off, Karunaratne defends it down off the front foot.
13.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Attacks the stumps this time, keeping it full, worked off the inner half towards mid on.
13.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Hits the back of a length area outside off, Dimuth opens the bat face and dabs it towards point.
13.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Hurls it fuller on off, driven towards Ashwin at mid off.
13.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Back of a length outside off, crunched off the back foot towards the cover fielder.
13.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, A maiden from Umesh Yadav! His second of the game! Good length delivery around the off stump channel, DK is happy to lunge forward and block it down.
14.1 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Floats it up outside off, Thirimanne drives it towards cover. Vijay there dives to his left but the batsmen run one.
14.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Gives it nice air and lands it full on off, defended watchfully.
14.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, A lot of loop on this one, still Karunaratne is happy to defend it down calmly.
14.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Fuller on middle and off, jammed back towards the bowler.
14.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery, served outside off, Karunaratne takes his left foot across and pads it away towards first slip.
14.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tossed up on the stumps, Dimuth prods forward in defense.
15.1 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Yadav sticks to around the wicket and lands it on a length outside off, pretty harmless that. Thirimanne leaves it alone.
15.2 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, In the corridor outside off, Lahiru lets it be.
15.3 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Ahead of a length outside off, Thirimanne leans forward, opens the bat face and pushes it towards the fielder at gully.
15.4 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Hits the deck hard, the batsman is quick to duck under it.
15.5 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Tries to bring in from outside off, LT knows where his off stump is and carefully shoulders his arms to that one.
15.6 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, This one holds its line, bowled in the corridor on off. Left alone. Should be the last over for the pacer, this. He has been bowling on the trot.
16.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery around off, Dimuth works it towards mid-wicket.
16.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tossed up on off, Karunaratne comes down the track and works it off the inner half towards the leg side.
16.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Some turn there for Ash but the length is short. It gives ample time for Dimuth to go back and push it towards point.
16.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Gets behind the line and defends.
16.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sees the flight and Dimuth's eyes lit up. He drives hard but finds the man at cover.
16.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drifting in from around off, DK lunges ahead to defend but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards square leg. Another maiden!
As expected Umesh Yadav is given some rest and ISHANT SHARMA is called back into the attack. He found good rhythm in his first spell and has already opened his account. Can he get one more?
17.1 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, Starts off the spell from around the wicket and dishes out a length ball outside off. Thirimanne watches it till the last moment before letting it be.
17.2 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, Good length delivery around off, blocked off the front foot gently.
17.3 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, On a good length and around middle and off, defended towards the on side.
17.4 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, Once again the ball is holding its line. Lahiru defends it off the front foot towards cover.
17.5 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
17.6 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, Good length ball outside off, Thirimanne is happy to block that one out. The runs seem to have dried up completely. Maiden after maiden is what the Indians are bowling!
18.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tossed up outside off, defended in front of silly point.
18.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter outside off, defended off the back foot.
18.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Takes a stride forward and buries it into the ground.
Direct hit from Pujara now. He has been in the thick of things. He believes he has got his man and so do his teammates. The umpire refers it upstairs...
18.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, NOT OUT! Karunaratne is safe! But lovely fielding from Pujara, this. Simply outstanding! Ashwin drops it a bit short on middle, Dimuth goes back and punches it towards mid on. He takes Pujara on and sets off for a single. Cheteshwar quickly charges towards the ball, picks it up and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. They all appeal and it's taken upstairs. Replays show DK did well to drag his bat. A brisk single picked up.
18.5 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
18.6 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Slows it through the air, keeps it full on middle and off, kept out safely.
19.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off, the batsman presses forward and defends it down on the off side.
19.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Fuller in length this time, driven nicely but couldn't get it past the fielder at mid off.
19.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Angles it in on middle and leg, Dimuth gets across to clip it away but misses and wears it on the pads. No appeal as it was going down leg.
19.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Harmless delivery outside off, left alone without much fuss.
19.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Keeps it on a fuller length on middle and off, Karunaratne brings his bat down quickly and bunts it back to the bowler.
Vijay Shankar is on the field not sure for whom though.
19.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Persists with his length, which is outside off. Not going after that says the batsman.
20.1 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Bowls it quicker through the air but it is well outside off, Thirimanne cuts it straight to the point fielder.
20.2 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Bowls it around middle and leg, worked in front of square on the leg side for a single.
20.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
20.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, In the air... dropped! It's that man, Pujara once again in the picture. Seems like the cherry loves him today. He took a great catch early today, scored a direct hit but to no avail and now drops one but a good effort nonetheless. Ashwin floats it up outside off, Karunaratne says enough of blocking it out. He steps down the track and tries to go big. Gets it off the inner half but aerially towards mid on. Pujara stationed there waits for the ball and tries to leap
20.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Gets a bit forward and blocks it down.
20.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Yes... No... and there is a chance of run out now! Karunaratne gets away again. Dimuth clips it through short leg and calls for the single. Thirimanne responds but the striker stutters. They eventually take off as Saha chases the ball to his right and fires a weird throw at the bowler's end. A better throw could have made things interesting here. An eventful over comes to an end.
21.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Good length around middle and off, defended towards the on side.
21.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Stays back to this length ball and defends again.
21.3 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Tad fuller on off, driven on the up back to Sharma.
21.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
21.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Fuller in length delivery outside off, Dimuth drives it back down the ground. Sharma in his followthrough tries to stop it but fails to do so. The ball rolls towards mid on and a single is picked up.
