| 0.0 : Hello and welcome to the 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo. We will have to wait and watch whether the hosts have recovered from the drubbing they received. They have been handed a boost with the return of their of their skipper Dinesh Chandimal who missed the first game due to injury also Rangana Herath has been passed fit to play. The home side will have to play out of their skin to have any chance of leveling the series. |
| India on the other hand, could not have asked for a better way to start the tour. They will be oozing with confidence and Virat Kohli would want the winning momentum to continue. It will be interesting to see if Kuldeep Yadav gets a game on a track which will assist the spinners and if Abhinav Mukund keeps his place. We are in for an exciting day of cricket. Stay tuned for the toss which might play an important factor in this game. |
| Pitch Report - Russel Arnold says the sun should break through and there should be a cool breeze coming through. Mentions that when comparing the wicket to the Sri Lanka-Australia game last year, it's less drier. Adds the team winning the toss should bat first. Continues saying when the ball starts landing in the line of the stumps, there will be movement and cheeky batsmen running down the wicket will only aid that. Ends the pitch report expecting lots of runs on the first day. |
| TOSS - INDIA WIN THE TOSS AND ELECT TO BAT FIRST! A bit of trivia. This is the first toss Sri Lanka have lost here after 10 consecutive matches. And, Virat Kohli has never lost a Test match after winning the toss. |
| Virat Kohli says it feels good to win the toss and they will bat first. He reckons it will be a good wicket. He opines he wants to make good use of the wicket by batting first. He admits that they have recovered well and understands the importance of rest too. He further adds they are well prepared for this game. Informs that Lokesh Rahul comes in place of Abhinav Mukund. Finishes by saying Lokesh Rahul has been their champion opener and Abhinav Mukund understands the dynamics of how a team work |
| Dinesh Chandimal says he feels much better and has recovered now well from the pneumonia. States despite the loss in Galle, you have to take the positives out of it. Stresses the importance scoring big runs after getting starts like Shikhar Dhawan did and the bowlers need to stick to their plans. Adds it's a dry surface so wants to keep the Indians to as low a score as possible. Mentions there are three changes - himself, Malinda Pushpakumara (debut) and Dhananjaya de Silva come in for Danushka |
| We are ready to get underway. The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Shikhar Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul will open the batting for India. Nuwan Pradeep will bowl the first over for Sri Lanka. Three slips in a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Comes around the wicket. Starts off with a length ball outside off, Dhawan shoulders his arms to it. |
| 0.2 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, A tad fuller outside off, Dhawan does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 0.3 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Bowls it way wide outside off, Dhawan points his bat skywards and lets it through to the keeper. Pradeep should be bowling a little straighter. |
| 0.4 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Good length on off, Dhawan defends it solidly off the back foot. |
| 0.5 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Lands it on a length outside off, Shikhar does not fiddle with it. |
| 0.6 : N Pradeep to S Dhawan, FOUR! STREAKY BOUNDARY! Lands it on a length just outside off, Dhawan pokes at it and gets an outside edge past the diving Kusal at third slip for a boundary. The slip should have been a little closer. A good over by Pradeep. |
| Well, well, well... What do we have here? Spin right from the off. Rangana Herath will be bowling from the other end. A slip and a short leg in position for him. |
| 1.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Floats it on middle, gets some drift into the batsman. Rahul gets it off the inner half through backward square leg for a couple. That was loose from Rahul. |
| 1.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Tosses it up on middle, Rahul defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.3 : R Herath to S Dhawan, EDGED BUT SHORT! Dhawan is living dangerously here. Flighted ball outside off, Dhawan pokes at it but gets an outside edge which falls just short of first slip. |
| 1.4 : R Herath to Dhawan, Drags his length back outside off, Shikhar cuts it to point. |
| 1.5 : R Herath to Dhawan, SIX! BANG! We saw this so many times in the first Test. Dances down the wicket and lofts it over the long on fence for a maximum. Brilliant from Dhawan. |
| 1.6 : R Herath to Dhawan, The last shot made Chandimal take his mid on back to long on. Dhawan pushes it there and takes a run. |
| 2.1 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 2.2 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, A tad fuller outside off, Dhawan shoulders his arms to it. |
| 2.3 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Back of a length on off, the batsman pushes it to covers. |
| 2.4 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, BEATEN! Just ahead of a length outside off, Dhawan tries to cut but gets beaten. That was a bit too full to cut. |
| 2.5 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, FOUR! Nails the cut shot this time. Shorter outside off, Shikhar camps back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 2.6 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Back of a length on off, Dhawan pushes it to point. Dhawan is playing with a positive intent just like he played in the first innings of the first Test. |
| 3.1 : R Herath to Rahul, CLOSE SHAVE! Loopy ball around off, goes on with the arm. Lokesh lets it through to the keeper. The ball just misses the off pole. A brave leave from Rahul there. |
| 3.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Dances down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 3.3 : R Herath to Rahul, Flatter on off, Rahul pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 3.4 : R Herath to Rahul, Drags his length back outside off, Lokesh cuts it towards point where De Silva dives to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 3.5 : R Herath to Rahul, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground |
| 3.6 : R Herath to Rahul, Floats it on off, Rahul pushes it to mid on. A maiden by Herath. |
| 4.1 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Lands it on a length outside off, does not fiddle with it. |
| 4.2 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Good length outside off, Dhawan pushes it off the inner half to mid off. |
| 4.3 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Bangs it in short on middle, Dhawan pulls it through square leg for a boundary. That made a cracking sound off the bat. |
| 4.4 : N Pradeep to S Dhawan, A tad fuller on off, Dhawan drives it to mid off. |
| 4.5 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Fullish outside off, Dhawan drives it powerfully towards mid off who half stops it and the batsmen take a single. |
| 4.6 : Pradeep to Rahul, Lands it on a length on middle, jags back in a touch. Rahul tries to work it on the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. There is a stifled appeal from the Lankans but nothing from the umpire. |
| 5.1 : R Herath to Dhawan, Tosses it up on middle, Dhawan drives it to long on for a run. |
| 5.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Flaots it on middle, Rahul defends it solidly. He is more comfertable bowling to the right hander. |
| 5.3 : R Herath to Rahul, A tad shorter on middle, Rahul flicks it towards short leg who makes a good reflex stop. |
| 5.4 : R Herath to Rahul, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 5.5 : R Herath to Rahul, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Herath gives it air outside off, Rahul square drives it for a boundary. |
| 5.6 : R Herath to Rahul, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Rahul. Dances down the track and hits it towards mid off where De Silva slips while running to his right and lets it through for another boundary. |
| 6.1 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, FOUR! CRACKING SHOT! He is growing in confidence here. Fuller in length outside off, Dhawan leans forward and drives it through covers and the ball races to the fence. |
| 6.2 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Back of a length on off, Shikhar defends it off the back foot. |
| 6.3 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Good length on off, Dhawan defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| Sri Lanka are already pegged on the back foot. There was a long leg, deep mid-wicket and long on in place in one of his earlier overs. Now, in Pradeep's, there's a deep point and gully has been removed. The Dhawan effect for you, people! |
| 6.4 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Shorter in length on off, Dhawan pushes it towards point. |
| 6.5 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Full on off, Dhawan lunges forward and drives it through extra cover. The fielder from mid on gives chase and does well to stop the ball before the boundary. Two taken from the batsmen. |
| 6.6 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, BIG APPEAL! But nothing from the umpire. Lands it on a length on middle, Dhawan walks across and tries to flick but misses and is struck on the pads. Appeal made but seems like it was going down the leg side. |
| An unlikely bowling change as Dimuth Karunaratne is introduced into the bowling attack. |
| 7.1 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Good length on off, Rahul defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.2 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Lands it on a length on off, Lokesh defends it solidly. |
| 7.3 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, A tad shorter outside off, Rahul punches it through covers and the batsmen run three. India are off to a flier here. |
| 7.4 : D Karunaratne to Dhawan, A tad fuller on middle, gets some shap back into the batsman. Dhawan tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 7.5 : D Karunaratne to Dhawan, Fullish length outside off, Dhawan drives it through covers for a run. |
| 7.6 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Good length on off, Rahul defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 8.1 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Change of angle from Pradeep comes over the wicket to Dhawan. Bowls it wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 8.2 : N Pradeep to S Dhawan, FOUR! He is so good through the cover region. Full outside off, Dhawan drives it through covers for another boundary. He is on the charge here. |
| 8.3 : N Pradeep to Dhawan, Bangs it in short this time, Shikhar pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 8.4 : N Pradeep to Rahul, FOUR! It is raining boundaries in Colombo. Bowls it on the pads, Rahul flicks it to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 8.5 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Good length on off, Rahul taps it in front of covers and runs a single. |
| 8.6 : N Pradeep to S Dhawan, Fuller on middle, Dhawan drives it to mid off. |
| Rahul has taken a review as he has been adjudged LBW. Looks close! |
| 9.1 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, NOT OUT! Rahul survives. A brilliant review from him. The ploy to bowl with the part timer almost paid off for Sri Lanka. Bowls it on a length on middle, jags back in a touch. Rahul tries to flick but misses and is struck on the pads. The Lankans appeal and the umpire gives it out. Lokesh walks down to his partner and after a chat he decides to review it. They go upstairs. Replays show that the ball has pitched in line and hits him in line but is missing the stumps. |
| 9.2 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 9.3 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Drifts it on the pads, Rahul flicks it through square leg and rotates strike. |
| 9.4 : D Karunaratne to Dhawan, A tad fuller outside off, Dhawan pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 9.5 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Sprays on the pads, Rahul flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 9.6 : D Karunaratne to Dhawan, A tad fuller on off, Shikhar drives it towards sweeper cover and takes a single. |
| Dilruwan Perera will have a go with the ball. |
| Another lbw shout, this time Dhawan is the man in question. Looks close, he could be in trouble. |
| 10.1 : D Perera to Dhawan, OUT! A successful review from Sri Lanka this time. The bowling change has worked wonders. The danger man Dhawan has to depart. Bowls it full on middle, the ball straightens a little. Dhawan tries to sweep but misses and is struck on the pads. The Lankans appeal and this time the umpire gives it not out. Dickwella wants it to be reviewed straight away and Chandimal obliges and reviews. . They go upstairs. Replays show that there was no bat involved. The ball has pitched |
| 0.0 : Cheteshwar Pujara, who is playing his 50th Test, makes his way out into the middle. Special occasion for him, he'll look to make it count like he usually does. |
| 10.2 : D Perera to C Pujara, Flighted ball on off, Pujara gets it off the outside edge towards short third man for a run. |
| 10.3 : D Perera to Rahul, Loopy ball on off, Rahul defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.4 : D Perera to Rahul, Almost an edge there! Flatter outside off, Rahul tries to cut but gets beaten. |
| 10.5 : D Perera to Rahul, Plays it with the spin towards square leg for a run. |
| 10.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 11.1 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Lands it on a length on off, Rahul gets it off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 11.2 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Bowled on middle, Rahul defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 11.3 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Angles it into the batsman, Rahul works it to mid-wicket. |
| 11.4 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Just ahead of a length on off, Lokesh drives it towards mid off. |
| 11.5 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Sprays on the pads, Rahul flicks it through the leg side for a couple. |
| 11.6 : D Karunaratne to Rahul, Good length on off, Rahul defends it off the back foot. |
| 12.1 : D Perera to C Pujara, JUST SHORT! Tosses it up outside off, Pujara plays for the spin but the ball goes on with the arm and he gets an outside edge towards Mathews at first slip. He dives to his right and the ball falls just short of him. He makes a half stop and the ball rolls towards short third man. Pujara wants a single but is sent back by Rahul. |
| 12.2 : D Perera to Rahul, Taps it in front of cover-point and Pujara sets off for a run. The fielder is quick to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. A single taken. |
| 12.3 : D Perera to Rahul, Plays it with the spin towards the leg side for a run. |
| 12.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and drives it to mid off. |
| 12.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Flatter outside off, Pujara pads it away. |
| 12.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Dances down the track and drives it to mid off. |
| Debutant Malinda Pushpakumara will bowl for the very first time in his international career. He has 558 wickets in 100 first-class matches, not an easy feat to achieve. Let's see how he fares on the big stage. |
| 13.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Tosses it up on off, Rahul defends it off the back foot. |
| 13.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket who fumbles and concedes a run. |
| 13.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Flighted ball on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Loopy ball on middle, the batsman defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 13.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Gives it air on middle, Pujara defends it watchfully. |
| 13.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Tosses it on middle, Pujara plants his front foot forward and defends it. |
| Drinks break! India started off well but the Lankans have come back with Dhawan's dismissal. A wicket or two now and they present themselves with the opportunity to have a firm position in this game. |
| 14.1 : D Perera to Rahul, Plays it with the spin towards deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 14.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Dances down the track and flicks it to mid on. Pujara sets off for a run but then sends his partner back. |
| 14.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Drags his length back outside off, Pujara guides it towards the vacant point region and takes two. |
| 14.4 : D Perera to Pujara, FOUR! TOP SHOT! He loves using his feet to the finger spinner. Dances down the track and drives it past the bowler for a boundary. |
| 14.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Flatter outside off, Pujara cuts it towards point. |
| 14.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Bowls it way outside off, Pujara pads it away. There is a mild appeal from Dickwella but nothing from the umpire. |
| 15.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, FOUR! Malinda gives it a lot of flight and seeing this, Rahul uses his feet well. Gets to the pitch and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary. |
| 15.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Loopy and full on middle and leg, Rahul clears his front leg and drives it hard back down the track. The bowlers makes a half-stop towards mid on, nicely done. The batsmen don't take a run. |
| 15.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Takes it on the full and sweeps it down towards fine leg for an easy run. |
| 15.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Skips down and pushes it to mid on. |
| 15.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Nice drift into Cheteshwar Pujara, slow and the stumps, Pujara brings his bat ahead of his pad and deals with it well. |
| 15.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Makes use of his feet again, comes down the track and whips it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. |
| Rangana Herath is back into the attack. |
| 16.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Tossed up well outside off, Rahul reaches for it a bit and pushes it straight to short extra cover. |
| 16.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Not much spin on this occasion, going on straight, Pujara defends it off the inner half from within his crease. |
| 16.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Takes a step out of the crease seeing the flight and works it past the man at short leg. |
| 16.4 : R Herath to Pujara, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| Harsha Bhogle on air has some good insight on Hardik Pandya. He says that he definitely has the potential, but it's too soon to compare him to Ben Stokes just yet. Hardik has just played 18 first-class matches whereas Stokes had 50-plus already under his belt before breaking out onto the scene. |
| 16.5 : R Herath to Rahul, Flat and short outside off, punched off the back foot through covers for one. |
| 16.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Defends it in front of short mid-wicket to end the over. |
| 17.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Stays back to this flatter ball and keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 17.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Touch short again, outside off, Rahul hangs back and blocks. |
| 17.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Positions himself perfectly behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 17.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Floated around off, Rahul gets close to the pitch by using his feet and pushes it to the left of the bowler, who makes a tumbling stop. |
| 17.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, The batsman drives the ball straight down the ground. |
| 17.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, FOUR! Short and flat on the stumps, Rahul goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 18.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Drops it just back of a driving length, Pujara is half-forward to defend but the ball just spins away slightly. Takes the edge and falls into the off side. |
| 18.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Stays back and punches it wide of the cover fielder for a quick run. |
| 18.3 : R Herath to Rahul, Spinning away from around off, left alone for the keeper. |
| 18.4 : R Herath to Rahul, FOUR! Full on middle, Rahul brings out the broom and sweeps it past short leg, through square leg and sends it across the rope for a boundary. |
| 18.5 : R Herath to Rahul, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 18.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Quite full on off, comes well forward and defends. |
| 19.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahul, Drifting in on middle and leg, Rahul clips it fine down the leg side and takes a run. |
| 19.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Slower through the air, landed on off, it turns away as Cheteshwar prods forward in defense. |
| 19.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Goes deep inside his crease, waits for the flat ball to come to him and works it past short leg. |
| 19.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Swept away on the leg side for no run. |
| 19.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Poor Kusal Mendis! That has got to hurt, blow on the helmet is never good. Rahul goes back and smashes the pull straight at Mendis positioned at short leg. The youngster turns to avoid it but it stuck on the side of his helmet. KL could have been out as the ball lobs back and falls just short of the fielder at mid-wicket. Close call. Mendis has his helmet off and fortunately, looks okay to continue. Has a big smile on his face. Good to see. |
| 19.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Landed on a driving length, Pujara is down the track as he pushes this to mid off. |
| 20.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Pushed through quicker outside off, with an angled bat it's played to point. |
| 20.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Quite slow this time, Rahul pushes it just wide of cover and calls his partner through for one. |
| 20.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Just outside the line of off stump, Pujara defends it on the off side with a slightly opened face. |
| 20.4 : R Herath to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 20.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Too short from Herath, allows Pujara time to go back and play this very late. Dabbed past the only slip fielder and two runs are in the bag. |
| 20.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Ripper from Rangi! Absolute peach. Drops it just outside off, a bit short too. Pujara hangs his bat out to defend but it turns ever so slightly and beats the outside edge. Excellent end to the over from the veteran. |
| Nuwan Pradeep is back into the attack. |
| 21.1 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Length ball just outside off, defends it in front of mid-wicket off the inner half. |
| 21.2 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Slipped down the leg side, KL looks to gets something on it but misses. |
| 21.3 : N Pradeep to Rahul, On the fourth stump line, a good length delivery and it's punched to mid off from the back foot. |
| 21.4 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Keeps it close to the off stick, Rahul gets an inside edge past the leg stump towards short fine leg as he attempts to block. |
| 21.5 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Another dot ball. This is good pressure applied by Pradeep. Isn't giving Rahul much room to work with and forces him to defend on the off side. |
| 21.6 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Excellent over. Maiden. Rahul plants his front foot forward to this full ball and pushes it back down the track. |
| 22.1 : R Herath to C Pujara, Mendis takes another blow, this time on his body. Pujara rocks back as the ball keeps low, still manages good connection and hits Mendis positioned at short leg. |
| 22.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Slower outside off, turning away as Che taps it square on the off side. Rahul wants the run but Pujara declines. |
| 22.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Picks it off his pads and turns it against the spin on the leg side. |
| 22.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Quite full, the batsman in well forward as he meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 22.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Drifting in on the pads, worked away down to short fine leg. No run taken. |
| 22.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Tossed up delivery on the stumps, a solid front foot block from the batsman and that will be the end of the over. |
| 23.1 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Back of a length outside off, punched from the crease to covers for no run. |
| 23.2 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Brings out the short one and bangs it in hard, Rahul ducks and evades watchfully. |
| 23.3 : N Pradeep to Rahul, In the channel outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 23.4 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Shaping back in on middle and leg, works it around his hips as he tucks it through backward square leg. Comfortable single taken. |
| 23.5 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Short of a good length outside off, there was some room but not enough. Pujara attempts to cut and gets a bottom edge as the ball falls on the off side. |
| 23.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Fraction straight in line, Cheteshwar flicks it a bit uppishly but it's well short of the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 24.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Darts it extremely full outside off, KL stays grounded and dig it out on the off side. |