21.6 : I Sharma to Thirimanne, A shout for an LBW but nothing from the umpire. Sharma bangs in a short ball on middle and leg, Thirimanne takes evasive action but this one doesn'r rise than he expected it to be. Wears it on the right side of the shoulder. Replays show it would have gone over the stumps. So a good call from the umpire.
22.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, 1 run.
22.2 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
22.3 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Slower one on off, defended by keeping bat and pad together.
22.4 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Flatter one around the pads, clipped fine down the leg side for a brace.
22.5 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Ashwin bowls it down leg, Lahiru gets down and sweeps it towards fine leg for a single this time.
22.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full on middle, driven towards the fielder at mid on.
UMESH YADAV is back into the attack. Two catching fielders are stationed in the cover region.
23.1 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Shortish outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover.
23.2 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Back of a length outside off, crunched once again off the back foot towards the same region.
23.3 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Good length delivery outside off, dabbed with soft hands towards the off side.
23.4 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Fuller and angling in, blocked out by the batsman.
23.5 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Shortish in length outside off, punched off the back foot again. Finds the man at the catching position.
23.6 : U Yadav to Thirimanne, Stays back and runs it wide of the man at point to keep strike.
24.1 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery around off, pushed back to the bowler.
24.2 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Flatter outside off, cracked off the back foot towards the point fielder.
24.3 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Slower one around off, Thirimanne makes a bit of room and pushes it towards the right of the bowler.
24.4 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Flatter on middle, punched off the back foot towards cover.
24.5 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, Tossed up on off, dipping in, bunted back to Ashwin.
24.6 : R Ashwin to Thirimanne, OUT! Bowled 'em! Ashwin strikes for the first time in the series. The Indians have broken the stubborn stand at last. Ashwin tosses it up outside off, Thirimanne sinks low to sweep this one but the ball doesn't turn. It skids off the surface, beats the outside part of the bat and crashes into the timber behind. Lahiru wasn't looking comfortable and now has to walk back without troubling the scorers much.
ANGELO MATHEWS steps out to bat next, replacing Thirimanne. Also, there is a bowling change as RAVINDRA JADEJA is asked to roll his arm over. Let's see how he goes about with his thing. With 6 minutes to go for lunch, it'll be interesting to see how Sri Lanka will take care of him.
25.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery from over the wicket, worked in front of square on the leg side for a single.
25.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
25.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flat and short on the stumps, punched past cover for a single.
25.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, This one comes in from outside off, Dimuth tries to flick it away but misses and is hit on the thigh pad.
25.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Gets forward and defends it down the track.
Drama again in the middle. Saha has whipped the bails off quickly and he feels that Karunaratne was well outside the crease. Let's wait and see as the umpire has gone upstairs...
25.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, STUMPED OFF A NO BALL! Would you believe it? Ravindra Jadeja has overstepped and a spinner doing this is a crime. Karunaratne survives another scare here and the Indians can't believe this. Jadeja bowls it slower through the air outside off, Dimuth Karunaratne takes a good stride forward to defend but fails to put bat on ball as he expected the ball to turn in and hence played for that. However, the ball goes straight on to the keeper, who collects it and takes the
R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Gets a bit forward and blocks it down.
Last over before lunch.
26.1 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Flighted ball on the stumps, driven towards mid on.
26.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
26.3 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Tossed on the stumps, flicked towards short mid-wicket where Rahul makes a tumbling stop.
26.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, More flight around off, defended down watchfully.
26.5 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Slower one on off, defended back to the bowler.
26.6 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Lovely delivery to end the session! Ashwin tosses it up outside off, Mathews goes back to play for the turn but the ball zips through to beat the outside edge. Saha fails to collect it cleanly and that's also LUNCH ON DAY 1!
An eventful first session comes to an end. The Indians lost the toss but they wouldn't be complaining with their efforts so far. They haven't let Sri Lanka off the hook and mind you, they have done that in the absence of their two strike bowlers. Ishant Sharma, set the tone up by removing Samarawickrama first while Umesh Yadav kept the dot ball pressure from the other end. Both bowled on the trot till the drinks break and then Kohli brought Ashwin into the attack. The offie was very disciplined.
Sri Lanka could have lost another wicket had Jadeja not overstepped in the only over he bowled before lunch. Karunaratne is lucky to be still out there, as he was dropped by Pujara before going on to survive a stumping scare. His side would be hoping that he makes the most of the reprieves once the play resumes. The Indian spinners are getting some purchase off the deck and it would be a task in front of the batsmen to counter them. They were kept quiet at the Eden Gardens but it won't be the sa
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
We're back! After a sumptuous meal, the players will have that added vigor to put up a good show. Well, as cricket enthusiasts, we can hope for a delicious passage of play to pan out. Sri Lanka have been moving at a slow pace and they would look to increase their pace now. KARUNARATNE and MATHEWS will resume their battle. RAVINDRA JADEJA will start off with the ball.
27.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Begins with a straighter delivery outside off, Dimuth plays for the turn that's not there. Misses the ball.
27.2 : R Jadeja to D Karunaratne, Edged but safe! Karunaratne looks to defend but gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to Rahane at slip. Jadeja has began on the money here!
27.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flatter outside off, Karunaratne goes for the reverse sweep. Misses the ball and gets rapped on the front pad. A stifled appeal from the Indians dies down. The impact was well outside off.
27.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
27.5 : R Jadeja to D Karunaratne, FOUR! Well played. Why look for unconventional shots when the orthodox ones fetch you runs? Jadeja offers it outside off, Karunaratne drives it through wide mid off. Vijay runs after it and puts in the slide but takes the ball with him on the other side of the ropes.