| 24.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Jumps down the wicket, gets close to the pitch of the ball and drives it to mid off for a quick single. |
| 24.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Pujara comes forward and meets it with a straight blade. |
| 24.4 : R Herath to Pujara, On the fuller side once more, Che takes a big stride forward and defends. |
| 24.5 : R Herath to C Pujara, Inside edge on that? Simon Doull on air most definitely thinks so. And he's right too, replays confirm there was some bat. Great eye, Simon. Slider on leg, Pujara looks to flick but gets an inside edge off his pads and it flies past a diving Mendis at short leg. Wasn't too far away, that. |
| 24.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Flighted full and attacking the stumps, Pujara takes big lunge forward and defends it on the on side. |
| 25.1 : N Pradeep to Rahul, Good length delivery seaming back in, Rahul plays from his crease as he gets an inside edge to square leg. Single taken. |
| 25.2 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Slightly ahead of a length, stump-to-stump line, worked away with the wrists into the leg side. |
| There is a leg gully in place for Pujara. He got out in that position in the second innings of the last game. |
| 25.3 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Short of a length delivery, solid defensive shot presented by Pujara. |
| 25.4 : N Pradeep to C Pujara, Full outside off, driven tamely towards mid off. |
| 25.5 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Sharp delivery! Landed on a length around off, cuts back in sharply and catches Pujara high on the thigh pad. Excellent ball, didn't leave the batsman any chance to play that. |
| 25.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 26.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Drifting in on middle and leg, defended off the inner half on the on side. |
| 26.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Bit quicker outside off, KL is back in defense. |
| 26.3 : R Herath to Rahul, Non-threatening delivery outside off, turning away, Rahul lets it be. |
| Stumping appeal! This could be a big wicket for Sri Lanka. KL Rahul is the man in question. Dickwella could have got his man. |
| 26.4 : Herath to Rahul, NOT OUT! RAHUL LIVES TO FIGHT ON! But an excellent delivery from Herath and equally impressive glovework from Niroshan Dickwella. Slightly quicker through the air, turns and beats the outside edge of Rahul's hanging bat. He's a touch off balance too and this provides Dickwella the opportunity to whip the bails off and does so in a flash. It's taken upstairs and replays show that he's done well not to lift his back leg despite the unwanted shift in his balance. Credit to hi |
| 26.5 : R Herath to Rahul, FOUR! That's just adding to Lanka's woes. Rahul advances down the track and lofts it over mid off. It falls just inside the rope and that'll be a boundary. |
| 8th Test fifty for KL Rahul! This is his 6th consecutive fifty. But, 4 out of those 6 times he's gotten out in the 50-70 range. Something to be careful about. |
| 26.6 : R Herath to Rahul, Hangs inside his crease and keeps it out off the back foot. |
| Dilruwan Perera comes back into the attack. |
| 27.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Bit fullish in length, outside off, Pujara is behind in defense. |
| 27.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 27.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Drags his length back, gives Pujara time to get back and work it away with the spin on the leg side. |
| 27.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Use of the feet again, close to the pitch and worked to mid-wicket. |
| 27.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Good amount of turn for Dilruwan. Lands it around off, turns and raps Pujara on the thigh pad. Nothing he could do about that. |
| 27.6 : D Perera to Pujara, A bit of drama just at the stroke of the break. Dilruwan gets a lot of grip off the surface and it spins in with some extra bounce. Takes Pujara by surprise and it goes off the glove behind to leg slip on the bounce. Interesting stuff, he manages to survive. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| Despite the loss of Shikhar Dhawan early in the morning, this is still India's session. Scored 101 runs in 28 overs as Rahul and Pujara have done well with the bat. Kept the scoreboard ticking and the former has gone on to score a fifty. Sri Lanka couldn't do much in this session but the ball is already turning and this will surely encourage them. The afternoon session should make for an interesting viewing. Join us back shortly for that. |
| ...Day 1, Session 2... |
| The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Rahul and Pujara will continue their innings. Herath will bowl the first over after the break. |
| 28.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Starts off with a flatter delivery on middle, Rahul pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 28.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Plays it with the angle towards deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 28.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Tosses it up on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Loopy ball on middle, Pujara prods forward and defends it. |
| 28.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Floats it on the stumps, Che defends it watchfully. |
| 28.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Similar to the last delivery. Pujara defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| Dilruwan Perera will bowl from the other end. |
| 29.1 : D Perera to L Rahul, Tosses it full on middle, Rahul drives it to long on for a run. |
| 29.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it with the spin through square leg for three. Good running by the batsmen there. |
| 50-run stand between Rahul and Pujara. |
| 29.3 : D Perera to Rahul, Flatter on the stumps, Rahul plays it towards mid-wicket. |
| 29.4 : D Perera to Rahul, Gives it air outside off, Rahul gets it off the outside edge towards short third man for a run. |
| 29.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Loopy ball on middle, Pujara flicks it to short leg. |
| 29.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and drives it straight to the bowler who throws it back to the keeper. Aggression from Perera. |
| 30.1 : R Herath to Rahul, Sprays on the pads, Rahul flicks it through short fine leg for a couple. |
| 30.2 : R Herath to Rahul, Comes down the track and defends the ball. |
| 30.3 : R Herath to Rahul, Tosses it up on off, Rahul drives it back to the bowler. |
| 30.4 : R Herath to Rahul, OUT! Yes, No, Yes, No and a run out. A big misunderstanding between the two batsmen. Tosses it up on off, Rahul pushes it towards covers and sets off for a run. Pujara first obliges but then stops in between the pitch and sends Rahul back who also was half way down. Chandimal is quick to the ball and fires in a throw to Dickwella who collects the ball and whips the bails off. Rahul is well short of his ground. He is not happy at all. He walks back dejected. He fails to |
| Virat Kohli strides out to the middle. |
| 30.5 : R Herath to Kohli, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 30.6 : R Herath to Kohli, Floats it on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot. |
| Nuwan Pradeep is back into the attack. |
| 31.1 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Lands it on a length on off, Pujara taps it towards mid on and takes a quick run. |
| 31.2 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Don't bowl to him on his pads. Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket for three. |
| 31.3 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Drifts it on the pads again, Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 31.4 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Good length outside off, Kohli lets it through to the keeper. |
| 31.5 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Fuller in length, Kohli gets it off the inner half to mid on. |
| 31.6 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Lands it on a length outside off, Kohli shoulders his arms to it. |
| 32.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Tosses it up on middle, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Flighted ball on middle, Pujara lunges forward and defends it. |
| 32.3 : R Herath to Pujara, FOUR! Plays the sweep through backward square leg to great effect and collects a boundary. |
| 32.4 : R Herath to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 32.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Loopy ball on middle, Pujara defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 32.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Dances down the track and drives it towards mid off. Pujara wants a single but is sent back by Kohli. |
| 33.1 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Good length outside off, nips back in. Kohli shoulders his arms to it. Dickwella dives to his left and parries and concedes a bye. |
| 33.2 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Lands it on a length on off, jags back in sharply. Pujara gets an inside edge onto his body and the ball rolls towards the off side. He wants a single but is sent back by Kohli. |
| 33.3 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Good length on off, Pujara defends it solidly. |
| 33.4 : N Pradeep to Pujara, A tad fuller on off, Pujara drives it towards covers for no run. |
| 33.5 : N Pradeep to Pujara, A well-directed short ball, Pujara ducks under it. He had used the short ball to great effect in the first game not bowled a lot of it here. |
| 33.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Works it to square leg with the angle. |
| 34.1 : R Herath to Kohli, Flatter on off, Kohli plays it to mid-wicket. |
| 34.2 : R Herath to Kohli, Tosses it on off, Virat plants his front foot forward and defends it. |
| 34.3 : R Herath to Kohli, Gives it air on middle, Kohli gets it off the inner half towards short leg. |
| 34.4 : R Herath to Kohli, Flighted ball on off, the Indian skipper defends it towards covers. |
| 34.5 : R Herath to Kohli, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 34.6 : R Herath to V Kohli, Full ball, Kohli drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| 35.1 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Bangs it in short on middle, Kohli ducks under it. |
| 35.2 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Lands it on a length outside off, Kohli lets it through to the keeper. |
| 35.3 : N Pradeep to V Kohli, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! The short ball followed by a full one on off, Kohli leans into it and drives it through mid off for a boundary. |
| 35.4 : N Pradeep to Kohli, A tad fuller on off, Kohli drives it back to the bowler. |
| 35.5 : N Pradeep to Kohli, Bowls a bouncer on leg stump, Kohli tucks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 35.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Very full on middle, Pujara drives it back to the bowler. |
| 36.1 : R Herath to Kohli, Tosses it outside off, Kohli drives it to covers. |
| 36.2 : R Herath to Kohli, Bowls an arm ball on middle, Virat defends it off the back foot. |
| 36.3 : R Herath to Kohli, Flatter on off, Virat defends it to covers. |
| 36.4 : R Herath to Kohli, Floats it on off, Kohli defends it off the front foot. |
| 36.5 : R Herath to Kohli, Gives it air on middle, Kohli drives it to mid on. |
| 36.6 : R Herath to Kohli, FOUR! WHAT PLACEMENT! Loopy ball outside off, Kohli leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. He has played some great shots uptil now. |
| 37.1 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Back of a length on middle, jags back in. Pujara is struck high on the pads. |
| 37.2 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Fuller on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 37.3 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Good length ball on off, Pujara defends it towards point. |
| 37.4 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Bowls a short ball, Pujara does well to evade it. |
| 37.5 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Good length on middle, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, FOUR! EDGY BOUNDARY! Fuller in length, swinging away from the batsman. Pujara gets it off the outside edge through backward point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 38.1 : R Herath to Kohli, Quicker on middle, Kohli defends it off the front foot. |
| 38.2 : R Herath to Kohli, Tosses it up on off, Kohli defends it watchfully. |
| 38.3 : R Herath to Kohli, Slower through the air on off, Kohli defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 38.4 : R Herath to V Kohli, Floats it up on off, VK drives it and the ball hits Kusal on the legs at silly point. |
| 38.5 : R Herath to V Kohli, OUT! Angelo, you beauty! A great reflex catch by the ex-skipper. Flatter and outside off, Kohli tries to cut it but gets an outside edge which flies to Mathews at first slip who takes a brilliant catch diving to his right. Kohli is not happy with himself. That was too close to cut maybe. Never the less, a big wicket for Sri Lanka and they are right back into the game now. |
| Ajinkya Rahane is the next man to walk in. |
| 38.6 : R Herath to Rahane, Tosses it up on middle, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| Dilruwan Perera to roll his arm over for another spell. There is a short mid-wicket and a short square kept. Interesting tactics from Chandimal. |
| 39.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Flat and short around off, spinning in, Pujara goes back and wrists it to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Goes back and works it to the same fielder again. |
| 39.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Short and quick again, it's flicked to the right of the short square leg. Another dot. |
| 39.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Finds the gap this time. Whips it past Mendis at short leg off the back foot and picks up a single. |
| 39.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Full ball, blocked. |
| 39.6 : D Perera to Rahane, First slower one of the over, fuller and on off, Rahane eases it back to the bowler to end the over. |
| 40.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Slower through the air on off, Pujara defends it off the back foot. |
| 40.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Tosses it on middle, Che defends it watchfully. |
| 40.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Flights it on middle, the batsman defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 40.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Guides it with the turn towards short third man. Pujara wanted a run but is sent back by Rahane. |
| 40.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Drifts on the pads, Pujara works it around the corner for a run. |
| 40.6 : R Herath to Rahane, FOUR! Drags his length back on middle, Rahane whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Ajinkya gets off the mark. |
| 41.1 : D Perera to Pujara, FOUR! Brilliant use of the feet! Comes down the track and drives it through covers and the ball races to the fence. |
| 41.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Flatter outside off, Pujara guides it down to third man for a couple. |
| 4000 Test runs for Pujara. He is the joint third fastest Indian to get to this landmark. |
| 41.3 : D Perera to Pujara, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 41.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Tosses it up on off, Pujara gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket. |
| 41.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Dances down the track and pushes it towards covers for a run. |
| 41.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Floats it outside off, Rahane drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| Malinda Pushpakumara comes back into the attack. |
| 42.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Drags his length back outside off, Rahane cuts it towards point for a run. |
| 42.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, FOUR! POOR LENGTH! Shorter outside off, Pujara cuts it through point for a boundary. Easy for Che. |
| 42.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Slower through the air on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Drags his length back on off, Pujara cuts it to deep point for a run. |
| 42.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Floats it on off, Rahande prods forward and defends it. |
| 42.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Comes down the track and defends it. |
| 43.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Dilruwan is bowling well here! Tosses it up outside off, Pujara gets it off the outside edge past the diving Mathews at first slip and the batsmen run three. |
| 43.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Flatter on off, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 43.3 : D Perera to Rahane, Comes down the track, Dilruwan bowls it quicker. Rahane tries to flick but misses and the ball hits his pads and lobs towards the off side. A leg bye is taken. |
| 43.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Dances down the track and drives it to long on for a run. |
| 43.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 43.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Comes down the track and gets a leading edge towards the vacant cover area for a run. |
| Drinks are on the field! Sri Lanka have come back into the game by using the conditions well. Picked up a couple of wickets and clogged the run flow effectively. This next phase of play will be quite important for both teams. |
| 44.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Slower through the air and full on off, Rahane comes ahead and meets it at its pitch. |
| 44.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Takes a stride forward yet again and deals with it well. |
| 44.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, FOUR! Super shot! Tossed up delivery on middle, Rahane stays leg side, gets to the pitch of the delivery and smashes it past a diving Pushpakumara, who in all honestly stood no chance to stop it. It races away to the fence for a boundary. |
| 44.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 44.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Takes a step forward, places himself behind the line and blocks. |
| 44.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Wrists it through the mid-wicket region and picks up a couple of runs for doing so. |
| 45.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Flat, short and turning it slightly around off, Pujara goes back and offers a solid punch to the right of the bowler. |
| 45.2 : D Perera to C Pujara, Short delivery, pulled away past short leg for a single. |
| 45.3 : D Perera to Rahane, Picks it off his pads and flicks it away on the leg side. |
| 45.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Dances down the track to negotiate the spin and defends it out with the full face. |
| 45.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Off spinner on middle, turns in as Rahane defends comfortably. |
| 45.6 : D Perera to Rahane, FOUR! That's a lovely shot. Rahane is afraid to take the attack to the opposition. Skips out watching the flight and lifts it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 46.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Fullish in length, around off, blocked. |
| 46.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Presses forward to this full ball and buries it into the track. |
| 46.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Pujara has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 46.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Makes use of his feet but isn't quite close to the pitch, gets hit on the thigh pad as he attempts to get some bat on it. |
| 46.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Beautifully flicks it through the gap in the mid-wicket region and picks up three. |
| 46.6 : M Pushpakumara to A Rahane, FOUR! Little short from Malinda and that's enough for Rahane to put it away. He goes back, swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket to send it across the rope. |
| 47.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Fifty for Pujara! Another solid knock, but he must continue on and score a big one. He plays with the spin and tucks it past short leg for one. |
| 0.0 : 16th Test fifty for Cheteshwar Pujara, his first against Sri Lanka. |
| 47.2 : D Perera to Rahane, On leg stump line, Rahane uses the line and the spin to clip it past leg slip for a run. |
| 47.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Against the spin this time. Dances down, close to the pitch and drives it through extra cover for a double. |
| 47.4 : D Perera to Pujara, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball. |
| 47.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Works it off his pads and places it into the gap on the on side for a couple. |
| 50-run stand between Pujara and Rahane! |
| 47.6 : D Perera to Pujara, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| A slight halt in play as some of the senior players, in a sense, offer words of advice to Pushpakumara. Good to see. |
| 48.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Tossed up outside off from around the wicket, Rahane comes ahead and pushes it back down the track. |
| 48.2 : M Pushpakumara to A Rahane, Quite slow, lovely loop on it from Malinda, Rahane is forward and the ball takes the edge. Luckily for him, falls just short of first slip. |
| 48.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flatter this time, punched down the ground to long off for one run. |
| 48.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, SIX! Wrong line and length to bowl. Very wrong. Malinda drops it short, on middle and leg, Pujara rocks back and with a powerful pull clears mid-wicket for a maximum. |
| 48.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Waits for the ball to come to him, stays back and taps it to point for a single. |
| 48.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Looped up close to off, Rahane plants his front foot forward and negotiates it well. |
| 49.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Off spinner on middle and off, Pujara defends off the inner half in front of FSL. |
| 49.2 : D Perera to Pujara, FOUR! Good timing. Met the ball well at its pitch and drove it through the line past the sliding mid off fielder, who couldn't stop it moving to his left. Super shot. |
| 49.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Advances down the track to this floated ball and wrists it to long on. Single taken. |
| 49.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Much like Che, Rahane eases it through mid on and rotates strike. |
| 49.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Driven through the mid on region. One run added to the total. |
| 49.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Flat and outside off, punched off the back foot through to sweeper cover for a single. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl for the first time today. A slip and a short leg in place. |
| 50.1 : de Silva to Rahane, Starts off from around the wicket, it's going across Rahane who does well to lean across and keep it down on the ground. |
| 50.2 : de Silva to Rahane, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single. |
| 50.3 : de Silva to Pujara, Works it with the spin and tries to beat short leg. But the fielder is agile enough to not let it get too far away. Saves a single. |
| 50.4 : de Silva to Pujara, Tad short, whipped away on the leg side for a single. |
| 50.5 : de Silva to Rahane, Stays leg sidish, drives it to long on. Single taken. |
| 50.6 : de Silva to Rahane, Too short and no turn at all, easy enough for Jinx to work it away on the leg side for one. |
| 51.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Short, quick and around off, Rahane keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 51.2 : D Perera to Rahane, FOUR! Sweet timing, beautiful to see. Ajinkya Rahane with a shimmy down the ground just pushes it past Herath at mid off and gets a boundary to his name. |
| There are a few clouds building on top. the groundsmen have taken their position and this is not a good sign. |
| 51.3 : D Perera to Rahane, Worked away on the leg side. Dot ball. |
| 51.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Short in length again, Rahane goes back and punches it to extra cover. Wanted the run but seeing Chandimal get to the ball quickly, decided against it. |
| 51.5 : D Perera to A Rahane, Pushed away off the front foot to mid off and takes a brisk run. |
| 51.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Flat ball on the stumps, dropped in front of short leg and that will be the end of the over. |
| 52.1 : de Silva to Rahane, Floats it across Rahane, who is well forward to defend it. |
| 52.2 : de Silva to Rahane, Tossed up on the pads, slightly quicker in pace, Rahane clips it through the right of short leg and gets off strike. |
| 52.3 : de Silva to C Pujara, Half-tracker on middle, Pujara pulls this hard to deep mid-wicket. Kusal Mendis at short leg just about manages to evade. He's in the firing line for sure. |
| 52.4 : de Silva to Rahane, Slaps this to long on off the back foot and fetches himself a single. |
| 52.5 : de Silva to Pujara, FOUR! The Indian batsmen, in particular Cheteshwar Pujara, has used his feet well so far. Excellent shot. Got to the pitch in a jiffy and wristed it between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 52.6 : de Silva to Pujara, Pitched on leg, turns it 'round the corner and retains strike. |
| Rangana Herath is brought back into the attack. |
| 53.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Slow drift on middle and off, full in length, Pujara brings down a straight blade in defense. |
| 53.2 : R Herath to Pujara, FOUR! Poor ball to bowl, especially with third man up in the circle. Short and wide, Pujara cuts it away across the boundary line. |
| 53.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Stays right behind the line and negotiates the spin easily. |
| 53.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Spinning away from outside off, with an open face Che pushes it through backward point for a single. |
| 53.5 : R Herath to A Rahane, Milked down to long off for an easy one. |
| 53.6 : R Herath to Pujara, FOUR! Boundary to end the over. Dropped short, ample amount of time for Pujara to go back and slap it past the diving extra cover fielder. Picked his spot and executed the placement to perfection. |
| 54.1 : de Silva to Rahane, Off break delivery on off, coming in, Rahane presses ahead and blocks just as the ball starts to turn. |
| 54.2 : de Silva to Rahane, Short ball, backs away a little and offers a punch straight to short extra cover. |
| 54.3 : de Silva to Rahane, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 54.4 : de Silva to Rahane, Moves forward and leans across as he blocks it out. |
| 54.5 : de Silva to Rahane, Flicked with the wrists through the vacant spaces in the mid-wicket area. One run taken. |
| 54.6 : de Silva to Pujara, Uses his feet once more, to the pitch and wrists it through mid-wicket. Single taken. |
| Nuwan Pradeep comes back into the attack. |
| 55.1 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Tap and run! Che drops this with soft hands square on the off side and both batsmen cross over. |
| 55.2 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Cutting back in on a shortish length, Rahane swivels and pulls it along the ground through backward square leg. A brace has been taken. |
| 55.3 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Just back of a length, outside the line of off stump, gets behind the line by moving a step across and blocks it down on the track. |
| 55.4 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Poor line from Pradeep, is lucky though as it isn't put away. On the pads, Rahane looks to clip but it goes off his pads to fine leg as the batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 55.5 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Outside off on a good length, steered to point all along the ground. |
| 55.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Straying on the pads, comfortably worked through square leg. Two runs are taken as the fielder out in the deep cuts it off. |
| Rangana Herath returns to the attack. He will have a change of ends. |
| 56.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Slider on middle and off, Pujara backs away and punches it through covers for a run. |
| 0.0 : 100-run stand between Rahane and Pujara. It has come in quick time, just 104 balls. |
| 56.2 : R Herath to Rahane, Drifting in on off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 56.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Drifting in once again, around off, Rahane from his front foot meets it with the full face. |
| 56.4 : R Herath to Rahane, The batsman defends it from within the crease, pushing the ball on the off side. |
| 56.5 : R Herath to Rahane, Punched away past the extra cover fielder and a run is taken. |
| 56.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Eased away through towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 57.1 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Angling in on middle and leg, Pujara picks it off his pads and clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 57.2 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Shaping back in from around off, on a length, Rahane punches it straight back in the direction of the bowler. |
| There is a review for an lbw decision against Ajinkya Rahane. Impact looks outside off. Over to the third umpire now... |
| 57.3 : Pradeep to Rahane, Not out! The on-field calls stays! Poor review in hindsight, to be honest. Looked to be safe in real time itself. Length delivery jagging back in from outside off, Rahane plants his front foot across to block but is caught on the front pad. Loud appeal and the umpire says no. Chandimal talks with his teammates and decides to review it. Replays show that the impact is outside the line of off stump and so that's that. |
| 57.4 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Sharp bumper on middle and off, Rahane crouches low and lets the ball sail over his head. |
| 57.5 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Short again, this time Rahane pulls it away. Along the ground through backward square leg as he'll get two runs. |
| 57.6 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Good length ball on off, Rahane blocks it back down the track. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| This session 30 overs, 137 runs and 2 wickets. Sri Lanka started off the session well by taking two quick wickets but Rahane and Pujara added some quick runs and have made sure that it has belonged to India. Pujara has been like a wall at one end while Rahane is scoring at a brisk rate. The visitors will want the same to continue after the break. |
| Sri Lanka on the other hand, have been wayward with their lines and lengths. They need a quick wicket or two post tea to get back into the game. There is assistance from the pitch but the Lankan bowlers are not hitting the right areas. They need to come out fighting after the break. Join us for the final session in a short while. |
| ...Day 1, Session 3... |
| The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Pujara and Rahane will continue their innings. Dilruwan Perera will bowl the first over after the break. |
| 58.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 58.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Flatter on off, Pujara gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 58.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 58.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Tosses it up on middle, Rahane defends it off the back foot. |
| 58.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Comes down the track and tries to work it on the leg side but misses. The ball hits the pads and lobs to the off side. There is a muted appeal from the Lankans but nothing from the umpire. |
| 58.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Works it to mid-wicket with the spin. |
| Malinda Pushpakumara will bowl from the other end. |
| 59.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Almost a catch to short leg! Tosses it up on middle, Pujara gets it off the inner half on the bounce to Mendis. |
| 59.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Quciker on middle, Pujara defends it off the back foot. |
| 59.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Uses his feet well and drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 59.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flatter on off, Rahane punches it to covers. |
| 59.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Dances down the track and mistimes his shot to mid on. |
| 59.6 : M Pushpakumara to A Rahane, Loopy ball on middle, Rahane drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 60.1 : D Perera to A Rahane, Tosses it outside off, Rahane drives it to covers. |
| 60.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Flatter on the stumps, Rahane pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 60.3 : D Perera to Rahane, Gives it air on off, Ajinkya drives it back to the bowler. |
| 60.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Drags his length back outside off, Rahane cuts it to deep point for a run. |
| 60.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 60.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Floats it on middle, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flights it on middle, Rahande defends it solidly. |
| 61.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Floats it on the stumps, Ajinkya lunges forward and defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Plays the sweep shot but the ball hits Kusal Mendis at short leg. He has been in the firing line all day today. |
| 61.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 61.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Uses his feet and drives the ball down to long off for a run. |
| 61.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Loopy ball on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 62.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Flatter on the stumps, Rahane flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 62.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Tosses it up on off, Rahane drives it to mid off. |
| 62.3 : D Perera to Rahane, FOUR! POOR LENGTH! Short on middle, Rahane won;t miss out on that. He camps back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 62.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Works it around the corner for a run. |
| 62.5 : D Perera to Pujara, NO BALL! Bowls it on the pads, Pujara flicks it through square leg for a couple. He has overstepped there. |
| D Perera to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 62.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Floats it on middle, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| 63.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Slow, drifting in and full on middle, Pujara meets the ball with a straight blade and defends. |
| 63.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Spinning away from middle and off, stays right behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 63.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Slider on the stumps, goes back and flicks it away on the leg side for a single. |
| 63.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 63.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Shortens the length this time, Jinx goes back and whips it straight at short leg. |
| 63.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Fifty for Rahane! Has been flawless so far. Scored runs briskly and looked brilliant. Drives it to long off and takes a single. Like Pujara, he too must carry on and make a big score. |
| 13th Test fifty for Ajinkya Rahane! |
| Nuwan Pradeep is into the attack. |
| 64.1 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Full on the pads, Rahane flicks it to square leg. |
| 64.2 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Lands it on a length outside off, Rahane lets it through to the keeper. |
| 64.3 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Good length on off, Rahane defends it watchfully. |
| 64.4 : N Pradeep to Rahane, FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! Full ball on off, Rahane leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 64.5 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Bowls it on a length, Rahane taps it in front of covers and takes a run. |
| 64.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Just ahead of a length on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Loopy ball on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Drags his length back a little, Rahane works it on the leg side for a run. |
| 65.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Uses his feet and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Bowls it on the pads, Pujara flicks it to short fine leg. He wanted a run but was sent back by Rahane. |
| 65.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Floats it on middle, Che works it to square leg. He sets off for a run again but is sent back by Rahane. |
| 65.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| There was a member of the groundstaff out in the field. Seems there's some problem with the footholes, the area where the bowler plants his foot just before bowling. It's been plugged up now and we're good to go again. |
| 66.1 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Sprays on the pads, Rahane flicks it to square leg. |
| 66.2 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Good length on off, Rahane defends it solidly. |
| 66.3 : N Pradeep to Rahane, A well-directed short ball aimed at the rib of Rahane who keeps it out awkwardly. |
| 66.4 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Bowls on the pads, Ajinkya flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop. The ball rolls towards mid on. Rahane stes off for a run but then sends his partner back. |
| 66.5 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 66.6 : N Pradeep to Pujara, A low full toss on leg stump, Pujara flicks it in front of square for a run. |
| 67.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Tosses it on off, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 67.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Drags his length back outside off, Pujara cuts it through point for a couple. |
| 67.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Dances down the track and drives it to mid on. |
| 67.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Bowled on the stumps, Pujara flicks it through square leg for a couple. He also brings up his hundred. This has been very good knock by him. He has been patient and he deserves this. |
| 13th Test ton for Cheteshwar Pujara! |
| 67.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 67.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, FOUR! POOR BOWLING! Shorter in length, Pujara camps back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. It is so easy for him. This is the highest 4th wicket partnership against Sri Lanka at this venue. |
| 68.1 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Back of a length on off, Rahane guides it towards point for a run. |
| 68.2 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Lands it on a length on middle, Pujara tries to flick it but gets it off the leading edge safely to covers. |
| 68.3 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Bangs it in short, Pujara lets it through to the keeper. |
| 68.4 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Sprays on the pads, Pujara flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 68.5 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Bouncer again! Ajinkya does well to evade it. |
| 68.6 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Very full on off, Rahane does well to dig it out. |
| 69.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Tosses it on off, Pujara drives it back to the bowler. |
| 69.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Floats it on middle, Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 69.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Flighted ball on middle, Pujara defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 69.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Plays it with the spin towards point for a run. |
| 69.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 69.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, FOUR! EASY PEASY! Too short on off, Rahane rocks back and punches it through covers for a boundary. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva comes back into the attack. |
| 70.1 : de Silva to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 70.2 : de Silva to Rahane, Very full ball on off, Rahane drives it back to the bowler. |
| 70.3 : de Silva to Rahane, Floats it on off, Rahane drives it to long off for a run. |
| 70.4 : de Silva to Pujara, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 70.5 : de Silva to Rahane, Drags his length back, spins into the batsman. Rahane guides it towards point for a couple. |
| 70.6 : de Silva to Rahane, Bowls it down the leg side, Rahane lets it through to the keeper. |
| 71.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Tosses it up on off, Pujara defends it off the fron foot. |
| 71.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Floats it on off, Pujara defends it solidly. |
| 71.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Drives it to long off for a run. The 150-run stand between the two is up. |
| 71.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flighted ball on middle, Rahane defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 71.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flatter on off, Rahane square cuts it through point for a run. |
| 71.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 72.1 : de Silva to Rahane, Bowls it down the leg side, Rahane pads it away. |
| 72.2 : de Silva to Rahane, Tosses it on the leg stump, Ajinkya defends it off the front foot. |
| 72.3 : de Silva to Rahane, FOUR! BANG! Rahane comes down the track and hits it over mid off for a one bounce boundary. He has played with great intent here. |
| 72.4 : de Silva to Rahane, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 72.5 : de Silva to Rahane, Flatter on the pads, Rahane tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 72.6 : de Silva to Rahane, Floats it on middle, Rahane defends it watchfully. |
| 73.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Slower through the air gets a little turn. Pujara defends it off the front foot. |
| 73.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Drags his length back outside off, Che pushes it through cover-point for a run. |
| 73.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Plays it with the spin towards sweeper cover for a run. |
| 73.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Comes down the track and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 73.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Dances down the track and flicks it wide of mid on for a run. |
| 73.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, In the air... but safe! Loopy ball on off, gets some turn and bounce. Rahane drives it uppishly thorugh cover-point for a run. |
| Drinks have been taken! |
| 74.1 : de Silva to A Rahane, Loopy off spinner on middle, easily pushes it through to long on and takes a single. |
| 74.2 : de Silva to Pujara, Nice flighted delivery on middle, Che pushes it back in the bowler's direction. |
| 74.3 : de Silva to Pujara, Some decent air again, Pujara is presses forward and blocks. |
| 74.4 : de Silva to Pujara, Brings the wrists into play and works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 74.5 : de Silva to Pujara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 74.6 : de Silva to Pujara, Offers a solid punch down the ground, to long on and retains strike with a single. |
| 75.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Drifting in on middle and leg, too straight in line which allow Pujara to comfortably wrist it in front of square leg. Single taken. |
| 75.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, FOUR! Poor ball. Another free from a Lankan bowler. Short and wide outside off, Rahane rocks onto his back foot and firmly punches it through the covers for a boundary. |
| 75.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Prods half-forward to this fuller ball and smothers it in its tracks. |
| 75.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Hangs deep inside his crease and meets it with a straight bat. |
| 75.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Rahane has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 75.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Flat and short, Rahane stands tall and deals with it well. |
| 76.1 : de Silva to Pujara, Bowls it on the pads, Pujara flicks it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 76.2 : de Silva to Rahane, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 76.3 : de Silva to Rahane, Tosses it on middle, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| 76.4 : de Silva to Rahane, Comes down the track and drives it to long off for a run. |
| 76.5 : de Silva to Pujara, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 76.6 : de Silva to Pujara, Floats it on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 77.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Floats it on the pads, Rahane flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 77.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 77.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Slower through the air on middle, Rahane gets it off the inner half towards short fine leg for a run. |
| 77.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Works it with the angle towards square leg for a run. |
| 77.5 : Pushpakumara to Rahane, DROPPED! A tough chance. He almost got his first Test wicket. Tosses it up on off, Rahane drives it uppishly to the left of the bowler who dives and stretches his hand but is unable to hang onto it. The ball goes down to long off for a run. |
| 77.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 78.1 : de Silva to Rahane, Drags his length back on the stumps, Rahane pushes it down to long on for a run. |
| 78.2 : de Silva to Pujara, Comes down the track and flicks it to long on for a run. |
| 78.3 : de Silva to Rahane, Flatter on middle, Rahane punches it down to long on for a run. |
| 78.4 : de Silva to Pujara, Tosses it up on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 78.5 : de Silva to Rahane, Floats it on middle, Rahane drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 78.6 : de Silva to Pujara, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| Rangana Herath to bowl again. |
| 79.1 : R Herath to Pujara, Quicker outside off, punched to the right of the bowler for nothing. |
| 79.2 : R Herath to Rahane, FOUR! Tossed up outside the line of off stump, Rahane drives it through extra cover and sends it all the way for a boundary. |
| Sri Lanka have taken another review. it's for another lbw appeal, with Ajinkya Rahane the man in the spotlight. Looks comfortably safe in real time. Let's see now... |
| 79.3 : Herath to Rahane, Not out! Never in doubt. Think it was just a tactical review, given how it's anyway going to be refreshed after this over. Flighted around off, turning away, Rahane kneels to sweep but misses and is caught on the back pad. Loud appeal turned down, so the review is taken. Replays confirm impact is outside the line of off stump, so Jinx is safe. |
| 79.4 : R Herath to Pujara, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 79.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Positions himself perfectly behind the line and defends. |
| 79.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Flicks it away on the leg side and takes a single. |
| Second new ball has been taken. The reviews have been restored as well. |
| And, Nuwan Pradeep will be the first one to have a go with it. |
| 80.1 : N Pradeep to Pujara, Back of a length delivery going away from outside off, steered behind point for a run. |
| 80.2 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Good length ball in the channel outside off, Rahane blocks it to point and wants the single. Is sent back by Pujara quite early though. Good call. |
| 80.3 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Full delivery attacking the stumps, driven towards mid on. Won't get any run for it. |
| 80.4 : N Pradeep to Rahane, Sprays it on the pads, clips it through the square leg area for an easy single. |
| Nuwan Pradeep, the only new ball bowler Sri Lanka have, is walking off the field. Only bowled 4 balls and he's already off. Seems there is a hamstring issue troubling him, his left hamstring to be specific. So, it will be Malinda Pushpakumara to complete Pradeep's remaining over. |
| 80.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Goes against the spin and flicks it with the wrists through mid-wicket for a double. |
| 80.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Some drift into Cheteshwar Pujara, he lunges ahead and sees the over off without any trouble. |
| 81.1 : R Herath to A Rahane, Extremely loopy and very full, Ajinkya with a gentle push to long off to get off strike. |
| 81.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Fuller ball on middle and leg, plays it off the inner half in front of square leg. Single taken. |
| 81.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Lands it on a driving length, Rahane presses ahead and blocks. |
| 81.4 : R Herath to Rahane, Short and with some width on offer outside off, Rahane makes a little room for himself and cracks it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 81.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Steps out of his crease and whips it towards mid-wicket, where the fielder makes a good diving stop. |
| 81.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Slower through the air, on middle and off, keeps bat and pad close together to block. |
| 82.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Ajinkya Rahane defends it by staying firm behind the line of the delivery. |
| 82.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, FOUR! Here's comes the inevitable freebie from a Lankan bowler. Their problem all day. Short on middle, Rahane off his back foot pulls it with power through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 82.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Slow and loopy, covers the stumps and sees it out. |
| 82.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 82.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Darts it full and attacks the stumps, wrists it through mid-wicket. One run added to the total. |
| 82.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pujara, Pujara jumps out of his crease, gets extremely close to the pitch and does well to block. |
| 83.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Flighted full outside off, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 83.2 : R Herath to Pujara, Some extra bounce on offer as the ball kicks off the deck. Pujara has to take his bottom hand off as he works it away on the on side. One more taken. |
| 83.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Short ball which keeps quite low, outside off, Rahane is a bit cramped for room as well but does well to chop it away on the off side. Another run. |
| 83.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Pujara dances down the track and does well to block the ball towards mid-wicket. |
| 83.5 : R Herath to Pujara, A half-appeal for a stumping which is turned down. No way that was ever going to be given out. Pujara looks to sweep this ball down the leg side but misses. Dickwella takes the bails off and Sri Lanka for a stumping. Nothing from the square leg umpire as Pujara's back leg never rose off the ground. |
| 83.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Fires it quick and straight, all Pujara can do, or wants to do at least, is block. |
| Dilruwan Perera to bowl. |