27.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN to bowl from the other end.
28.1 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Around off, Mathews blocks it with a straight bat.
28.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
28.3 : R Ashwin to Mathews, FOUR! Lucky, very lucky is Mathews here! Ashwin bowls it flatter outside off, Angelo looks to play the cut. Gets an under edge that bounces just short of Rahane's left hand and runs away to the third man fence. Could have easily chopped it on.
28.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, FOUR! Much better and very much in control. Mathews is a good player of spin and he takes the aerial route on this occasion. Takes it on the up and hits it over mid on. Almost goes the distance. The umpire on-field isn't sure and hence goes upstairs to check whether it is a four or a six. Replays shows that it bounces just in front of the ropes.
28.5 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
28.6 : R Ashwin to Mathews, This ball is flicked away off his pads for a run. 9 runs off this over.
29.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
29.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
29.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
29.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
29.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Mathews blocks this off his front foot.
Mathews is gone! He has been ruled out LBW by the on-field umpire. However, he has a chat with his partner and uses the DRS. Looks to be in trouble.
29.6 : Jadeja to Mathews, OUT! Mathews departs! Jadeja bowls it from round the wicket and lands it around off. Mathews strides forward and looks to block. But the ball goes straight on and strikes him on the front pad. The Indians appeal and the umpire signals in affirmative. Mathews has a chat with Karunaratne and then signals a 'T'. Snicko doesn't show the presence of an edge as the bat and the pad are well away from each other and the ball was far from the inside edge too. Hawk eye shows that
Skipper DINESH CHANDIMAL walks in to the middle next. He has this knack of playing counter-attacking innings from such situations. Will he do so? Or is his grafting game coming to the fore today?
30.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, This ball is pushed towards mid on.
30.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
30.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
30.4 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, Chandimal drives it through mid off for a single.
There is a stumping appeal against Karunaratne. Will he be lucky once more or has he run out of that? His expressions show he is safe. We'll find out...
30.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The relative silence in the crowd shows that the decision is NOT OUT!
It's all happening! The Indians appeal ecstatically for an LBW against Karunaratne. Will he survive again?
30.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, No run.
31.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
31.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
31.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
31.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
31.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
31.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, 1 run.
32.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, No run.
32.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, SIX.
32.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, No run.
32.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, 1 run.
32.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, No run.
32.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, 1 run.
33.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, No run.
33.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
33.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, 1 run.
33.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
33.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
33.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
34.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, No run.
34.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has driven it straight down the ground. They pick up a single.
Catching mid-wicket in place...
34.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
34.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Floated around off, driven through mid on for a single.
34.5 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Now Karunaratne rotates the strike by playing this towards long on.
34.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, 1 run.
35.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, No run.
35.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Flatter outside off, slapped to the man at covers.
35.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Chandimal covers his stumps and shoulders arms.
35.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
35.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Chandimal shows a straight bat to defend this.
35.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, A maiden from Jadeja as the Lankan skipper pushes it towards covers.
36.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
36.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne strides forward and defends it with a full bat face.
36.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
36.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, A forward defense displayed by Dimuth to this delivery on the stumps.
36.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg and crosses over to the other end.
36.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Hit straight to the mid on fielder.
37.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Landed around off, blocked solidly from the crease.
37.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Good running. Karunaratne taps it towards mid on and sets off for a quick run. He completes it with ease.
37.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, A yes-no call... All's well eventually! Chandimal gets an inside edge through square leg and wants a run. But Karunaratne spots Ashwin there and denies the run. The fielder does well to prevent the run there. Dinesh is back in safely.
37.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, DC lunges forward and bunts it.
37.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
37.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, A straight bat face shown in defending this one from the crease.
Rohit's love affair with the spider cam continues! He's having fun with it when it is lowered down. Meanwhile, UMESH YADAV is back into the attack. Will the change in pace help?
38.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Yadav steams in from round the wicket and bowls a back of a length delivery outside off. Karunaratne punches it straight to the fielder in the cover region.
38.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Short delivery around off and middle, Dimuth pulls it away confidently through backward square leg. Vijay runs to his right from fine leg and keeps them down to one.
38.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Yadav comes over the wicket to the right hander and bowls it on the pads. Chandimal tickles it away towards fine leg for one run.
38.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Continues round the wicket to the southpaw and bowls it around off. DK shows a straight willow and blocks it.
38.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Length delivery on the shorter side outside off, Karunaratne finds the real estate through cover-point with his punch. Jadeja runs after it from point before which the batsmen get a brace.
38.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
39.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Dropped around off, Chandimal lunges forward in defense.
39.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, DC gets really low and blocks it solidly.
39.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Straighter outside off, Chandimal points his bat skywards as he leaves it alone.
39.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Floated around off, driven back towards the bowler.
39.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Tossed up outside off, Chandimal plays it with the turn through cover-point. Huge cheers fill the ground as Ishant chases it from point. The batters get a brace.
39.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, This ball is blocked watchfully from the crease. Jadeja is playing the controlling role perfectly. He had conceded 7 runs off his first two overs and now his figures read 8-2-12-1. He's creating the pressure from one end.
40.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Umesh now runs in from over the wicket to the left hander and serves it on a length just outside off. Karunaratne feels for it but gets beaten. Wasn't far from the outside edge.
40.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Sprayed down the leg side, Dimuth just lets it be.
40.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
40.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Yadav changes his angle and comes round the wicket. Bowls it outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms to that.
40.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Another ball outside the line of the stumps, left alone.
40.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On a length around off, punched towards mid-wicket from the crease.
41.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Well bowled. Jadeja fires this at 90 kmph just outside off. Chandimal had to get his bat down hurriedly to keep that out.
41.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, On the pads, flicked away to fine leg for one.
41.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Floated outside off, Karunaratne plays it with soft hands towards covers. Wants a run but Pujara gets to the ball quickly to deny any such chance.
41.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, This ball is wristed towards mid-wicket.
41.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, FOUR! Commanding shot that! Jadeja serves it fuller around off, Karunaratne moves across the stumps and chips it aerially over mid-wicket for a boundary. He has got a couple of lives and has also survived some close calls but he's making the most of them and playing well here.
41.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman works it down the leg side.
42.1 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Yadav lands it around off, Chandimal shows a full bat face and blocks it.
0.0 : A short mid on and a catching mid-wicket in place. Perhaps to curb the flick that Chandimal tends to play.
42.2 : U Yadav to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
42.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Chandimal flicks it off his pads through the gap between the short mid on and mid-wicket. Gets a single.
42.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Yadav continues over the wicket and lands it full around off, Dimuth knocks it towards covers.
42.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
42.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, FOUR! Karunaratne is looking in good touch and now moves into the 40s. Fuller outside off, Dimuth strides forward and drives it with pristine timing through covers for a boundary.
43.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.
43.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, This ball is flicked off his pads towards square leg.
43.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Driven towards the mid on region.
43.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, A yorker from Jadeja! Chandimal does well to dig it back.
43.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, FOUR! Chandimal does what he does best - attack. Jadeja loops it up around leg, the batsman gets down and dishes out the sweep shot. Gets it through backward square leg for a boundary. On first look, it seemed as if he missed the ball with that shot.
43.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
44.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Yadav runs in from round the wicket and bowls it on a length around off. Dimuth plays it from the crease.
44.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Shorter around off, pulled towards the man at fine leg for a single.
44.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Outside off, left alone.
44.4 : U Yadav to Chandimal, FOUR! 3000 Test runs for Chandimal! What an authoritative stroke to get there. Length delivery outside off, Chandimal dishes out the cover drive. Ashwin from mid off runs after it but stands no chance of cutting it off with his speed.
44.5 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
44.6 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Length outside off, Chandimal opens the face of the bat to guide it through backward point for a brace.
After an hour of play after Lunch, DRINKS are on the field! Sri Lanka are crawling ahead with the game. The run flow can well be credited to Chandimal as he has looked to score from the outset. From the time he has walked out, he hasn't been afraid to attack the spinners. The 45-run stand between him and Karunaratne, who is close to his fifty, is flourishing and India will look to end it as soon as they can.
45.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Darts it on middle and leg, Dimuth gets across and flicks it straight towards short mid-wicket.
45.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Once again gets across and works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
45.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Quicker and fuller on off, blocked off the front foot gently.
45.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Tosses it up outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder.
45.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Quicker one on middle and leg, jammed out towards mid-wicket.
45.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, On middle and off, defended by getting forward.
ISHANT SHARMA is recalled into the attack.
46.1 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, FOUR! Shot! And the 50-run stand comes up between the two! Sri Lankan innings coming back on track? Ishant goes around the wicket and offers ample with outside off. Dimuth stands tall and cuts it exquisitely through backward point for a boundary. Moves to 49 now!
46.2 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, 14th Test fifty for Dimuth Karunaratne! He continues his good run in the calendar year! But if his side needs to post a good total, he needs to get a big one here. Back of a length delivery outside off, tapped in front of point for a single. Gets a hug from his skipper as well. Agreed, he has got reprieves but then you need to play well.
46.3 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Flicked through square leg for a single.
46.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, On a length outside off, DK shoulders his arms.
46.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, A bit fuller on off, driven straight to mid off.
46.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, On a length and outside off, Dimuth covers the line and offers a straight blade.
ASHWIN to replace Jadeja now.
47.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal digs it out towards mid on.
47.2 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, Gives it loop outside off, Dinesh leans into it and drives it through covers for a couple of runs.
47.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Crouches low and clips it past short leg for a single.
47.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Keeps it nice and full on middle and off, DK prods forward in defense.
47.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Loopy ball, pitched around middle and off, pushed towards the man at mid on.
47.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drops it around off, skids a bit off the surface. Dimuth looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Karunaratne still stays on 999 runs in the calendar year.
48.1 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Ishant serves it full outside off, the Lankan skipper drives it towards cover.
48.2 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Good length delivery, angling in, Dinesh clips it towards mid-wicket.
48.3 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Sloppy from Rohit! Sharma angles it full and on the pads, Chandimal wrists it towards short mid-wicket where Rohit fumbles and lets the ball through. But then he quickly gets up and gives it a chase. The ball stops near the rope and Rohit shows good presence of mind to pick the ball when he didn't touch the rope. Saves a run for his side.
48.4 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Stays behind the line and blocks it with a straight bat.
48.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, Bangs in a short ball on middle, Karunaratne is quick to duck under it as the ball sails over him to the keeper.
48.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, A bit fuller on middle and leg, nudged towards the mid-wicket fielder.
49.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Tosses it up on the stumps, clipped behind square on the leg side for a single.
49.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slider around middle and off, the batsman presses forward in defense.