| 84.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Backs away to this one and punches it through cover-point for a single. |
| 0.0 : 200-run stand between Pujara and Rahane! |
| 84.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Prods forward to this fuller delivery to defend it out. |
| 84.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Advances down the track and wrists it to long on. One run taken. |
| 84.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Spinning in rather sharply, works it 'round the corner but straight to the fielder. |
| 84.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 84.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Again some sharp spin for Dilruwan, Rahane is back to tickle it fine but it goes past him and the keeper. The batsmen take three byes. He's still on 99. |
| 85.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Fired full on off, pushes it out with a straight bat. |
| 85.2 : R Herath to Rahane, Century for Jinx! India's best overseas player in Test cricket at the moment, you can see why. Has delivered once again on foreign soil. Had a big gap in between as he waited a long time to score this, 17 innings in fact, but he'll welcome this and enjoy it fully. Leans ahead and taps it in front of point as he steals a single. Lovely knock. |
| 9th Test hundred for Ajinkya Rahane! |
| 85.3 : R Herath to Pujara, Dances down and smacks it past the bowler for one. |
| 85.4 : R Herath to Rahane, Stays back and punches it straight to the bowler. |
| 85.5 : R Herath to Rahane, On a driveable length, inviting Rahane forward. He accepts it but only blocks. |
| 85.6 : R Herath to Rahane, Works it on the leg side from his crease to end the over. |
| 86.1 : D Perera to Pujara, Flatter delivery around off, blocks from within the crease. |
| 86.2 : D Perera to Pujara, Flights it right up there, it dips and spins in, Pujara is forward in defense. |
| 86.3 : D Perera to Pujara, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. Places it down the ground but finds mid on. |
| 86.4 : D Perera to Pujara, Use of the feet again from Che, finds mid on again. Plays it along the carpet straight to the fielder. |
| 86.5 : D Perera to Pujara, Gets back and defends it down on the off side. |
| 86.6 : D Perera to Pujara, Turning in from outside off, Cheteshwar defends it easily. A rare maiden over today. |
| 87.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Drives this full delivery straight to short extra cover. |
| 0.0 : Instant review from Rahane. He's caught leg before and given out. Indicates there's an inside edge and is very confident of it. It's taken upstairs. |
| 87.2 : Herath to Rahane, Not out! Rahane knows best! There was bat involved. Flat and short on the stumps, keeps a little low as Ajinkya is back to defend. Is caught on the pads and an appeal goes up, to which the umpire raises his finger. Rahane wastes no time in taking the review and replays show why. He did get a big inside edge before the ball hit the pad and so, he's safe. Not sure how the umpire missed that to be honest. |
| 87.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Ajinkya Rahane has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 87.4 : R Herath to Rahane, Fuller in length, around off, keeps it out off the front foot. |
| 87.5 : R Herath to Rahane, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 87.6 : R Herath to Pujara, With bat and pad close together, Pujara has no problem in his defensive shot. |
| 88.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Spinning in from around off, Rahane with a jabby front foot defense. |
| 88.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Heavy turn for Dilruwan, shoots off the surface too as Rahane goes back to play. Rolls it down on the leg side for no run. |
| 88.3 : D Perera to Rahane, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 88.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Flatter and quicker, jammed on the leg side. |
| 88.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Plays it to point with an open face against the spin. |
| 88.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Rahane has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| Rangana Herath to bowl the last over of the day. |
| 89.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Targets the middle stump, blocked. |
| 89.2 : R Herath to Rahane, Moves across a step to get behind the line and defends. |
| 89.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Short around off, Rahane is cramped for room as he punches it through the covers. Earns himself a single for doing so. |
| 89.4 : R Herath to Pujara, Pitched just back of a driving length, on middle and off, Pujara is quite far down the track to play but is caught on the pads. Muted appeal, the umpire declines. Maybe Sri Lanka should have reviewed that. It looked to be hitting in line and with the technology available today, they could have had the decision go their way. |
| 89.5 : R Herath to Pujara, Decent amount of bounce for Herath, Pujara does well to deal with the extra bounce. |
| 89.6 : R Herath to Pujara, Last ball of the day. Full and around off, Pujara walks across the sticks and whips it through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it down as the batsmen come back for the second. STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| Rahane and Pujara walk off to a standing ovation from the dressing room. A hundred from both of them has ensured India are right on top in this match. They did not lose a wicket in this session and have managed to add 106 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat this the ideal situation they would have wanted to be in. Earlier in the day, Rahul scored a brisk fifty and Dhawan and Kohli were lost cheaply, but it evidently didn't matter as the Pujara-Rahane partnership covered for it very we |
| Sri Lanka on the other hand, have found it very difficult to apply any kind of pressure on the Indian batsmen. They were too short and bowled way too many bad balls. To make matters worse, Nuwan Pradeep walked off holding a hamstring and if he cannot bowl tomorrow, it is going to be a crucial blow for the hosts. |
| India tomorrow will try and bat Sri Lanka out of the game, whereas the Lankans will need a few early wickets to get back into the game. Do join us for all the action from the 2nd day of the Test at 1000 local (0430 GMT). Till then, cheers and take care! |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Hello and a warm welcome to the second day of this second Test between Sri Lanka and India. The visitors have once again ruled the roost and pushed the home side very much on the back foot. They will now hope that the pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane add to their overnight total and take the game out of the hosts' hand. The Islanders will have to trigger a collapse for hopes of making a comeback. Stay tuned for the proceedings, weather permitting as rains are predicted throughout the |
| PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold feels the pitch still looks the same and runs are on offering. He mentions there is sharp turn from the good length area in the line of the stumps. Admits this pitch is slower than the pitch at Galle. He ends by saying today and tomorrow will be the best days for batting. |
| The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Rahane and Pujara will continue their innings. Dilruwan Perera will open the bowling for today. Similar field for him to day 1, a slip and a short leg. Here we go... |
| 90.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Starts off with a tossed up delivery on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| 90.2 : D Perera to A Rahane, Floats it on off, Rahane drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 90.3 : D Perera to Pujara, Tucks it around the corner for a run. |
| 90.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Flatter on off, Ajinkya defends it off the back foot. |
| 90.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 90.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Quicker outside off, Rahane tries to force it on the off side but gets beaten. |
| Dimuth Karunaratne comes on to bowl. Just a wide slip for him. Also, Nuwan Pradeep is still injured and is seen sitting out. Danushka Gunathilaka has come on for him. |
| 91.1 : D Karunaratne to Pujara, Good length on off, Che defends it off the front foot. |
| 91.2 : D Karunaratne to Pujara, Some shape away from the batsman. Bowled on off stump, the batsman defends it watchfully. |
| 91.3 : D Karunaratne to Pujara, Bowls it outside off, Pujara lets it through to the keeper. |
| 91.4 : D Karunaratne to Pujara, Lands it on a length on middle, Pujara flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 91.5 : D Karunaratne to Pujara, FOUR! Can't bowl on the pads to this guy. Pujara flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. First of the day. |
| There is a review for LBW against Pujara. Looks very close. Height might be a factor. |
| 91.6 : Karunaratne to Pujara, OUT! No it is not going over the stumps! A successful review by Sri Lanka and it is the perfect start to the day for them. Karunaratne strikes. Lands it on a length on off, jags back in. Pujara tries to defend it but misses and is struck on the pads. An appeal goes up and the umpire gives it not out. Dickwella straight away asks the captain to review and Chandimal obliges. They go upstairs. The replays show there is no insde edge and Hawkeye shows there are three re |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is the new man in. |
| Rangana Herath replaces Perera. |
| 92.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Flatter outside off, Rahane pushes it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 92.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Tosses it up on off, Ashwin drives it to mid off. |
| 92.3 : R Herath to Ashwin, FOUR! Drags his length back outside off, Ashwin tries to cut but gets an outside edge through backward point for a boundary. He is off the mark. |
| 92.4 : R Herath to R Ashwin, Floats it on off, Ashwin defends it solidly. |
| 92.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 92.6 : R Herath to Ashwin, Flighted ball on middle, Ashwin prods forward and defends it. Solid from RA. |
| 93.1 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Lands it on a length outside off, Rahane lets it through to the keeper. |
| 93.2 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Good length on off, Rahane defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 93.3 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Lovely seam position there. Bowled on off, seaming away from the batsman. Rahane shoulders his arms to it. |
| 93.4 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Drifts on the pads, Rahane flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 93.5 : D Karunaratne to R Ashwin, FOUR! LOVELY TIMING! Full on off, Ashwin leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 93.6 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 94.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Floats it on middle, Rahane defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 94.2 : R Herath to Rahane, FOUR! Comes down the track and hits it straight over the bowler's head for a boundary. |
| Mid off drops back to long off. |
| 94.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Flatter on off, Rahane cuts it to covers who fumbles but no runs conceded. |
| 94.4 : R Herath to Rahane, Floats it on middle, Rahane lunges forward and defends it. |
| 94.5 : R Herath to A Rahane, Drags his length back on middle, Rahane pulls it but the ball hits Mendis on the ankle. He was in the firing line yesterday and he has been hit again today. He looks to be in some sort of trouble here. |
| Once again Kusal Mendis has taken one for the team. This time he gets hit on the left shin and the team physio comes running in to treat him with magic spray. |
| 94.6 : R Herath to Rahane, Slower through the air on off, Rahane defend it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 95.1 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Good length on off, Ashwin drives it on the up towards extra cover where Chandimal makes a good half stop. No runs taken. |
| 95.2 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Bowled outside off, RA drives it through cover-point for a run. |
| 95.3 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Lands it on a length on off, Rahane defends it off the front foot. |
| 95.4 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Back of a length on off stump, Rahane defends it from within the crease. |
| 95.5 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, A tad shorter outside off, Ajinkya guides it through backward point for a run. |
| 95.6 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Fullish length outside off, Ashwin drives it through the off side for a run. |
| 96.1 : R Herath to Ashwin, Gets some drift into the batsman. Loopy ball on off, Ashwin drives it to mid off. |
| 96.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Tosses it up on middle, Ashwin defends it off the front foot. |
| 96.3 : R Herath to R Ashwin, Bowls an arm ball on middle, Ashwin tries to force it through the off side but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 96.4 : R Herath to Ashwin, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 96.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, Quicker on off, RA drives it to mid off who is a little deep. |
| 96.6 : R Herath to Ashwin, Full ball on off, Ashwin drives it to cover-point. |
| 97.1 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Bowls it on a length, seaming in this time. Rahane gets it off the inner half towards square leg for a run. |
| 97.2 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Good length on off, Ashwin defends it off the front foot. |
| 97.3 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Flicks it straight to mid-wicket. |
| 97.4 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, A tad fuller on leg stump, Ashwin drives it to mid on. |
| 97.5 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Fullish length on off, the batsman drives it to covers. |
| 97.6 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Fuller length, Ashwin drives it uppishly through the off side for a run. There were two fielders for the catch but it goes in the gap. |
| 98.1 : R Herath to Ashwin, Comes down the track and defends. |
| 98.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Tosses it on middle, RA defends it off the front foot. |
| 98.3 : R Herath to Ashwin, Flatter on off, skids of the wicket. Ashwin does well to keep it out. |
| 98.4 : R Herath to Ashwin, Flighted ball on Ashwin defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 98.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 98.6 : R Herath to Ashwin, Tosses it on middle, gets some turn away from the batsman. Ashwin gets an outside edge through short third man for a run. |
| 99.1 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Length on off, Ashwin defends it off the front foot. |
| 99.2 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, FOUR! Poor line! Sprays on the pads, Ashwin flicks it to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Easy pickings at his pace. |
| 99.3 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Back of a length outside off, the batsman guides it through point for a run. |
| 99.4 : D Karunaratne to Rahane, Fuller outside off, Rahane drives it to sweeeper cover for a run. |
| 99.5 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Good length on off, Ashwin defends it towards point. |
| 99.6 : D Karunaratne to Ashwin, Full ball outside off, RA drives it through covers for a run. |
| 100.1 : R Herath to Ashwin, Full ball on off, Ashwin drives it to the man at short covers. |
| 100.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Bowls an arm ball, Ashwin plays it towards mid on. |
| 100.3 : R Herath to R Ashwin, Tosses it up on off, Ashwin drives it to mid off. |
| 100.4 : R Herath to Ashwin, Quicker on off, Ashwin cuts it towards point. |
| 100.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, Floats it on off, Ashwin drives it to covers. You hardly see a dead defensive shot from RA. |
| 100.6 : R Herath to Ashwin, Straighter one on leg stump, Ashwin tries to defend it but gets hit on the pads. There is stifled appeal from the Lankans but nothing from the umpire. It might be sliding down leg. |
| Dilruwan Perera replaces Karunaratne. |
| 101.1 : D Perera to Rahane, FOUR! The inevitable freebie! Short and outside off, Rahane punches it through the off side for a run. |
| 101.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Bowls it on off, gets some sharp turn into the batsman. Rahane flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 101.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, BEATEN! Lovely stuff from Dilruwan. The previous ball turned, this one went on with the arm. Ashwin plays for the turn but gets beaten. |
| 101.4 : D Perera to Ashwin, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 101.5 : D Perera to Ashwin, Tosses it on off, turns back in sharply. Ashwin tries to defend it off the front foot but gets hit on the pads. There is a muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 101.6 : D Perera to Ashwin, Works it with the spin to mid on. |
| 102.1 : R Herath to Rahane, Tosses it on off, Rahande defends it watchfully. |
| 102.2 : R Herath to A Rahane, Floats it on off, Rahane drives it to mid off. |
| 102.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Flatter on off, Rahane camsp back and defends it. |
| 102.4 : R Herath to A Rahane, Loopy ball on off, Rahane drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 102.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, Bowls an arm ball on middle, Ashwin gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls down the pitch. |
| 102.6 : R Herath to Ashwin, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 103.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Quicker through the air on middle, Rahane is watchful and defends it neatly. |
| 103.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Tossed up around off, Jinx dances down and drills it to long on for a single. |
| 103.3 : D Perera to R Ashwin, Served fuller outside off, spinning in, Ashwin gets half forward and eases it down to long on for one. |
| 103.4 : D Perera to Rahane, Off-spinner outside off, Rahane leans ahead and blocks it with the turn to short leg. |
| 103.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Rahane skips down the track, Dilruwan spots that and bowls it straighter and quicker. Ajinkya can only push it back to the bowler. |
| 103.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Once again Rahane uses his feet, gets to the pitch of this loopy delivery and drives but finds the man at mid off. |
| 104.1 : R Herath to Ashwin, FOUR! Easy peasy! Short and outside off, Ashwin cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. That was a nothing ball form Rangana. |
| 104.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Floats it on off, Ashwin drives it through the cover region for a run. |
| 104.3 : R Herath to Rahane, Tosses it up on middle, Rahane lunges forward and defends it. |
| 104.4 : R Herath to Rahane, Gives it air on middle, Rahane drives it beautifully through mid off for a run. |
| 104.5 : R Herath to Ashwin, Loopy ball on off, Ashwin drives it through covers and changes strike. |
| 104.6 : R Herath to Rahane, Sprays on the pads, Rahane flicks it through square leg to retain strike in the next over. |
| 105.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Dances down the track and drives it to mid on for a run. |
| 105.2 : D Perera to Ashwin, Works it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 105.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, Ashwin lets it through to the keeper. |
| 105.4 : D Perera to Ashwin, Quicker outside off, Ashwin guides it down to third man. Mathews from slip hares after it and keeps it down to three. |
| 105.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Bowls it outside off, Ajinkya guides it through point for a couple. |
| 105.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Flicks it with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 50-run stand is up between Rahane and Ashwin! |
| DRINKS BREAK! Dimuth Karunaratne provided the vital breakthrough removing Pujara but then failed to capitalize on it. Since then Rahane and Ashwin have gelled along well and are amidst an useful partnership. The hosts will have to scalp some quick wickets to get back into the game. |
| Malinda Puhspakumara comes into the attack for the first time in the day. |
| 106.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Slower through the air outside off, spinning away, Rahane leans forward and places it to point. |
| 106.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Tossed up outside off, Rahane leans into the drive and gets it through covers for a brace. |
| 106.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Loopy delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 106.4 : M Pushpakumara to A Rahane, Served fuller outside off, milked down to long off for a single. |
| There are clouds hovering on top. The groundsmen are getting ready. Not good signs these! |
| 106.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Driven through covers for a single. |
| 106.6 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Full on middle and leg, Rahane clips it off the front foot through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 107.1 : D Perera to Rahane, On middle, spinning in, tapped to short leg. |
| 107.2 : D Perera to Rahane, No ball! Rahane uses his feet, dances down and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Perera has overstepped here, second time in the match. |
| D Perera to Ashwin, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 107.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, Fuller on the stumps, Ash leans ahead and blocks it. |
| 107.4 : D Perera to R Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, pushed through covers for a single. |
| 107.5 : D Perera to Rahane, Spinning down leg, tapped to short leg. |
| 107.6 : D Perera to Rahane, Rahane dances down the track, stays leg sidish and defends it on the leg side. |
| 108.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Served around leg, spinning away, Ashwin prods forward and defends it off the outer half on the off side. |
| 108.2 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and off, spinning away, Ash opens the face of the bat and pushes it in the cover region. |
| 108.3 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Loopy delivery outside off, spinning away, pushed with the spin to covers for a single. |
| 108.4 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Sliding into the batsman, driven to mid on. |
| 108.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, FOUR! Square driven! Sprayed full but wide outside off, Ashwin extends his arms and smashes it through point. There's a big gap there and a boundary is collected. |
| 108.6 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Another delivery full and outside off, placed to point. |
| 109.1 : D Perera to Rahane, Sliding into the pads, Rahane takes a huge stride and defends it beside the track on the leg side. |
| 109.2 : D Perera to Rahane, Well adjusted! Rahane advances down the track, Perera spots that and drags his length back. Drops it short but Rahane still goes through with his heave like pull. The ball goes on a couple of bounces to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 109.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, Served around middle, spinning into the pads, tapped to short leg. |
| 109.4 : D Perera to Ashwin, Full outside off, driven straight down. Perera dives to his left and makes the stop. |
| 109.5 : D Perera to Ashwin, Ashwin prods forward to defend but gets it off the inside edge on the leg side. |
| 109.6 : D Perera to Ashwin, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 110.1 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 110.2 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Grip and turn! Tossed up around off, spinning away, Rahane presents a straight bat defence. But, the ball grips and spins away, beating the outside edge. |
| 110.3 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, The batsman drives the ball straight down the ground to the bowler. |
| 110.4 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, Full outside off, spinning away, pushed to covers. |
| 110.5 : M Pushpakumara to Rahane, OUT! MAIDEN INTERNATIONAL WICKET FOR PUSHPAKUMARA! Once again Rahane dances down the track. Malinda anticipates it and drops his length short, gets it to spin away as well. Ajinkya goes through with his heave but misses this time around. The ball sneaks past him and Dickwella behind the stumps stays composed, collects the ball and takes off the bails. Rahane stepped down the track one time too many and it did him in. Pushpakumara is delighted and why won't he be |
| Wriddhiman Saha strides out to the middle. A silly point and a short leg in for him. |
| 110.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Slower through the air outside off, spinning away, defended on the off side. |
| 111.1 : D Perera to Ashwin, Spinning down leg, Ashwin tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 111.2 : D Perera to Saha, Spinning down leg, Saha leaves it alone but gets rapped on the pads. |
| 111.3 : D Perera to Saha, Another delivery spinning down leg, Saha nudges it past leg slip for a brace. |
| 111.4 : D Perera to Saha, FOUR! Takes the aerial route! A touch short and spinning in, Wriddhiman dances down and clobbers it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 111.5 : D Perera to Saha, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 111.6 : D Perera to Ashwin, Quicker through the air on middle and off, Ash defends it late. |
| 112.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, A touch shortish in length, punched to cover-point. |
| 112.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Full around off, Saha prods ahead and blocks it on the off side. |
| 112.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha uses his feet and taps it on the off side. The fielder at short extra cover dives to his right and makes a stop. |