49.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, There he gets to the milestone but not in a convincing manner! Who cares as long as you are safe out there. 1K runs for the southpaw in the calendar year. Becomes only the second Lankan to do after the great, Sanath Jayasuriya. Flighted delivery, dipping in, DK looks to work it away but gets and inside edge past short leg. He didn't know the ball has gone fine and Chandimal asks him to cross over.
49.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
49.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Fuller on the stumps, kept out nicely.
49.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Pushes off the front foot towards the cover fielder.
50.1 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Bangs in a short ball on middle, Chandimal ducks under it.
50.2 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Good length delivery on middle and off, defended towards the cover fielder.
50.3 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Back of a length delivery outside off, Dinesh stands tall and defends.
50.4 : I Sharma to Chandimal, Chandimal taps it in front of cover-point and calls through for a quick single. There is a shy at the striker's end but no harm done.
50.5 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
A loud shout for an LBW against Karunaratne and umpire Kettleborough has given it OUT. Where is it pitching? Is it pitching outside leg? Dimuth walks to his partner and takes the DRS...
50.6 : I Sharma to Karunaratne, OUT lbw b Ishant Sharma. Sri Lanka have lost their fourth wicket.
NIROSHAN DICKWELLA is the new man in. Remember, he got into the nerves of the Indians on the final day of the first Test. Can he do the same by giving support to his skipper?
51.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, No run.
51.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, A bit short on off, driven square of the wicket by Chandimal.
51.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Works it with the spin towards mid-wicket.
51.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
51.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Waits for the ball to come and then turns it towards square leg.
51.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Loops it on the stumps, nudged towards the leg side. A maiden from Ashwin!
52.1 : I Sharma to Dickwella, Short of a length outside off, cut off the back foot to point.
52.2 : I Sharma to Dickwella, FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length delivery outside off, Dickwella stands tall and packs a punch behind point for a boundary. No protection in the deep and he gets going now!
52.3 : I Sharma to Dickwella, Fuller on off, strokes into the hands of the short extra cover fielder.
52.4 : I Sharma to Dickwella, Good stop, Rahane! Back of a length outside off, Niroshan stays back, opens the bat face and tries to run it down towards third man. But Rahane at gully is very alert as he quickly sticks his left hand out and stops the ball.
52.5 : I Sharma to Dickwella, Ahead of a length outside off, poked off the front foot towards point.
52.6 : I Sharma to Dickwella, Fuller in length outside off, left alone with ease.
53.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, In the air... safe! Ashwin tosses it up around middle and off, dipping in on the batsman. Chandimal tries nudging it away but gets it aerially off the inner half towards leg slip. The ball falls short of KL Rahul there and runs further away. A single taken.
53.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Around middle and leg, Dickwella paddles it fine down the leg side. Ishant in the deep does well to stop the ball but then he falls after doing so. In the meanwhile, the batsmen are aware of this and they take three.
53.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Wrists it with the turn towards mid on.
53.4 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, Comes down the track and flicks it to Kohli at short mid-wicket. The ball bursts off Kohli's fingers and rolls away towards long on. A run taken.
53.5 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man.
53.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Ashwin sees Dickwella dancing down the track and hence drops it short on the stumps. The Lankan keeper still manages to keep it out.
UMESH YADAV is back on!
54.1 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Back of a length outside off, punched towards mid off.
54.2 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Length delivery, angling in, tucked towards mid-wicket.
54.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
54.4 : U Yadav to N Dickwella, Direct hit and Dickwella would have been sent packing here! Not a good option to take one of the best fielders in the opposition camp - Jadeja! Length ball outside off, Chandimal taps it in front of covers and calls for the single. Jadeja is quick to the ball, picks it up and fires it at the striker's end with his throwing arm, the left one. He misses the target but replays show had that hit, Dickwella would have been a goner. A single taken.
54.5 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Back of a length on middle, worked away towards the mid-wicket region.
54.6 : U Yadav to Dickwella, On a length and outside off, the ball seems to have stopped a bit off the deck. Dickwella is early into the drive and nearly spoons one towards extra cover.
55.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Shimmies down the track and clips it towards Jaddu at mid-wicket.
55.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Flatter through the air on middle, punched towards Jadeja again.
55.3 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, Flicks it with the turn towards mid-wicket.
55.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Loops delivery on middle and leg, tucked uppishly towards square leg.
55.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Dances down the track and drives it back to the bowler.
55.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Ashwin pitches it outside leg, Chandimal pads it away.
56.1 : U Yadav to Dickwella, FOUR! How effortless was that? Yadav bowls a length delivery outside off, Niroshan reaches out to that one and drives it square of the wicket on the off side. Connects it off the meat and is able to split the gap through point to pick up another boundary.
56.2 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Good length delivery on middle, defended off the back foot towards mid off.
56.3 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Harmless delivery outside off, blocked off the back foot.
56.4 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Fuller on off, pushed towards Ishant at mid off.
56.5 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
56.6 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Back of a length but going down leg, Dickwella helps it towards fine leg for a single.
RAVINDRA JADEJA is back on!
57.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Bowls it quicker through the air from over the wicket, Dickwella seems to be undone by the pace on it. The ball hits the the portion near the sticker on the bat and rolls back towards the bowler.
57.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR! Slapped powerfully! Jadeja drops it short outside off, Dickwella makes room and flays it through covers. Pujara gives it a chase but never for a moment it seemed like he would cut that one off.
57.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Quicker delivery outside off, Dickwella takes his front foot across and pads it away. Jadeja appeals but the impact was outside the line. Although it doesn't matter in this case, it wouldn't have come in sufficiently.
57.4 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
57.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dances down the track and drives it towards the man at mid off.
57.6 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Under edged and through! Flatter one outside off, Dickwella once again makes room and tries to go hard at it. Gets an under edge which jams Rahane on his right foot and rolls further. They take a couple of runs.
58.1 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Fuller in length on off, driven towards mid off.
58.2 : U Yadav to Chandimal, FOUR! Classical from Dinesh! Umesh serves a half-volley on off, Chandimal takes a little stride forward and drives it neatly off the middle of the bat. Has enough to beat mid off and race away to the fence down the ground. Moves into the 40s now.
58.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
58.4 : U Yadav to D Chandimal, FOUR! What a fabulous shot that is! Yadav once again ends up bowling it a bit too full outside off. The Lankan skipper leans into it and drills it through the covers. No need to run for those.
58.5 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Short of a length delivery outside off, Chandimal ducks under it.
58.6 : U Yadav to Chandimal, A bit short and outside off, Chandimal stands tall and punches it towards Pujara at cover-point. TEA ON DAY 1!
This session - 32 Overs, 104 Runs and 2 Wickets! A session shared by both the sides. The Indian spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin started the session right on the money. The former removed Mathews early and the visitors were in a spot of bother. Skipper Chandimal and Karunaratne then got together, saw off a few nervy moments and stringed a 50-plus stand. The latter scored a fifty and departed soon after courtesy Ishant Sharma's disciplined lines and lengths.
Niroshan Dickwella then arrived at the crease and he is someone who doesn't sit back and play the waiting game. He started to score runs at a good rate and just towards the end of the session we saw the Lankan skipper getting in the mix. He is about to reach his fifty and it it would be interesting to see if he can get a big one under his belt. The Indians, on the other hand will be looking to come out and keep picking wickets. Who will take the honors in the final session? Remains to be seen. J
... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...
Welcome back for the final session. We have 31 overs left in the day's play. If Kohli persists with Ashwin and Jadeja for most parts of this session, there's no reason why they won't be bowled today.
CHANDIMAL and DICKWELLA walk out with the bat. Both have looked positive so far and will look to carry on in the same vein. Both are good players of spin and hence pose a sterner task for the Indian spin twins. ASHWIN will begin the proceedings for the session. A slip and a leg slip in place. Let's roll...
59.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Floated around off, Dickwella lunges forward and defends.
59.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Dickwella goes inside out and hits it towards covers. The batsman cross over for a very quick run.
59.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Ashwin serves it fuller around middle and leg, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket to rotate strike.
59.4 : R Ashwin to N Dickwella, FOUR! Not expected from Jadeja - a misfield. Dickwella smashes it towards him at covers, he gets to his right but fails to stop it despite the dive. Before he can recover and retrieve the ball, it makes contact with the fence.
59.5 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
59.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Arm delivery around off and middle, defended with a straight blade.
RAVINDRA JADEJA to bowl from the other end.
60.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Tossed up around off, eased through covers for one.
60.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dickwella wrists it through mid-wicket and crosses over to the other end.
60.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
60.4 : R Jadeja to D Chandimal, Chandimal smashes it but straight to the cover fielder.
60.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, 14th Test fifty for Dinesh Chandimal. Came in when Sri Lanka had lost an experienced Mathews and steadied the ship with some clean hitting and smart batting. He needs to make it big here. He goes back and punches it towards long off for a run to bring up the milestone.
60.6 : Jadeja to N Dickwella, OUT! Dickwella commits a blunder! Tries to take Jadeja on but the move doesn't pay off. He floats it around off, the wicketkeeper-batsman charges down the track and looks to go big on the on side. Ends up getting a leading edge which makes the ball go a long way up in the air. Ishant settles under it at mid off and pouches it safely. Once more Niroshan has failed to make his start count. Sri Lanka lose half their side now.
DASUN SHANAKA comes in at the fall of the fifth wicket. He had a game to forget with the bat in the previous game. Will he able to make amends now?
61.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.
61.2 : Ashwin to Chandimal, A stifled appeal, not upheld. Ashwin bowls it flatter on the stumps, Chandimal looks to flick it away but misses to get hit on the front pad. The appeal is turned down as it seems to be sliding down leg.
61.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.
61.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
61.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Chandimal drives it down to long on for a single.
61.6 : R Ashwin to Shanaka, Shanaka gets down on his knee and sweeps it through backward square leg. Gets off the mark with that.
62.1 : R Jadeja to D Shanaka, Driven towards the mid-off region.
62.2 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, Shanaka presents a solid forward defense to this one.
62.3 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
62.4 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, Shanaka presents a straight bat face as he defends that.
62.5 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.
62.6 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, Dasun stays in the crease to defend it watchfully. A maiden for Jaddu.
63.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Ashwin comes round the wicket and bowls it outside off. Dinesh eases it towards covers.
63.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
63.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has played it to the point region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
63.4 : R Ashwin to Shanaka, Shanaka gets an inside edge agonizingly past the leg gully fielder for a run. The extra bounce on that occasion made him edge that.
63.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
63.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
64.1 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, No run.
64.2 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
64.3 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects.
64.4 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Sanjay Manjrekar observes that when Ashwin bowls the arm delivery, it is easier to pick. When Jadeja bowls the arm delivery, it isn't easy to pick as it creates the impression that it will spin away. This is what caught Mathews off guard. He played for the non-existent turn to get out LBW.
64.5 : R Jadeja to Shanaka, No run.
64.6 : R Jadeja to D Shanaka, No run.