| 112.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 112.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Full on the stumps, driven back to the bowler. |
| 112.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, WS gets right behind the line of the delivery and defends. |
| 113.1 : D Perera to R Ashwin, Tossed up around off, driven off the front foot through the gap in covers. Ash collects another brace. |
| 113.2 : D Perera to Ashwin, Perera comes from around the wicket, lands it outside off, caressed through covers for a single. |
| 113.3 : D Perera to Saha, Flatter around off, Saha covers the stumps and defends it down the wicket. |
| 113.4 : D Perera to Saha, Spinning down leg, Saha looks to nudge it but misses. |
| 113.5 : D Perera to Saha, Flicked with the turn on the leg side. |
| 113.6 : D Perera to Saha, Straighter one around off, spinning in a touch, Wriddhiman shuffles across and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 114.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Slower through the air on middle and leg, spinning away, dabbed with the turn on the off side. |
| 114.2 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Full around off, driven through covers for a single. |
| 114.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Served on off, spinning away, punched to mid on. |
| 114.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Full outside off, WS prods ahead and buries it into the deck. |
| 114.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, FOUR! Floated around middle and off, Saha kneels down to sweep. Gets a bottom edge and the ball bounces past the stumps and through to the fine leg fence. |
| 114.6 : M Pushpakumara to W Saha, Full on off, driven to long off for a run. He will keep the strike. |
| 115.1 : D Perera to Saha, Slower through the air outside off, Saha dances down and blocks it. |
| 115.2 : D Perera to W Saha, Shorter on leg, spinning way down the leg side, Wriddhiman camps back and pulls it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 115.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, Outside leg, spinning sharply down the leg side. Ashwin leaves it but would have a glee on his face looking at that turn. |
| 115.4 : D Perera to Ashwin, Loud shout for lbw! More grip and turn for Dilruwan Perera. Lands it around off, spins in sharply. Ashwin prods ahead in defence but gets beaten and is rapped on the front pad. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. The replay shows that there was inside edge involved. Good decision! |
| 115.5 : D Perera to Ashwin, Played with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 115.6 : D Perera to Ashwin, Leading edge but safe! Perera bowls it quicker through the air and the ball slides on. Ashwin plays for the turn, looks to flick it on the leg side but is early to close his bat face. The leading edge lobs straight back but even a dive from Perera to his left can't get to it. A single is taken as well. |
| 116.1 : M Pushpakumara to R Ashwin, Shortish delivery outside off, spins slowly away from Ash. He gets time to adjust and then cuts it through backward point. The player from point chases it down and saves a run for his side. |
| 116.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Full around middle and leg, swept through square leg for a single. |
| 116.3 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Another sharp turn! Malinda lands it around off, gets it to grip and spin away. Ashwin is beaten in his front foot defence. The pitch has started to assist spinners more now. |
| 116.4 : M Pushpakumara to R Ashwin, Full outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 116.5 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Driven off the front foot to short extra cover. |
| 116.6 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 117.1 : D Perera to Saha, Spinning into the pads, Saha camps back and works it behind square leg for a single. |
| 117.2 : D Perera to Ashwin, Tossed up on middle and off, straightening a touch, driven off the front foot on the leg side. Perera moves to his right, puts in a dive but fails to make a clean stop. The ball trickles behind and a single is taken. |
| 117.3 : D Perera to Saha, Nudged off the back foot on the leg side. |
| 117.4 : D Perera to Saha, Tossed up delivery outside off, Saha comes a touch forward and drives to left of mid off. |
| 117.5 : D Perera to Saha, Once again Saha uses his feet, gets to the ball and wrists it to mid-wicket. |
| 117.6 : D Perera to Saha, WS opens the face of the bat and dabs it towards first slip. |
| 118.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Slower through the air wide outside off. Ashwin gets ample of time to flay it through the gap in covers for a single. |
| 118.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Served around leg, spinning in, defended from within the crease. |
| 118.3 : M Pushpakumara to W Saha, Tossed up around off, pushed off the front foot to short extra cover. |
| 118.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha takes a huge stride forward and blocks it from near the surface. |
| 118.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Driven to covers by Saha. |
| 118.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. Wriddhiman is being very watchful and careful as he knows that lunch is around the corner. |
| 119.1 : D Perera to Ashwin, Served around leg, straightens a touch, tapped to short leg. |
| 119.2 : D Perera to Ashwin, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Last over before lunch and still Sri Lanka have opted for a defensive field. Murali Karthik and Roshan Abeysinghe on air are really not pleased to see such a defensive captaincy from Chandimal. |
| 119.3 : D Perera to Ashwin, Served in the line of the stumps, RA stays in the crease and defends. |
| 119.4 : D Perera to Ashwin, Fuller delivery, eased through covers for a single. |
| 119.5 : D Perera to Saha, A touch shortish on the stumps, Saha goes back and works it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 119.6 : D Perera to Ashwin, Full outside off, pushed with an angled bat square of the wicket on the off side for a single. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| So, Sri Lanka will be happy with the session but India are still in firm control here. The Lankans started the day well when Karunaratne provided an early breakthrough by removing Pujara. Rahane and Ashwin built a partnership but a lapse in concentration from the former cost him his wicket. The home side has opted for a defensive approach which has not let the pressure build on the Indian batsmen. |
| The pitch has started to show some wear and tear which are not good signs for the home side. The visitors would look to add some quick runs after the break as the wicket is going to deteriorate even more. Join us in a while for the second session. |
| ...Day 2, Session 2... |
| We're back for the second session. The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Ashwin and Saha will continue their innings. Debutant Pushpakumara to start off with the ball. |
| 120.1 : M Pushpakumara to Ashwin, Tosses it up on leg stump, Ashwin flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. First run for this session. |
| 120.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Floats it on off, Saha defends it on the front foot. |
| 120.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Flighted ball on off, Saha prods forward and defends it. |
| 120.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Dances down the track and drives it to short covers. |
| 120.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Uses his feet again and drives it straight back to the bowler. |
| 120.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Drags his length back outside off, the batsman punches it through covers for a run. |
| Rangana Herath will bowl from the other end. |
| 121.1 : R Herath to Saha, Shorter outside off, Saha cuts it through covers for a run. |
| 121.2 : R Herath to Ashwin, Tosses it up on middle, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 121.3 : R Herath to Ashwin, Flatter on middle, RA defends it watchfully. |
| 121.4 : R Herath to Ashwin, SIX! BANG! Ashwin comes down the track and lofts it over the long on fence for a maximum. He brings up his fifty in style. That was a classic hit. |
| 11th Test fifty for Ravichandran Ashwin! This is his tenth 50-plus score after 2015. Only Bairstow and Stokes has managed this feat coming at 6th or lower. |
| Ashwin completes 2000 Test runs! |
| 121.5 : Herath to R Ashwin, OUT! Herath gets his revenge! Lovely bowling from the wily veteran. Just like the first session, the Lankans get an early breakthrough. Flatter on off stump, Ashwin makes room to cut it but gets beaten and the ball takes the off stump. He gets to his fifty and departs the next ball. A nothing shot from Ashwin. Rangana gets his second. |
| Hardik Pandya walks out to bat. Will he go all guns blazing? Or will he and Saha continue to frustrate the hosts? |
| 121.6 : R Herath to Pandya, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 122.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Tosses it up on middle, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 122.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Floats it on middle, Saha lunges forward and defends it. |
| 122.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 122.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Comes down the track and defends it. |
| 122.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Plays the sweep shot fine down the leg side for three. |
| 122.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, BEATEN! Brilliantly bowled. Gives it air on off, Pandya tries to poke at it but gets beaten by the away turn. |
| 123.1 : R Herath to Saha, Dances down the track and gets it off the outside edge to point. |
| 123.2 : R Herath to Saha, Floats it on off, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 123.3 : R Herath to Saha, Flatter on off, Saha punches it towards mid-wicket. |
| 123.4 : R Herath to Saha, FOUR! Good intent from Saha. Sees a tossed up ball and lofts it over the mid off fielder for a boundary. |
| 123.5 : R Herath to W Saha, Drives it through mid off for a run. |
| 123.6 : R Herath to Pandya, Flighted ball on middle, Pandya defend it solidly. |
| 124.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Loopy ball on middle, Saha defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 124.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Sweeps the ball through backward square leg for a run. |
| 124.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Herath bowls it very full on the stumps, Pandya sweeps it awkwardly through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 124.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Brings out the paddle sweep fine through the leg side for three. |
| 124.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, In the air... but safe! Pandya tries to play the sweep but gets a top edge towards square leg. Herath who runs in from backward square leg cannot reach to it. A single taken. |
| 124.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Drives it with the spin to mid off. |
| 125.1 : R Herath to Pandya, Comes down the track and drives it to long on for a run. |
| 125.2 : R Herath to Saha, Flatter on off, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 125.3 : R Herath to Saha, Loopy ball on off, Saha defends it watchfully. |
| 125.4 : R Herath to Saha, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 125.5 : R Herath to Saha, Drifts it on the pads, Saha flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 125.6 : R Herath to Pandya, Drags his length back, Hardik pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 126.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Flighted ball on off, Saha comes down the track and drives it to mid off. |
| 126.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Paddle sweeps it towards short fine leg and sets off for a run. There is a shy at the non-striker's end but misses and there is nobody backing up and the batsmen take a second. |
| 126.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it. |
| 126.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Tosses it up on off, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 126.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Adcancees down the track and drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| 126.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Floats it on off, Pandya tries to defend it but gets beaten by the away turn. |
| 127.1 : R Herath to Saha, Tosses it up on off, Saha prods forward and defends it. |
| 127.2 : R Herath to Saha, Tosses it up on off, Saha prods forward and defends it. |
| 127.3 : R Herath to Saha, Similar length, Saha lunges forward and defends it. |
| 127.4 : R Herath to Saha, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| There is a review for LBW against Saha. Missing leg maybe. |
| 127.5 : R Herath to Saha, NOT OUT! Yes that is missing leg stump! A review in desperation! That never looked out. Bowls an arm ball on leg stump, Saha plants his front foot forward and tries to defend it but misses and the ball hits the front pad. The Lankans appeal and the umpire gives it not out. Chandimal after a chat with his teammates decides to review. The replays show there was no inside edge but the ball is missing the leg stump. The on field call stays. |
| 127.6 : R Herath to Saha, Floats it on off, Saha defends it solidly. |
| 128.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Comes down the track and drives it to long on for a run. |
| 128.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman dances down the track but decides to defend it. |
| 128.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Short and outside off, Saha cuts it through cover-point for a run. |
| There is LBW referral against Pandya this time. This looks close! |
| 128.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, NOT OUT! Sri Lanka have lost both their reviews now but this was close. Tosses it up on leg stump, Pandya tries to defend it but gets beaten by the away turn and the ball hits the waist. The Lankans appeal but the umpire remains put. After a chat with his teammates Chandimal decides to review. Replays show there is no inside edge but the ball is bouncing over the stumps. The on field cal stays. Pandya survives. |
| 128.5 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Dances down the track and cracks it towards extra cover who gets a hand to and deflects it towards long off. The batsmen take two. |
| 128.6 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 129.1 : R Herath to Saha, Dances down the track and defends it. |
| 129.2 : R Herath to Saha, Uses his feet well and drives it to short covers. |
| 129.3 : R Herath to Saha, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 129.4 : R Herath to Saha, Sees Saha coming down the track and shortens his length. Saha adjusts and cuts it late through short third man for a couple. |
| 129.5 : R Herath to Saha, FOUR BYES! That spit of the surface! Tosses it up on off, Saha gets some extra bounce and turn which beats the batsman and the keeper and races to the fence. |
| 129.6 : R Herath to Saha, Floats it on middle Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 130.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 130.2 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Comes down the track and samshes it striaght back past the bowler for a boundary. That almost took the umpire along, he did well to get oout of the way. |
| 130.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Comes down the track and Pandya drives it to long on for a run. |
| 130.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 130.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Tosses it up outside off, Saha pads it away. There is muted appeal from the Lankans but nothing from the umpire. |
| 130.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Uses his feet well and drives it to long off for a run. |
| 131.1 : R Herath to Saha, Floats it on off, Saha defends it off the front foot. |
| 131.2 : R Herath to Saha, Gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it to short covers. |
| 131.3 : R Herath to Saha, BEATEN! Turn again! Floats it on off, Saha pokes at it and gets beaten by the away turn. |
| 131.4 : R Herath to Saha, Loopy ball on middle, Saha defends it watchfully. |
| 131.5 : R Herath to Saha, Flatter outside off, Saha cuts it through point for a run. |
| 131.6 : R Herath to Pandya, Dancing down the wicket and drives it to long off for a run. |
| 132.1 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, Tosses it up on off, Pandya defends it off the front foot. |
| 132.2 : M Pushpakumara to H Pandya, FOUR! EASY PEASY! Shorter on the stumps, Pandya rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 132.3 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, FOUR! He is taking the attack to Pushpakumara now. Pandya plays the slog sweep through mid-wicket for a boundary. He is on the charge now. |
| 132.4 : M Pushpakumara to Pandya, OUT! Pandyas cameo comes to an end. Malinda gives it air on off, Pandya comes down the track and tries to go big but holes out to Mathews at long off. Pushpakumara gets his second and he is happy about it. India are now looking for quick runs here. |
| Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in. He walks out in a cap and it seems that he too like Pandya will go after the Lankan bowling. |
| 132.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Dances down the wicket and drives it to long off for a run. |
| 132.6 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Plays it with the turn towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 133.1 : R Herath to Jadeja, Tosses it up outside off, Jadeja pushes it towards covers. |
| 133.2 : R Herath to Jadeja, Floats it outside off, Jadeja defends it off the front foot. |
| 133.3 : R Herath to Jadeja, Works it towards mid-wicket with the spin. |
| 133.4 : R Herath to Jadeja, Flatter on off, Jadeja defends it off the back foot. |
| 133.5 : R Herath to Jadeja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 133.6 : R Herath to Jadeja, Quicker on the stumps, Ravindra camps back and defends it. |
| 134.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Drags his length back outside off, Saha cuts it through covers for a run. |
| 134.2 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 134.3 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. 500 up for India. They become the first team to score 500-plus in consecutive Tests against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. |
| 134.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Dances down the track and pushes it to long on for a run. |
| 134.5 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 134.6 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| Time for Drinks. 500 is up for India. It will be interesting to see how many more runs will they want to add before declaring. |
| 135.1 : R Herath to Saha, Full around leg, knocked to mid on. |
| 135.2 : R Herath to Saha, Slower through the air on middle and off, Saha dances down and blocks it on the off side. |
| 135.3 : R Herath to Saha, Served on middle, WS presents another solid front foot defence. |
| 135.4 : R Herath to Saha, In the air for some time! Tossed up by Herath around off, it lands in the rough there and spins away sharply. Saha looks to carve it away but the sharp turn catches the outside edge and goes through cover-point. A single is taken. Such instances will get smiles on the faces of the Indian spinners. |
| 135.5 : R Herath to Jadeja, Quicker and fuller outside off, dabbed off the toe end beside the pitch on the off side. |
| 135.6 : R Herath to R Jadeja, Driven through covers off the front foot for a single. |
| 136.1 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 136.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, A touch shortish around off, Saha goes back and punches on the off side. The player from short cover, runs to his right and makes a diving stop. |
| 136.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha opens the face of the bat and guides with the turn to point. |
| 136.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha dances down the wicket and pushes to short extra cover. |
| 136.5 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Once again the Indian keeper dances down and turns it through wide mid on for a single. |
| 136.6 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Tossed up outside off, spinning in, Jadeja too like Saha skips down the tack. Ends up driving it off the toe end to long on for a single. |
| Dilruwan Perera comes back into the attack. |
| 137.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Perera starts off with a low full toss. RJ just flicks it through square leg for a brace. |
| 137.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full around off, Jadeja prods ahead, dabs it towards point and wants a single but his partner isn't interested. |
| 137.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, A touch shorter and sliding in, cramps Jadeja for room, who ends up chopping it to point. |
| 137.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full outside off, Jadeja leans forward and buries it into the ground. |
| 137.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, Another solid front foot defence presented by Ravindra. |
| 137.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, Sharp turn there! Served around middle and off, spinning away with some extra bounce. Jadeja gets surprised but drops his wrists at the last moment to leave it. |
| 138.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha once again dances down the track and blocks it. |
| 138.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 138.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Tossed up outside off, Wriddhiman skips down the track and defends it towards short extra cover. |
| 138.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, FOUR! Poor ball, punished! Short delivery, sliding in, Saha camps back and hammers his pull through mid-wicket for a boundary. He has been solid and has put the bad balls away all day long. |
| 138.5 : M Pushpakumara to W Saha, Played with the spin with an angled bat in the backward point region. |
| 138.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 139.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full outside off, Jadeja prods ahead and blocks it on the off side. |
| 139.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, Another straighter one around off, skidding on, Jadeja goes back and punches it to short cover. |
| 139.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Another arm ball on a shorter side, slanting in, Jadeja goes back to play across the line but misses and gets rapped high on the pads. |
| 139.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, A fraction shorter outside off, pushed to point. |
| 139.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, Once again Perera drops it short outside off, spinning away. Jadeja goes back and cracks it past point for a brace. |
| 139.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, Served fuller on the stumps, defended back to the bowler. |
| 140.1 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 140.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Sliding into the pads, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 140.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha comes down the track a touch and wrists it to mid-wicket. |
| 140.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Short and wide outside off, spinning away, Saha punched off the back foot through cover-point for a single. |
| 140.5 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Fuller on the stumps, Jadeja dances down and drills it to long on for a single. |
| 140.6 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Pushed from within the crease in the cover region. |
| 141.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full on middle and off, Jadeja leans ahead and blocks it. |
| 141.2 : D Perera to R Jadeja, Pushed off the front foot to mid on for a single. |
| 141.3 : D Perera to Saha, Sliding down leg, Saha clears his front leg and tucks it to square leg. |
| 141.4 : D Perera to Saha, Fuller on middle, spinning in, turned on the leg side. |
| 141.5 : D Perera to Saha, Served on off, spinning in, worked with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 141.6 : D Perera to Saha, Perera drops a touch short, spinning in, flicked off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 142.1 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Jadeja dances down the track and pushes it wide of mid off for a single. |
| 142.2 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Served fuller on middle and leg, Saha leans forward to defend off the outer half. |
| 142.3 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Loud appeal! But, that spun straight off the rough! Tossed up around off in rough, spins away a touch. Saha prods forward to defend but gets beaten by the away turn. Dickwella collects and appeals but the umpire shakes his head in denial. |
| 142.4 : M Pushpakumara to Saha, Saha dances down and pushes through mid off for a single. |
| 5th Test fifty for Wriddhiman Saha. |
| 142.5 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, SIX! Into the stands! Tossed up around off, spinning in, Jadeja dances down the track and goes after it. Clubs it over long on for a biggie. He is down waiting. |
| 142.6 : M Pushpakumara to Jadeja, Spinning down the leg side, Jadeja lets it pass by. |
| 143.1 : D Perera to Saha, Spinning into the pads, flicked on the leg side. |
| 143.2 : D Perera to Saha, Served around off, spinning in, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 143.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full around off, Jadeja prods forward and taps it on the off side. |
| 143.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, Short and straighter outside off, Jadeja camps back and cuts it square of the wicket on the off side. Herath at point fumbles and concedes a single. |
| 143.5 : D Perera to Saha, Flicked with the spin on the leg side. |
| 143.6 : D Perera to Saha, Spinning into the pads, Saha goes back and punches it to mid-wicket. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl for the first time today. |