65.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, 1 run.
65.2 : Ashwin to D Shanaka, OUT! Timber! Shanaka's forgetful outing with the bat continues. Just a while back Sanjay Manjrekar was comparing the non-turning deliveries of Ashwin and Jadeja and here is the former striking with the one that doesn't spin. Continues round the wicket to Dasun and lands it around off. Shanaka goes back to play for the turn that is absent. Finds that the off stump is pegged back. Looks like a darts session where the bull's eye has been hit through the only visible area,
DILRUWAN PERERA replaces Shanaka at the crease.
65.3 : R Ashwin to Perera, The batsman has offered no stroke to an incoming delivery.
65.4 : R Ashwin to Perera, Perera stays in the crease and bunts it.
65.5 : R Ashwin to Perera, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
65.6 : R Ashwin to Perera, Perera watchfully clips it to mid-wicket. A good successful over for Ashwin.
66.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Flatter around off, buried on the ground off the front foot.
66.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, This ball is punched to the cover fielder.
66.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Dinesh eases it to long on for one run.
Silly point, short leg and a slip for Perera.
66.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, Perera gets off the mark with a gentle push through covers.
66.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Finds the mid off fielder with this push from the crease.
66.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
67.1 : R Ashwin to Perera, Floated around off, Perera hits it towards the point region.
67.2 : R Ashwin to Perera, This ball is flicked towards short leg.
67.3 : R Ashwin to Perera, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
67.4 : R Ashwin to Perera, Technically a DROPPED! Ashwin serves it around middle and leg, Perera goes back to flick it. Gets a thick edge to short leg. Pujara gets a hand onto that but fails to cling on. Such is his reputation, this will go down as a drop. These aren't easy ones, if they stick, they are applaudable.
67.5 : R Ashwin to Perera, This ball is eased through covers for one run.
67.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
68.1 : R Jadeja to Perera, Bowled around off, defended watchfully from the crease.
0.0 : Time for the review! Perera seems to have been caught adjacent in front of the stumps. Indians' appeal is upheld by Richard Ketleborough. Perera, however, takes the DRS immediately. Only getting a bat can save him.
68.2 : Jadeja to Perera, Not Out! Perera makes a good use of the review. The DRS is in place to avoid howlers like these. It looked out to the naked eye though. Jadeja fires it around off, Perera goes back to cut it but misses to get hit on the back pad. The hosts put in a celebratory appeal as he was in line of the stumps. The umpire ruled that out. Perera immediately used the DRS. It is seen that he ended up chopping the ball on his back pad as confirmed by Snicko. He is saved and will continue
68.3 : R Jadeja to Perera, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
68.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, SIX! Hello, oh hello! Forgetting what happened a delivery ago, Dilruwan decides to take on the bowler. Jadeja floats it around off, Perera slinks down the wicket and hits it straight over the bowler's head. Clean as a whistle. This is his 12th six this year, second in the list of most biggies hit.
Mid off goes back a bit. He is midway between a long off and mid off.
68.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
68.6 : R Jadeja to Perera, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
69.1 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, No run.
69.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman dances down the track. They pick up a single.
69.3 : R Ashwin to Perera, Perera crosses over to the other end by playing it to long on.
69.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman dances down the track. The batsmen have run through for a single.
69.5 : R Ashwin to D Perera, Perera gets an outside edge past slip and gets three runs.
69.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman.
70.1 : R Jadeja to D Perera, The ball has found the edge of the bat. Two runs added to the total.
70.2 : R Jadeja to Perera, Turns it through mid-wicket and ambles to the other end for a single.
70.3 : R Jadeja to D Chandimal, Chandimal plays it with the turn and hits it through mid off. One run is the result.
This is as plumb as it gets! Only an inside edge can save Perera this time as he opts to review an LBW decision against him.
70.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, OUT! Jadeja gets his man! This is as easy a decision can get. Jadeja fires this at 90kmph on a length around off. Perera goes back to clip it away to the leg side but gets beaten for pace. The ball hits him on the front pad which is right in front of the stumps. The umpire gives him marching orders. Yet he has a talk with his skipper and opts for the UDRS. Ball tracker returns three reds to end Perera's stay at the crease. He takes a review with him, too.
The veteran RANGANA HERATH makes his way out to the middle.
70.5 : R Jadeja to Herath, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
70.6 : R Jadeja to Herath, That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads.
71.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, No run.
71.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
Another review! This time India opt for it. It is for an LBW decision against Chandimal. Ashwin insisted for it as he felt it was 'very close'.
71.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, OUT! India use the review system to their advantage now to see the back of the Sri Lankan skipper. Chandimal falls for an atrocious shot, which he would be rueing in the dressing room. Ashwin loops it up around off, Dinesh gets down and misses his reverse sweep attempt. The ball strikes him on the right pad. India appeal but the umpire doesn't think that's out. Ashwin knows he has his man. Asks about the impact to Saha and then says that he himself feels it's very cl
SURANGA LAKMAL is the next man in.
71.4 : R Ashwin to Lakmal, Flicked away off his pads to get off the mark.
71.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
71.6 : R Ashwin to Herath, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
72.1 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Floated around off, Lakmal blocks it with a straight bat.
72.2 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, FOUR! Of all the ways and areas to get runs, this is one! Jadeja serves it around middle and leg, Lakmal looks to go inside out. Gets a thick inner edge and the ball rolls through his legs into the fine leg fence for a boundary.
72.3 : R Jadeja to S Lakmal, Lakmal hits it straight to the cover fielder.
72.4 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
72.5 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads.
72.6 : R Jadeja to S Lakmal, This delivery is hit to the fielder at mid off.
73.1 : R Ashwin to Herath, Herath lunges forward and defends it stoutly.
73.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, Looped outside off, Herath has a feel for it but misses.
73.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, Herath reverse sweeps it towards deep backward point for one run.
73.4 : R Ashwin to Lakmal, Ashwin comes round the wicket and bowls it around leg. Lakmal offers his pad for that.
73.5 : R Ashwin to Lakmal, Flicked towards short leg from the crease.
73.6 : R Ashwin to Lakmal, Floated in line of the stumps, watchfully kept out.
Drinks are on the field. India has continued to make further inroads into the Lankan line up. India have managed to bowl 15 overs in this hour and have picked up 4/39. Partly the shot selection is to be blamed like in Chandimal's case. He had a big score for the taking. But instead of shepherding the tail, he fell to a poor shot. Can the tourists see the day off?
74.1 : R Jadeja to Herath, Jadeja bowls it on the stumps, Herath presents a straight bat in defending that.
74.2 : R Jadeja to Herath, Another delivery in line of the stumps, watchfully kept out by Rangana.
74.3 : R Jadeja to Herath, Flatter around leg, Herath cheekily sweeps it to fine leg for one.
74.4 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Lakmal camps back and defends it from the crease.
74.5 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Quicker around off and middle, Suranga defends with his bat and pad close to each other.
74.6 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, FOUR! Lakmal decides to use the long handle and it comes off in this instance. Clears his front leg and smashes it through wide mid on. Ishant runs to his right but fails to prevent the boundary. Maybe had he dived, things could have been different.
75.1 : R Ashwin to Herath, Loopy ball around off and middle, defended watchfully off the front foot.
75.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, On the pads, Herath misses the flick and wears it on the thigh pad.
75.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, Floated around off, Herath lunges forward in defense but gets it off the higher part of his bat towards silly point.
75.4 : R Ashwin to Herath, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
75.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, Herath has a wild slog at that it misses. Needs to play a tad responsibly.
75.6 : R Ashwin to Herath, Now Herath presents a straight bat in blocking that solidly.
76.1 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, FOUR! Takes the aerial route and it nearly goes the distance! Jadeja serves it full around middle, Lakmal clears the front leg and goes bang over wide mid on. The ball just bounced before going into the boundary rope.
76.2 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Darted on the stumps, kept out off the front foot.
76.3 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, driven towards the mid off fielder.
76.4 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Quicker through the air, skidding a bit, Lakmal comes forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. They appeal but it was going down leg.
76.5 : R Jadeja to Lakmal, Suranga comes down the track and drives it back to Jadeja.
76.6 : R Jadeja to S Lakmal, Loopy outside off, driven off the front foot towards mid off.
77.1 : R Ashwin to R Herath, Flattish outside off, Herath goes back to defend but gets an inside edge on the pads.
77.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, Ashwin bowls a carrom ball around off, Herath gets down and paddle sweeps it behind square on the leg side. Ishant in the deep does well to moves across to his right and stop it. Two added to the total. 200 comes up for Sri Lanka.
77.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, Quicker one on off, blocked watchfully.
77.4 : R Ashwin to Herath, This one skids a bit off the surface, Rangana lunges forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads.
77.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, Around middle and off, defended into the ground.
77.6 : R Ashwin to Herath, Flat and quicker outside off, Herath lets it be.
ISHANT SHARMA is called back into the attack. With the second new ball due in 2 overs, Kohli has asked his pacer to come and have a warm-up before having a go at the new cherry.
78.1 : I Sharma to Lakmal, Angles in a length delivery from around the wicket, Lakmal stands behind the line and defends.
78.2 : I Sharma to Lakmal, Fuller and once again angling in on middle, Suranga drives it towards silly mid on.
78.3 : I Sharma to Lakmal, Good stop from Ishant Sharma! Keeps it full on off, Lakmal backs away and tries to hit it down the ground. But gets it off the toe end of the bat and Sharma in his followthrough does well to get low and stop it with his left hand.
78.4 : I Sharma to Lakmal, FOUR! Lakmal is playing handy innings. Back of a length delivery on middle, Lakmal stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. How long can he throw his bat around?
78.5 : I Sharma to Lakmal, Fuller on middle, clipped towards the leg side.
78.6 : I Sharma to Lakmal, OUT! Yes, there's and edge and Lakmal starts to walk back. Brilliant bowling this from Ishant Sharma. It's his third of the match. He hurls a length delivery outside off, Lakmal stays back to defend but the ball straightens a touch, takes a faint outside edge and settles into the mitts of Saha behind. India are on course to bowl the Lanka out today itself.
LAHIRU GAMAGE is the last man in.
79.1 : R Ashwin to R Herath, OUT! And Ashwin wraps it up! 4-fer to him and a much satisfying performance from him, considering that he went wicket-less in the last game. Sticks to around the wicket and nicely loops it up outside off. Herath comes forward to run it down but ends up guiding it straight into the hands of Rahane at first slip. SRI LANAK BOWLED OUT FOR 205!
A brilliant bowling performance from India has seen them bundling out the Lankans for a paltry, 205. They lost an important toss but have done exceedingly well to restrict the visitors. They were without their two strike bowlers and haven't let their team miss their absence. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav bowled with a lot of heart with the former being in terrific rhythm. Then the spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja took over then reins and Sri Lanka found it really tough to counter them.