| 144.1 : de Silva to Jadeja, Full on off, pushed off the front foot down the track. |
| 144.2 : de Silva to Jadeja, Served very full around off, placed to point. |
| 144.3 : de Silva to Jadeja, Sliding into the pads, tucked through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 144.4 : de Silva to Jadeja, De Silva drops it short, Jadeja goes back and pulls it in the cow corner for a brace. |
| 144.5 : de Silva to Jadeja, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 144.6 : de Silva to Saha, Served around off, straightens a touch, dabbed on the off side. |
| 145.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Wide outside off, spinning away, cut to point. |
| 145.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, That was a peach! Served around middle and leg, Jadeja looks to defend with a straight bat but the ball spins away enough to go past the outside edge. Luckily for him, it bounces extra as well which takes the ball just over the stumps. Jadeja is a really lucky lad! |
| 145.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 145.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, Straighter and shorter around off, chopped to point. |
| 145.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full around off, defended by prodding ahead on the off side. |
| 145.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full and sliding in from middle, pushed towards mid on. |
| 146.1 : de Silva to Saha, Slanting away from the batsman, Saha glides it through point. Takes off for a single but then realising that Herath is the fielder, starts sprinting and completes two. |
| 146.2 : de Silva to Saha, Fuller on middle and off, straightens a touch, Saha kneels down across and paddle scoops it past the keeper. There's a huge gap there and the ball runs in the fine leg region. Three runs taken. |
| 146.3 : de Silva to Jadeja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 146.4 : de Silva to Jadeja, Jadeja covers the line of the ball and then defends. |
| 146.5 : de Silva to Jadeja, Full outside off, RJ takes a huge stride forward and blocks it on the off side. |
| 146.6 : de Silva to Jadeja, Sliding into the pads, worked with the angle through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 147.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full on middle, Ravindra prods ahead and blocks it on the off side. |
| 147.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, Straighter one around middle and off, bounces a touch extra. Jadeja stands back and then adjusts well to defend it with a straight bat. |
| 147.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Short and wide outside off, cut to point. |
| 147.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 147.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, SIX! That's hammered! Short delivery, sliding into the batsman. Jadeja camps back and pulls it with disdain over mid-wicket for a huge maximum. Such a freebie, this! |
| 147.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, Full around middle and off, RJ presents a solid front foot defence. |
| 148.1 : de Silva to Saha, Fuller around middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 148.2 : de Silva to Saha, Served around leg, spinning in a touch, Saha gets half forward and tickles it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 148.3 : de Silva to Jadeja, Quicker one on middle and off, WS leans ahead and blocks it into the surface. |
| 148.4 : de Silva to Jadeja, Full on middle, driven back to the bowler. |
| 148.5 : de Silva to Jadeja, Short outside off, glided behind square on the off side for a brace. |
| 50-run stand up between Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha. |
| 148.6 : Silva to Jadeja, FOUR! Dropped and that runs away! It was hit very hard though. Full on middle and off, Jadeja drills it hard straight back. De Silva stretches his hands, gets a fingertip to it but fails to hold onto it. The ball still manages to beat long off and run to the fence. Tough luck, Dhananjaya! |
| 149.1 : D Perera to Saha, The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. Two runs added to the total. |
| 149.2 : D Perera to Saha, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 149.3 : D Perera to Saha, Almost a drag on! Shorter around off, spinning in a touch, Saha looks to punch it on the off side but gets up an inside edge onto the pads. Saha is really lucky there! |
| 149.4 : D Perera to Saha, Saha presents a solid front foot defence. |
| 149.5 : D Perera to Saha, Served around leg, worked off the back foot to mid-wicket. |
| 149.6 : D Perera to Saha, Served full around off, Saha leans forward and blocks it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 2! |
| Another session in which India pile up more than 100 runs. They continue to march on and now are inching closer to 600. The session started off in the same fashion as the first one. Sri Lanka got the early breakthrough but then got frustrated, first via the Saha-Pandya partnership and then by the ongoing Saha-Jadeja stand. The hosts are already behind in this Test and if they don't scalp the last few wickets quickly, they are in for a drubbing. Declaration would be one question on everyone's min |
| ...Day 2, Session 3... |
| We are underway for the third and final session. The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha will continue their innings. Dhananjaya de Silva will bowl the first over after the break. |
| 150.1 : de Silva to Jadeja, Tosses it up on middle, Jadeja flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 150.2 : de Silva to Jadeja, Flatter outside off, Jadeja cuts it to point. |
| 150.3 : de Silva to Jadeja, Fires it in on leg stump, Ravindra flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 150.4 : de Silva to Jadeja, Floats it outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a run. |
| 150.5 : de Silva to Saha, SIX! There was a fielder positioned there but it does not make a difference to Saha. He comes down the track and hits it with the spin over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. We might see a lot more of this attacking approach from India now. |
| 150.6 : de Silva to Saha, Sweeps it to deep square leg for a run. |
| Dilruwan Perera will bowl from the other end. |
| 151.1 : D Perera to Saha, Tries to flick it with the spin but misses and is struck on his pads. |
| 151.2 : D Perera to Saha, Plays it with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 151.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Tosses it up outside off, Jadeja drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 151.4 : D Perera to Jadeja, Bowls it on leg stump, Jadeja gets it off the inner half on the leg side for a run. |
| 151.5 : D Perera to Saha, Tosses it up on middle, spinning in. Saha tries to sweep but it goes off his pad to leg gully who makes a good stop diving to his right. He has a shy at the striker's end but misses. There was no backing up and the ball goes towards long off and the batsman take a leg bye. |
| 151.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, The batsman has driven it through mid off. |
| Rangana Herath is back on. |
| 152.1 : R Herath to Saha, OUT! Saha departs after playing a good knock. That turned and bounced of the wicket. Tosses it on off stump, the ball turns sharply. Saha tries to push it but gets beaten by the away turn and in the process drags his back leg out of the crease. Dickwella collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. Saha walks back to a standing ovation from his coach. |
| 0.0 : Mohammed Shami strides out to bat. |
| 152.2 : R Herath to Shami, Tosses it up on middle, Shami drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 152.3 : R Herath to Jadeja, Flatter on the stumps, Jadeja pushes it to covers. |
| 152.4 : R Herath to Jadeja, FOUR! Shorter outside off, Jadeja cuts it through backward point for a boundary. Runs are coming thick and fast here. |
| 152.5 : R Herath to Jadeja, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Jadeja. Fires it on leg stump, Jadeja flicks it fine down the leg side and the ball races to the fence. He also brings up his fifty and performs his trademark celebration. |
| 8th Test fifty for Ravindra Jadeja! |
| 152.6 : R Herath to Jadeja, Floats it on middle, Jadeja drives it to long on for a run. |
| 153.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Flatter outside off, Jadeja guides it towards point and sets off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but it is a poor throw. A single added to the total. |
| 153.2 : D Perera to Shami, Fires it on middle, Shami defends it off the back foot. |
| 153.3 : D Perera to Shami, FOUR! Top shot by Shami! Comes down the track and hits it over mid off for a boundary. These are handy runs for India. |
| 153.4 : D Perera to Shami, Tosses it up on middle, Shami drives it down to long on for a run. |
| 153.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, Shorter on the stumps, jadeja slaps it back to the bowler. |
| 153.6 : D Perera to Jadeja, Guides it towards point for no runs. |
| 154.1 : R Herath to Shami, Bowls an arm ball, Shami gets it off the inner half towards square leg for a run. |
| 154.2 : R Herath to Jadeja, Drags his length back, Jadeja cuts it through covers for a run. |
| 154.3 : R Herath to Shami, SIX! BOOM! You dare call Shami a tailender. Uses his feet and hits it over the long on fence for a biggie. |
| 154.4 : R Herath to Shami, SIX! That is going, going and gone. Another biggie for Shami. Dances down the wicket and hits it over long off this time for a huge maximum. He is striking it well here. |
| 154.5 : R Herath to Shami, OUT!Shami holes out! The 9th one down for India. Shami departs after doing his job. Herath drags his length back on middle, Shami tries to pull but gets a top edge towards Tharanga at deep mid-wicket who pouches it safely. Rangana gets his fourth. India are 2 runs away form 600. |
| Umesh Yadav is the last man in! |
| 154.6 : R Herath to Yadav, Loopy ball on off, Yadav defends it off the front foot. |
| 155.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, FOUR! Comes down the track, Perera drgas it short. Jadeja adjusts and guides it through short third man for a boundary. 600 up for India. |
| 155.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 155.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Shorter in length outside off, Jadeja cuts it to deep point for a run. |
| Short leg and a leg slip comes in for Umesh. |
| 155.4 : D Perera to Yadav, Low full toss on off stump, Umesh drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 155.5 : D Perera to Jadeja, Flighted on middle, Jadeja taps it towards point for a run. |
| 155.6 : D Perera to Yadav, Floats it on middle, spinning in. Umesh gets it off the inner half through backward square leg for a run. |
| 156.1 : R Herath to Yadav, Flatter outside off, Umesh drives it through covers for a run. |
| 156.2 : R Herath to Jadeja, Fires it on middle, Jadeja defends it off the front foot. |
| 156.3 : R Herath to Jadeja, SIX! That was hit hard! Jadeja dances down the track and tonks it over long off for a maximum. He quickly moves onto 67. |
| 156.4 : R Herath to Jadeja, Loopy ball on off, Ravindra drives it to long off for a run. |
| 156.5 : R Herath to Yadav, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 156.6 : R Herath to Yadav, Bowls it on the stumps, Umesh defends it watchfully. |
| India have crossed 600-run mark for the fourth time this year. Only India have managed to achieve this feat earlier. It was back in 2007. Meanwhile, Kohli from the dressing room signals one, it might be the indication of one more over before declaration. |
| 157.1 : D Perera to Jadeja, Fires it on leg stump, Jadeja defends it off the front foot. |
| 157.2 : D Perera to Jadeja, Brilliant running! Flatter outside off, Jadeja taps it towards point and takes a couple. |
| 157.3 : D Perera to Jadeja, Quicker on leg stump, Jadeja works it on the leg side and takes a run. |
| 157.4 : D Perera to Yadav, Tosses it on middle, Yadav defends it off the front foot. |
| 157.5 : D Perera to Yadav, FOUR! Floats it on leg stump, Umesh goes for the sweep and gets it off the inner half through square leg for a boundary. |
| 157.6 : D Perera to Yadav, Full ball on middle, Yadav hits it towards long on for a run. INDIA DECLARE ON 622/9. |
| And as we informed, Kohli calls the last Indian batting pair back to the dressing room. The visitors have piled up a massive 622 runs. Four batsmen scored 50-plus scores while there were two centurions in Pujara and Rahane. The hosts were dismal with their bowling. They were all around with their pitching and were taken apart by the opposition batsmen. |
| They now have 20 overs to have a go at the Lankan batting and will look for an early break. The pitch has also started to take turn and this might just go against the home side. The first step for the Islanders would be to see off the day safely. India might start with the spin. But, you never know. Join us shortly for the second innings... |
| 0.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, What a start! That just took off from the surface! Shami comes steaming in and bangs it in short, angling into the batsman. Karunaratne ducks under it to let it go. |
| 0.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, On a good length and angling in, tucked to mid-wicket. |
| 0.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, Dimuth hangs his bat and dabs it on the off side. |
| 0.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Angling into the batsman, tucked to mid-wicket. |
| 0.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Pitched outside off, guided to gully. |
| 0.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Fuller around off, kept out from within the crease. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Served around off, straightening a touch, defended on the off side. |
| 1.2 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Ashwin gives it a nice loop and lands it full around off, it's driven to mid off. |
| 1.3 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Beaten! Serves it on middle and off, grips and turns away sharply. Tharanga prods forward in defence but gets beaten. |
| 1.4 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Bowls an arm ball, quicker through the air. Upul keeps it with a block. |
| 1.5 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 1.6 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, OUT! Rahul has managed to hold on to it! Slanting into the batsman, Tharanga stays back and works it on the leg side. Rahul at short leg hops to get out of harm's way. But, the ball hits him on the shoulders and deflects into his stomach region and he manages to hang on to it. He is up in celebration and then Kohli joins him. Both perform a combined dab. Ashwin has drawn first blood. However, one can feel for Tharanga. |
| Kusal Mendis strides out to the middle. |
| 2.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Once more Shami starts the over with a bouncer. Dimuth ducks and lets it through to the keeper. Saha has to jump to take. |
| 2.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Pushed from within the crease in the cover region for a single. |
| 2.3 : M Shami to Mendis, Outside off, left alone. |
| 2.4 : M Shami to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 2.5 : M Shami to Mendis, A touch ahead of a length outside off, Mendis feels for it but gets beaten on the outside edge. |
| 2.6 : M Shami to Mendis, Back of a length delivery, angling in, defended from within the crease. |
| 3.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Fuller on middle and leg, clipped past short leg for a single. |
| 3.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Served around off, straightening a touch, defended into the surface. |
| 3.3 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Spinning into the pads, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 3.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Landed around off, bounces a touch extra and spins away too. Karunaratne is surprised but does well to keep it out on the off side. |
| 3.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, sliding in. Dimuth looks to clip it on the leg side but gets a leading edge towards backward point. |
| 3.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Spinning into the batsman this time. DK goes back and punches it on the off side. |
| 4.1 : M Shami to Mendis, Angling into the pads, worked down the leg side for a single. |
| 4.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Length delivery around leg, tucked towards short leg. |
| 4.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, FOUR! Just a push! Full outside off, Karunaratne just leans into the shot and drives it through mid off for the first boundary of the innings. Beautiful to watch this! |
| 4.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Banged in short, angling in, Dimuth ducks under it. |
| 4.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Short around off, angling in, Karunaratne stands tall to defend but once again gets surprised by extra bounce. Ends up blocking it off the splice on the off side. |
| 4.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Length delivery, angling down leg, nudged past short leg behind square for a single. |
| 5.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slower through the air on middle and off, defended down the track off the front foot. |
| 5.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, On middle and off, straightening a touch, Karunaratne presents a front foot defence. |
| 5.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, DK prods ahead and blocks it. |
| 5.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Fuller on middle, Karunaratne shimmies and flicks it past Rahul at short leg. This time it's in front of square and gets a couple for it. |
| 5.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beauty! Some sharp turn and bounce on offer! Ashwin lands it on off, spins away with bounce. Karunaratne prods forward in defence but gets beaten there. |
| 5.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Once more! This time closer to the stumps. Karunaratne feels for it but gets beaten. |
| Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack. |
| 6.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 6.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Mendis prods ahead and buries it into the ground. |
| 6.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Full outside off, driven through covers. Dhawan there half stops it but the batsmen still don't go for the run. |
| 6.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 6.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Mendis once again presents a solid front foot defence. |
| 6.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fuller on middle, Kusal leans ahead and keeps it out. |
| 7.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beaten! Ash lands it around off, gets it to spin away, Dimuth feels for it but gets beaten by the sharp away turn. |
| 7.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beaten again! Landed around off, spinning away, Karunaratne is surprised by the extra bounce and then drops his wrists at the last moment to leave. |
| 7.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 7.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beaten again! Karunaratne looks to defend with a straight bat but the ball turns away a touch and whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 7.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Dimuth goes back and punches it square of the wicket on the off side for a brace. |
| 7.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, OVERTHROWS! Sliding into the batsman, flicked on the leg side. Pandya at mid-wicket, rushes to the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Had he hit, it would have been close. However, he doesn't and no backup allows the ball to race away to the fence. Five overthrows these, free runs for Dimuth Karunaratne! |
| 8.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes over the wicket to the left hander. Comes down the track and defends it to silly mid on who collects the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. No harm done. |
| 8.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin towards fine leg for a run. |
| 8.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Drags his length back outside off, Mendis cuts it to cover-point. |
| 8.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, HUGE APPEAL! Flatter on the off, turns away from the batsman. Mendis tries to defend it but gets beaten. The Indian appeal but nothing from the umpire. Replays show that there was day light between bat and ball. |
| 8.5 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Tosses it up on off, Mendis drives it to covers. |
| 8.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Bowls it outside off, Kusal lets it through to the keeper. |
| 9.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full outside off, spinning away, dabbed to gully. |
| 9.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Pushed off the front foot to short cover. |
| 9.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served full on middle and leg, Dimuth shuffles across and tickles it in the square leg region for a single. |
| 9.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! More runs! Tossed up around off, Mendis kneels down to slog sweep but gets it off the inner half. Gets it in the gap and the ball races away to the mid-wicket fence. Trying to make Ashwin alter his line, is Kusal. |
| 9.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Mendis dances down the track, to get Ashwin off his rhythm. However, it backfires as he misses his heave and gets rapped on the pads. |
| 9.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Spinning down leg, Mendis gets across to work it on the leg side but misses. Sharp turn beats him and raps him high on the pads. |
| 10.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne flicks it off the back foot square on the leg side for a single. |
| 10.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Outside off, punched to covers. |
| 10.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 10.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Landed outside off, padded away. |
| 10.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis camps back and cuts it to point. |
| There is a referral for LBW against Kusal Mendis. Looks like the impact is outside off. |
| 10.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, NOT OUT! Such a waste of a review! Landed outside off, spinning away, Mendis prods forward to defend but is late in bringing his bat down and gets rapped on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. After a huge discussion, Kohli goes for the review. The Hawk Eye shows that the impact was outside off and going on to miss the stumps by a long way. India lose their first review. |
| 11.1 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, FOUR! Glorious! Full outside off, driven sweetly off the front foot straight down the ground. Gets it past mid off and to the fence behind. |
| 11.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 11.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Dimuth gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it away. |
| 11.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Ashwin comes from around the wicket, lands it around middle and off, defended solidly. |
| 11.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beaten again! Tossed up around off, spins away with bounce. Just what Ashwin has been doing throughout the innings. Dimuth feels for it and gets beaten. |
| 11.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, This too spins away a touch but Karunaratne blocks it from within the crease. |
| 12.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Shortish outside off, spinning away, Kusal goes back and punches it through cover-point for a brace. |
| 12.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 12.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker through the air outside off, Mendis gets half forward to defend with soft hands but ends up edging it on the off side. |
| 12.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Arm ball, sliding on, Mendis fails to read it and gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 12.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Jadeja lands it around off, spins away with sharp turn and bounce. Mendis is beaten in his defence. |
| 12.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Shortish delivery outside off, spinning away, chopped to point. |
| 13.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Bowls a slider on leg stump, Dimuth flicks it through short fine leg for a couple. |
| 13.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, This has been the story of the today. He has beaten the edge so many times. Tosses it on off, turning away. Karunaratne tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 13.4 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, OUT! Ashwin strikes! The ball finally takes the outside edge. Karunaratne's struggle comes to an end. Ashwin tosses it up on off, the ball turns away and takes the outside edge to first slip where Rahane takes it comfortably. Sri Lanka are in deep trouble here. They have lost their second. |
| Dinesh Chandimal comes out to bat. |
| 13.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Big turn! Floats it on off, Chandimal tries to defend it but the ball turns in and hits his thigh pad. |
| 13.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, SIX! BANG! What a shot. Flighted ball on off, Chandimal gets down on one knee and sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie. That is one way to counter the spin. |
| 14.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Mendis leans ahead to defend but the away turn takes soft outside edge and goes on the bounce to second slip. |
| 0.0 : Mendis backs away when Jadeja is about to deliver the ball. The umpire has a word with him and asks him to be ready when the bowler is. |
| 14.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fuller around middle and off, Mendis remains solid in his defence. |
| 14.3 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Full down the leg side, Mendis looks to defend it on the leg side but gets a leading edge past second slip. |
| 14.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Punched off the back foot with the spin to covers. |
| 14.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 14.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Serves around off, spins a touch, squares Mendis up. The Lankan adjusts well and plays with an angled bat on the off side. |
| 15.1 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Beaten! Straighter one outside off, Chandimal looks to play for the spin. But, it's not there and whiskers past the bat. Good bowling, this! |
| 15.2 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 15.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Chandimal hangs back in the crease, lets the ball to come to him and then defends. |
| 15.4 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Similar to the last delivery, DC stays back and adjusts to the turn, keeping it out. |
| 15.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 15.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Spinning into the pads, Chandimal shimmies a touch and works it past leg slip for a single. |
| 16.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Full around off, driven to short extra cover. |
| 16.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Beaten on the bounce! Landed around off, spins away with too much of bounce. Dinesh is beaten by it and drops his wrists to let it through. |
| 16.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 16.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Full outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 16.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Chandimal takes a stride forward and pushes this fullish delivery on the off side. |
| 16.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Around off, spinning away a touch, DC presents a solid front foot defence. |
| An unofficial drinks break. Kusal Mendis and Chandimal have called for water to make the Indian spinner to slow down as they are bowling really quickly. |
| 17.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Mendis stays back and works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 17.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, A carrom ball outside off, defended on the off side, |
| 17.3 : R Ashwin to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 17.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Mendis leans ahead and blocks it on the leg side. |
| 17.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Ashwin lands it in the roughs outside off, spinning in sharply. Worked with the spin towards leg slip. It goes on the bounce to Pujara. Mendis survives. |
| 17.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Mendis prods ahead and blocks it on the leg side. |
| 18.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, On middle, spinning away sharply, Chandimal defends it towards gully. The replays show that there was a huge puff of dust as the ball landed. |
| 18.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Arm ball outside off, Chandimal gets across and lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 18.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, DC prods forward and blocks it out. |
| 18.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Chandimal covers his stumps and defends it neatly. |
| 18.6 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Full outside off, driven to covers. |
| 19.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! A rare boundary! Tossed up around off, spinning in, Mendis kneels down and goes through with slog sweep. Doesn't time it well but still gets enough behind it to get it through to square leg fence. |
| 19.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Leg bye! Lands it in the roughs, around off, spinning in. Mendis looks to defend but the ball spins in and lobs off Mendis' thigh pad past leg slip. A leg bye is taken. |
| 19.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Leg spinner on the shorter side of a length, Chandimal goes back and punches it through mid on for a single. |
| 19.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 19.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! That came out of nowehere! What a last over this is turning out to be for the hosts! 10 runs off it already. Tossed up around middle and off, Mendis kneels down and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 19.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Served in the line of the stumps, Mendis gets behind it and blocks. He survives the day as IT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2! |
| So, India are in a commanding position heading into Day 3. Sri Lanka have lost both their openers with only 50 on the board and they still trail by another 572 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin is spinning a web around the Lankan batsmen and he already has two scalps to his name. Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis have taken the attacking approach and both will have to stitch a big partnership if the home side is to get close to the visitor's total. |
| The pitch is providing a lot of assistance to the spinners and it will only get tougher for the batsmen. The Indian spinners will do the majority of the bowling tomorrow and try to get the purchase off the roughs, whereas Sri Lanka will bank on their experienced batsmen to get them out of this mess. Join us for Day 3 tomorrow at 1000 local (0430 GMT). Till then, cheers and take care! |
| ... Day 3, Session 1 ... |
| A warm welcome everyone to day 3 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India. The visiting side is in firm control of this game. After mounting a huge 622 runs on board, they now have got rid of the Lankan openers. Mendis and Chandimal then saw off the day but today will be their real test as the pitch would have deteriorated even more. The hosts will hope for this pair to bat as long as possible and release pressure for the batsmen to come. We are in for some great tussle between bat and bal |
| We're ready to get underway. The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis will continue their innings. Ravindra Jadeja will start the proceedings today morning. |
| 20.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Tosses it up on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.2 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Slower through the air, spinning away. The Lankan skipper lets it through to the keeper. |
| 20.3 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Flatter on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Quicker on off, Dinesh taps it towards covers for a run. |
| 20.5 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, EDGY FOUR! Fires it on off, gets it to turn away from the batsman. Mendis pokes at it and gets an outside edge and Pujara stationed at 2nd slip fails to react and it goes between the 1st and the 2nd slip for a boundary. Jadeja is not happy. That should have been taken. Che was standing too close. |
| 20.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Bowled on the pads, Mendis flicks it through the leg side for a couple. An eventful first over. |
| Umesh Yadav finally gets a go with the ball this innings. |
| 21.1 : U Yadav to D Chandimal, Induces an outside edge on his first delivery. Lands it on a length outside off, Chandimal tries to defend it but gets an outside edge on the bounce to second slip who dives to his right and stops the ball. |
| 21.2 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Back of a length on middle, Dinesh defends it off the back foot. |
| 21.3 : U Yadav to Chandimal, RIPPA! Fuller in length, swings away late. Chandimal tries to drive it but gets beaten. It almost took the edge. A great start by Yadav. |
| 21.4 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Good length on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.5 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Shorter in length on off, the batsman defends it solidly. |
| 21.6 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Fuller length outside off, Dinesh lets it through to the keeper. |
| 22.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, TURN AND BOUNCE! Flatter outside off, turns awaya and also bounces. Mendis first wants to play the cut but then pulls out. |
| 22.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.3 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Fires it on middle, turns away. Takes the outside edge of Mendis and on the bounce to first slip. |
| 22.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Shorter in length on off, Mendis punches it to point. |
| 22.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fullish length, Mendis drives it to mid off. |
| 22.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, JAFFA! Quicker on off, turning away. Mendis tries to defend it but gets beaten. That was very close to the outside edge. |
| 23.1 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Fullish in length, swinging into the batsman. Chandimal drives it back to the bowler. |
| 23.2 : U Yadav to Chandimal, Lands it on a length on middle, Chandimal taps it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 23.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Back of a length on off, Mendis pushes it to point. |
| 23.4 : U Yadav to K Mendis, EDGED AND SHORT! Length ball on off, Mendis tries to defend but gets an outside edge which falls just short of Rahul at second slip. He makes a good stop though. Mendis has been lucky uptil now. |
| 23.5 : U Yadav to Mendis, Good length outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to it. |
| 23.6 : U Yadav to Mendis, Sprays on the pads, Mendis flicks it towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 24.1 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, OUT! Jadeja gets his man! Good field placement by Virat there. Full ball on leg stump, Chandimal shuffles across and sweeps it straight to Pandya at backward square leg who takes an easy catch. He had that man positioned for the sweep and Chandimal hits it straight to him. An early wicket for India and it is of the skipper who is walking back to the hut. The visitors are ecstatic. |
| 0.0 : Angelo Mathews strides out to bat. These are testing time for Sri Lanka and they will need this experienced campaigner to fight it out in the middle. |
| 24.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, turning away. Mathews is beaten as he tries to defend, |
| 24.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Arm ball on off, Mathews defends it solidly. |
| 24.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Beaten again! Quicker on off, turning away. Mathews tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 24.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, DROPPED! Jadeja is causing all soughts of problems here. Fires it in on middle, turning away. Takes the outside edge of Mathews and goes to the left of second slip. Kohli positioned there first moves to his right and then dives low to his left gets a hand to it but could not hang on. Mathews gets a reprieve. |
| 24.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, FOUR! INNOVATION! Darts it on the stumps, Mathews paddles it through short fine for a boundary. |
| 25.1 : U Yadav to Mendis, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 25.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, CLOSE SHAVE! Lands it on a length on off, Mendis defends it off the bottom half and the ball bounces and hits him on the body and rolls just besides the stumps. Mendis does well to hit the ball away with his bat and not let it roll onto the stumps. |
| 25.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Lands it on a length on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 25.4 : U Yadav to Mendis, OUT! UMESH STRIKES! Kohli having dropped one makes no mistake this time. Umesh bowls it on leg stump, Mendis tries to flick but the ball stops on him and takes the outer half and lobs up tomid off, who pedals back and takes an easy catch. Sri Lanka are in dire straits here. |
| Niroshan Dickwella walks out to bat. |
| 25.5 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Back of a length on middle, Dickwella defends it off the back foot. |
| 25.6 : U Yadav to Dickwella, FOUR! Lovely timing! Full outside off, Dickwella leans into it and drives it through the covers for a boundary. He will play his shots. |
| 26.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 26.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, That has taken a chunck out of the wicket! Fires it on off, turning away also bounces a lot. Mathews tries to defend it but gets beaten. Saha does well to collect it. |
| 26.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 26.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Darts it in on middle, the batsman defends it solidly. |
| 26.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, FOUR! Good intent from Mathews! Shuffles across and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He picked his spot as there was no one out there. |
| 27.1 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Full outside off, driven off the inner half to mid on. |
| 27.2 : U Yadav to N Dickwella, Full outside off, driven on the up on the off side. Kohli at short cover drives and makes a good stop. |
| 27.3 : U Yadav to Dickwella, FOUR! Nicely done! Dickwella opens the face of the bat and nicely glides it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 27.4 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery around off, Niroshan gets on his toes and blocks it. |
| 27.5 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Length delivery, defended off the outer half to gully. |
| 27.6 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Angling into the batsman, played with the angle to mid on. |
| 28.1 : R Jadeja to A Mathews, Plays it with the spin towards mid off for a run. |
| 28.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dances down the track and flicks it to the left of mid on for a run. |
| 28.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews defends it solidly. |
| 28.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on leg stump, Angelo taps it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 28.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR! Dickwella will continue playing his shots. Walks across and sweeps it fine through the leg side for a boundary. If he would have missed that he would have been a dead duck. |
| 28.6 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Brings out the sweep shot again but this time the ball hits the back of the short leg fielder who was taking evasive action and the ball lobs towards square leg for a run. |
| 29.1 : U Yadav to Dickwella, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 29.2 : U Yadav to Dickwella, Bangs it in short on leg stump, Dickwella tucks it towards the leg side for a run. |
| 29.3 : U Yadav to Mathews, Huge appeal! Fullish length tailing back in on leg stump, Mathews tries to flick it but misses and is struck on the pads. The Indians appeal but the umpire gives it not out. It must be missing leg. |
| 29.4 : U Yadav to Mathews, Just ahead of a length on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.5 : U Yadav to Mathews, Good length on middle, Mathews works it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.6 : U Yadav to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews drives it back to umesh who makes a good one hand stop to his right. He mimes to throw it back on the stumps but does not. Good aggression from Umesh. |
| 30.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Shorter outside off, turning back in. Dickwella taps it towards covers for a run. |
| 30.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Quicker on off, turning away. Mathews gets beaten. |
| 30.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on off, Mathews guides it on point. |
| 30.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Drags his length back on off, Angelo pushes it through the off side for a couple. |
| 30.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Darts it in on off, Mathews defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is now into the attack. Two slips, a leg slip and a silly point in place. |
| 31.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 31.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. Dickwella wanted a run but was sent back by Mathews. |
| 31.3 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Advances down the track and defends it. |
| 31.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Tosses it up on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.5 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Floats it on off, Mathews sweeps it uppishly to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 31.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, SIX! BANG! Great use of the feet. Runs down the track and hits it over the long off fence for a maximum. |
| 32.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Shorter in length on off, Mathews cuts it to point. |
| 32.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, SIX! TOP SHOT! A lot fuller on leg stump, Mathews picks it up over mid onfor another maximum. |
| 32.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, turning away. Mathews tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 32.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on middle, skids into the batsman, Mathews flicks it on the leg side for a run. |
| 32.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Sweeps it uppishly with the spin towards deep square leg for a run. |
| 32.6 : Jadeja to Mathews, SIX! BOOM! Counter attack from the ex-skipper. Fires it on off, Mathews moves his front leg out of the way and smacks it straight over the fence for a huge maximum. |
| Long off in place now. |
| 33.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Flatter on leg stump, turning away. Dickwella gets it off the outer half towards point. |
| 33.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, FOUR! Raining boundaries here. Shorter in length outside off, Dickwella cuts it through covers and the ball races to the fence. |
| 50-run stand is up! |
| 33.3 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Fires it on middle, Dickwella defends it off the back foot. |
| 33.4 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Brings out the sweep this time, but hits it uppishly wide of the man at deep backward square leg who does well to pull it back just before the boudnary. The batsmen take two. |
| 33.5 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Straighter one on leg stump, Niroshan plays it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| Pujara has take a stunner at leg gully. The umpire though wants to check it upstairs. However, the soft signal is 'out'. |
| 33.6 : R Ashwin to Mathews, OUT! Sensational from Pujara! Great reflex catch there. Mathews can't believe it. Ashwin floats it on off, Angelo plays it with the spin towards leg gully where Pujara dives low to his left and takes an excellent one-handed catch. He starts walking back but the umpires ask him to stop. They go upstairs to check whether it is a clean catch or not. The replays show that he has taken that cleanly and Mathews has to walk back. Sri Lanka have half their side back in the hu |
| Drinks break! Sri Lanka have lost half their side but are still 505 runs behind. They will have to pull something magical and also will need a lot of fortune if they want to get anything from this match. India would be looking to continue the same. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in. |
| 34.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 34.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR BYES! Tries to play the reverse sweep but Jadeja fires it down the leg side. It misses everything and races down to the fine leg boundary. |
| 34.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 34.4 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Advances down the track and clips it to mid on to rotate strike. |
| 34.5 : R Jadeja to Silva, OUT! 150th Test wicket for Jadeja! He is the second fastest Indian to do so. Quicker on middle, turning away. De Silva tries to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten by the turn and the ball takes the off pole. That was a beautiful delivery. Not a good return for Dhananjaya as he bags a golden duck. There was no foot movement by him. Sri Lankan batsmen are falling like a pack of cards. Jadeja gets his third. |
| Dilruwan Perera walks out to bat. |
| 34.6 : R Jadeja to D Perera, Fires it on off, Perera drives it to mid off. |
| 35.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Tosses it outside off, Dickwella tries to sweep but misses and is struck on the pads. |
| 35.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Dickwella brings out the sweep shot but gets beaten by the turn. |
| 35.3 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 35.4 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Quicker on off, Dickwella guides it to point. |
| 35.5 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Connects with the sweep this time to deep square leg for a run. |
| 35.6 : R Ashwin to Perera, Drags his length back a little, Perera defends it off the back foot. |
| 36.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Spinning into the pads, Niroshan kneels down across and sweeps it to square leg. |
| 36.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR! Good use of the feet! Once again Dickwella dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and clubs it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 36.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dickwella goes back to punch but gets cramped for room by the ball spinning in. Adjusts well and defends it on the off side. |
| 36.4 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR! Another one! Dickwella is doing well here to get Jadeja off his lines and lengths. Kneels down and slog sweeps it over backward square leg for a boundary. He moves into the forties! |
| 36.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, This time ND fails to sweep it cleanly, the ball gets stop by leg gully. |
| 36.6 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dickwella gets forward and eases it down to long on for a single. |
| 37.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Spinning away, punched with the spin to covers. |
| 37.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 37.3 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, FOUR! Handsome! Fuller delivery on middle, Dickwella kneels down and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 37.4 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Ashwin comes from around the wicket, spinning away, ND goes back and taps it in the cover region for a single. |
| 37.5 : R Ashwin to Perera, Perera prods forward to defend but gets it off the inner half and onto the pads. |
| 37.6 : R Ashwin to Perera, SIX! Into the stands! Game plan from Sri Lanka is clear, to go after the Indian bowling. This time it's Perera who gives the charge. Dances down and clobbers it over long on for a biggie. |
| 38.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Niroshan shapes to reverse sweep but gets it off the toe end through mid off for a single. |
| 38.2 : Jadeja to Perera, A muted appeal! Served around off, spinning away, Dilruwan feels for it but gets beaten on the outside edge. There's some sound as the ball passes the bat. The replays show that it was of the bat hitting the pad there. |
| 38.3 : R Jadeja to Perera, Outside off, spinning away, Perera goes back to cut but the away turn and extra bounce does him in. |
| 38.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, DP stays back in the crease and blocks it well. |
| 38.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, Eased through mid on for a single. |
| 38.6 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Spinning into the pads, Dickwella shimmies across and flicks it on the leg side for a single. |
| 39.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Another half century for Dickwella! His fastest one! He once again kneels down and plays a controlled sweep in front of square on the legs side for a single. |
| 0.0 : 5th Test fifty up for Niroshan Dickwella. |
| 39.2 : R Ashwin to Perera, Defended with the turn on the leg side. |
| 39.3 : R Ashwin to Perera, Shortish delivery outside off, spinning in, Perera goes back and punches it through covers for a brace. Good running! |
| 39.4 : R Ashwin to Perera, Missed chance! Spinning in from around off. Perera looks to defend but misses and the ball goes off the pads behind. He loses his balance and falls out of the crease. Saha though fails to collect the ball due to that deflection and the chance goes begging. Ashwin appealed for lbw too but it was turned down. |
| 39.5 : R Ashwin to Perera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 39.6 : Ashwin to Perera, Stifled appeal for a catch! Perera looks to defend with bat and pad close but the ball takes the pads and lobs to short leg. India appeal but the umpire stays put. The Snicko confirms no inside edge and glove being involved. |
| 40.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Spinning down leg, Dickwella gets across and lets it go at the last moment. |
| 40.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Played with the spin on the leg side. |
| 40.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Spinning into the pads, ND gets across and works it through square leg for a single. |
| 40.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, Outside off, watchful leave by the batsman. |
| 40.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, Spinning away from outside off, tapped to point. |
| 40.6 : R Jadeja to Perera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Mohammed Shami is into the attack. |
| 41.1 : Shami to N Dickwella, OUT! Dickwella oversmarts himself! Shami strikes with his first ball today. Niroshan kneels down and looks to scoop the length ball, gets a faint inside edge and it deflects onto the stumps. Such an unnecessary shot to play. He did all the hard work against the spinners, dealt with them nicely and in the end overdid himself. SRI LANKA ARE STILL 472 RUNS BEHIND! |
| 0.0 : Rangana Herath strides out to the middle. |
| 41.2 : M Shami to Herath, Back of a length delivery around off, angling in, Herath stands tall and blocks it away. |
| 41.3 : M Shami to Herath, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 41.4 : M Shami to Herath, Banged in short, Herath ducks under it and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 41.5 : M Shami to Herath, Shami comes from over the wicket, bowls a back of a length delivery, angling away. Herath mistimes his punch through covers and collects a brace. |
| 41.6 : Shami to R Herath, OUT! Timber! Shami on fire! The perfect delivery for a tailender. He comes steaming in and spears it very full on middle and off, tails in sharply too. Herath is yorked and sees his woodwork disturbed. India just a couple wickets away from bowling out the hosts, depending on whether Pradeep comes out to bat. |
| Malinda Pushpakumara comes into bat. |
| 42.1 : R Jadeja to Perera, Advances down the track and pads it. The ball lobs towards second slip who collects the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Had he hit it would have been interesting. |
| 42.2 : R Jadeja to Perera, Very full on middle, Perera digs it out well. |
| 42.3 : R Jadeja to Perera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 42.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, FOUR! Dilruwan sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary. He used the pace well there. |
| 42.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. Shorter in length outside off, Perera cuts it through cover-point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 42.6 : R Jadeja to Perera, Full outside off, Dilruwan drives it through mid off for a run. |
| 43.1 : M Shami to Perera, Lands it on a length on off, Perera defends it off the front foot. |
| 43.2 : M Shami to Perera, Good length on middle, Perera tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The Indians appeal but the umpire gives it not out. The ball rolls on the off side and the batsmen take a run. |
| 43.3 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 43.4 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Bangs it in short on middle, Pushpakumara tries to evade it but the ball hits his chest and lobs to second slip. |
| 43.5 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Bowls it on a length on off, Malinda defends it solidly. |
| 43.6 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Just ahead of a length on middle, Pushpakumara defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 44.1 : R Jadeja to Perera, Bowls it wide outside off, Perera drives it through covers for a run. |
| 44.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it full on middle, Pushpakumara gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 44.3 : R Jadeja to Perera, Flatter outside off, Perera lets it through to the keeper. |
| 44.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, FOUR! He is continuing from where he left in Galle. Perera plays the slog sweep through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 44.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 44.6 : R Jadeja to Perera, Quicker on off, gets vicious turn away form the batsman. Perera tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 45.1 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Back of a length on off, Malinda guides it to point. |
| 45.2 : M Shami to M Pushpakumara, Brilliant work from Jadeja! Full by Shami. Malinda drives it towards mid off where Ravindra dives to his right and makes a good stop. The batsmen take a run. |
| 45.3 : M Shami to Perera, Good length on off, Perera defends it solidly. |
| 45.4 : M Shami to Perera, Very full on middle, Dilruwan flicks it towards mid on for a run. |
| 45.5 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Sprays on the pads, Pushpakumara flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 45.6 : M Shami to Perera, Bangs it in short on off, Perera lets it through to the keeper. |
| 46.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Quicker through the air around off, spinning away sharply. Pushpakumara prods forward to defend but the away spin and sharp bounce does him in. |
| 46.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 46.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 46.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Malinda gets behind the line of the delivery and defends. |
| 46.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, A touch shorter and spinning away, punched off the back foot to mid on. |
| 46.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, MP prods forward and blocks it away. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is brought back into the attack. |
| 47.1 : R Ashwin to Perera, Tossed up nicely around off, Dilruwan leans ahead to defend. |
| 47.2 : Ashwin to D Perera, OUT! Ashwin gets through Perera's defence. Does him in with flight. Lands it around off, Dilruwan looks to push it on the off side but plays down the wrong line. The ball goes past the inside edge and shatters the woodwork. 4th of the innings for Ashwin. He is continuing his good run. |
| Nuwan Pradeep the last man comes out to bat. With only two minutes left before lunch if the last wicket does not fall in that time the session will be extended. |
| 47.3 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, Pradeep prods forward and defends. |
| 47.4 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 47.5 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, Slower through the air around off, Pradeep presents a front foot defence. |
| 47.6 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, Nuwan sees off the over watchfully. Bends forward and blocks it again. |
| 48.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, SIX! Slogged down the ground! Pushpakumara makes room and slogs the fuller delivery straight down the ground for a maximum. Take that Jaddu, says Malinda! |
| 48.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Malinda now goes for the sweep against the turn but misses this time. |
| 48.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, FOUR! Dropped and a boundary! Served fuller around off, spinning away. Pushpakumara goes for the slog again. Gets it off the toe end over mid on. Yadav there backpedals, gets both hands to it but ends up spilling it. The ball trickles to the fence behind. That was a difficult chance though! |
| 48.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Tossed up around off, spinning away, MP feels for it but gets beaten. |
| 48.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Pushpakumara gets across and works it on the leg side for a run. |
| 48.6 : R Jadeja to N Pradeep, Pradeep prods forward in defence but gets a soft outside edge to second slip. |
| 49.1 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 49.2 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Pushpakumara dances down the track, but Ashwin cramps him for room by bowling an off spinner on the shorter side around off. Malinda adjusts well and chops it to point. |
| 49.3 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Pushpakumara dances down the track and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 49.4 : Ashwin to N Pradeep, OUT! Dragged on! 26th fifer for Ashwin! He tosses it up outside off, Pradeep plants his front foot across and after feeling that the ball won't spin much tries to leave it. However, he is late in it and the ball takes the inside edge and rattles the stumps. That's the end of the Sri Lankan innings. THEY ARE BUNDLED OUT FOR 183! This is their lowest score against India at the SSC. |
| So Sri Lanka have been bundled out for 183. The Indian bowlers have made short work of the Sri Lankan batting line-up. They trail by 439 and INDIA HAVE ENFORCED THE FOLLOW-ON. |
| The visitors started the day by taking Chandimal and Mendis quickly. Dickwella and Mathews tried to counter attack but a brilliant catch to dismiss the latter and a false shot by the former got the better of them. For India, Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers bagging a 5-fer and he was well supported by the rest with everyone taking a wicket at least. On a wicket which is providing a lot of assistance to the bowlers we just might see the visitors clinching the series today. Join us |
| 0.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Full and wide outside off, Karunaratne keeps the bat inside the line and leaves it. |
| 0.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Very full around off, driven to mid off. Kohli there slips a touch while fielding but holds on to the ball. |
| 0.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, nipping back in a touch, tucked through square leg. Dimuth is alert and sprints back for the second. |
| 0.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Full around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 0.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Length delivery, angling away, Karunaratne once again keeps the bat inside the line and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 0.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Angling away from Karunaratne, he pokes at it with soft hands, gets it off the outer half in the third man region for a brace. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin to share the new cherry as expected! Two slips, a silly point and a short leg in place. |
| 1.1 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Full outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 1.2 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 1.3 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 1.4 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 1.5 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Tossed up slower through the air, spinning away. Upul prods forward to defend but gets beaten by the away turn. |
| 1.6 : R Ashwin to Tharanga, Tharanga covers the line of the ball and blocks it neatly. |
| 2.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, Karunaratne slashes at it but misses. |
| 2.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On a length around middle and leg, defended down the track. |
| 2.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Straying on the pads, flicked on the leg side for a single. |
| 2.4 : U Yadav to Tharanga, A touch behind good length around middle and leg, Tharanga stays in the crease and defends. |
| 2.5 : U Yadav to Tharanga, Back of a length delivery, angling away, Tharanga plays it on the up through covers for a brace. He is off the pair and will be a relieved person. |
| 2.6 : U Yadav to Tharanga, OUT! Cleaned up! Yadav gets his man. Tharanga's dismal match ends. Umesh comes steaming in and bowls an inswinger around middle and off. Upul looks to drive, leaving a big gap between bat and pad. It's enough for the cherry to sneak through and rattle the stumps. Yadav draws first blood. 9th wicket in the day already! |
| Kusal Mendis walks out to bat. Let's see how much resistance can he provide? |
| 3.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 3.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne dances down the track, gets beaten by flight and turn and gets hit on the pads. |
| 3.3 : Ashwin to Karunaratne, Appeal for lbw! Turned down though! Sliding into the pads, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses and is struck on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. Was there an inside edge? Replays doesn't confirm it but the Hawk Eye shows it to be going down leg. |
| 3.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Flicked away in style! Karunaratne gets half forward and flicks it away and gets it through cow corner for a boundary. |
| 3.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Dimuth pokes at the off spinner but gets squared up by the away turn and is beaten. |
| 3.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 4.1 : U Yadav to Mendis, No run. |
| 4.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, Angling into the batsman, nudged in front of square on the leg side. |
| 4.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Back of a length delivery, KM gets behind it and blocks it. |
| 4.4 : U Yadav to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 4.5 : U Yadav to Mendis, On a length outside off, Mendis feels for it but gets his bat inside the line at the last moment. |
| 4.6 : U Yadav to Mendis, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 5.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, No run. |
| 5.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Streaky boundary! Tries to play the reverse sweep but goes off his glove over first slip and the ball races to the fence. |
| 5.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 5.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 5.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on the stumps, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot. |
| 5.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin through covers for a single. |
| 6.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, FOUR! Handsome! Short and angling away, Karunaratne rides the bounce and pulls it with authority through forward square leg for a boundary. |
| 6.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone. |
| 6.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On a length on middle and off, defended off the toe end on the off side. |
| 6.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Length delivery around leg, Dimuth stays in the crease, watches it till the last moment and blocks it into the deck. |
| 6.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Another back foot defence presented by Karunaratne. |
| 6.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Wide outside off, angling away, Karunaratne wisely leaves it. |
| 7.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Tossed up on middle and off, Mendis gets ahead and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 7.2 : R Ashwin to K Mendis, Kusal eases the fuller delivery down to long on for a single. |
| 7.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Appeal for lbw! Sliding down leg, Karunaratne dances down and takes it on the pads. The player appeals but the umpire stays put. The Hawk Eye shows that Dimuth was more than 3 metres down the pitch and it would have been umpire's call had they taken a review. |
| 7.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flicked square of the wicket on the leg side for a single. |
| 7.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Dropped! Loopy delivery around off, Mendis dances down and looks to hoick it on the leg side. Gets it off the toe end towards mid on. Dhawan stationed there, fails to get his fingers underneath the cherry and ends up dropping it. That should have been taken. Mendis gets a life on 1! |
| 7.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Mohammed Shami is into the attack. |
| 8.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length on off, Dimuth defends it off the back foot. |
| 8.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Back of a length angling into the batsman, Karunaratne defends it nicely. |
| 8.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, FOUR! Angles it into the pads, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg. Ashwin runs to his right from fine leg and dives but in vain as the ball is in contact with him as he touches the boundary. |
| 8.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 8.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Slower ball outside off, Dimuth lets it through to the keeper. |
| 8.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Good length outside off, the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 9.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Tosses it up on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 9.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! Poor by Dhawan. He has not had the best time in field. Mendis comes down the track and drives it down the ground. Shikhar runs to his left and dives but is not able to stop the ball and it races to the long on fence. |
| 9.3 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! Good intent by Mendis here! He uses his feet and goes over mid-wicket with the spin for another boundary. |
| 9.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Dances down the ground, and drives it to long on for a run. |
| 9.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has driven that ball straight back. |
| 9.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Third boundary of the over. Slower through the air on off, turning away. Dimuth waits and guides it through short third man for a boundary. |
| 10.1 : M Shami to Mendis, Angles it on the pads, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket. Ashwin gives it chase and stops the ball inside the boundary. Three taken from the batsmen. |
| 10.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Back of a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 10.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, A tad fuller on off, the batsman drives it to mid on. |
| 10.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, A tad shorter outside off, Karunaratne cuts it towards deep point for a run. |
| 10.5 : M Shami to Mendis, Good length on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 10.6 : M Shami to Mendis, Just behind a length on off, Mendis defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack. |
| 11.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Uses his feet and drives it to mid on. |
| 11.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, FOUR! That is one way to counter the spin! Brings out the reverse sweep and hits it over the backward point fielder and the ball races to the fence. |
| 11.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Dances down the track and drives it towards mid on for a run. |
| 11.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fuller in length on off, Mendis drives it to covers. |
| 11.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker on off, turning away. Mendis watchfully defends it. |
| 11.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Fires it on middle, Mendis goes down on one knee and slog sweeps it over mid on for a boundary. |
| The umpire checks the shape of the ball |
| 12.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up outside off, Dimuth tries to drive but misses and the ball hits the gloves of the keeper and lobs to Pujara. |
| 12.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on middle, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flighted ball on off, Dimuth waits for it to turn and defends it. |
| 12.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot. |
| 12.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on leg stump, Karunaratne gets a leading edge to mid on. |
| 13.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fires it on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter outside off, Kusal lets it through to the keeper. |
| 13.3 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Shorter in length outside off, Mendis cuts it towards point. Where Mukund the subsitute makes a good stop diving to his right. |
| 13.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker on off, gets some vicious turn away from the batsman who gets beaten while trying to defend. |
| Once again Kohli points out something to the umprie about the ball. |
| 13.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Darts it on middle, Mendis defends if by covering the line of the ball. |
| 13.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Bowls it on off, turning away. Mendis tries to defend but misses. There is a big shout for a caught behind from the bowler but the umpire stays put. |
| 14.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Very full on middle, Karunaratne tries to sweep but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls on the leg side. |
| 14.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 14.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, How many times have we seen this today? Tosses it on off, turning away. Dimuth tries to defend it gets beaten. |
| 14.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter outside off, Karunaratne tries to cut but gets beaten. |
| 14.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Similar length and similar shot but this time Karunaratne's bottom edge is beaten. |
| 15.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Jadeja tosses it up on off, Kusal sweeps it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 15.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker on middle, Mendis defends it safely. |
| 15.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter on off, turning away from the batsman. Kusal first plays at it but then opts out of the shot. |
| 15.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, TURN AND BOUCNE! Bowls it on off, turns away and bounces. Mendis tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 15.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 15.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Shorter outside off, Mendis goes to cut but then pulls out as the ball turns sharply. |
| Drinks break! |
| 16.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, Karunaratne kneels down and sweeps it cheekily fine down the leg side for a brace. |
| 0.0 : 50-run stand between Karunaratne and Mendis is up! |
| 16.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around off, straightens a touch with extra bounce. Dimuth looks to defend by leaning ahead but the ball bounces a touch extra and hits him on the gloves. |
| 16.3 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Full around off, milked down to long off for a single. |
| 16.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! Short and punished! Ashwin drags his length back, spinning in, Mendis gets down on one knee and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. Well adjusted by Kusal! |
| 16.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Fuller on the stumps, swept on the leg side for a single. |
| 16.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drifting on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket. There's a big gap there and a triple is collected with ease. |
| 17.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Sliding into the pads, clipped on the leg side for a single. |
| 17.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Outside off, left alone. |
| 17.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Outside off, spinning away, Mendis watches it carefully and makes another leave. |
| 17.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 17.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Grip and turn! Tossed up outside off, spinning away, Mendis prods ahead to defend but the sharp turn beats his outside edge. |
| Kusal Mendis is confident and has reviewed his decision of being given out caught behind. He tells his partner that it brushed off the thigh pad. |
| 17.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, No run. |
| 18.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, No run. |
| 18.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 18.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around off, spinning in, chopped to point. |
| 18.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne prods ahead and blocks it away. |
| 18.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone. |
| 19.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Punched away! Landed outside off, spinning away, Mendis goes back and cracks it through covers for a boundary. |
| 19.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Mendis prods forward to defend but the away spin beats him on the outside edge. |
| 19.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Cut away! Short outside off, spinning away, Mendis goes back and spanks it through square on the off side for a boundary. |
| 19.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Third in the over! This time on the leg side. Mendis kneels down and sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary. He is taking the attack to Jadeja here! |
| 19.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Just a tickle! Sliding down leg, Mendis stays in the crease and nudges it fine down the leg side for a boundary. Fourth one of the over, what an over it is turning out to be! |
| 19.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Mendis prods ahead, pushes it to covers and takes off for a quick single but is sent back by his partner in time. |
| 20.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it on off, Dmiuth drives it to mid off. |
| 20.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Advances down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 20.3 : R Ashwin to K Mendis, Bowls it shorter in length, Mendis pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| There is a referral for a run out at the non striker's end. Direct hits are always close. |
| 20.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drags his length back, Dimuth waits for the ball to spin and plays it towards sweeper cover and sets off for a run. Umesh stationed there collects the ball and scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The Indians appeal and the umpire goes upstairs. Replays show that he has made his ground. A single added. |
| 20.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Plays a sweep through the leg side fora run. |
| 20.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drifts it on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| Kusal Mendis is receiving some treatment on his right leg. So a slight halt in play. |
| 21.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Spinning into the pads, flicked to long leg for a single. |
| 21.2 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Full outside off, driven to covers. |
| 21.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Towards the fence! Flatter and fuller around off, spinning away, Mendis kneels down and sweeps it off the toe end wide of mid on for a boundary. |
| 21.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, This time Mendis finds the deep mid-wicket fielder with his sweep. A single is taken. |
| 21.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 21.6 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, Flatter arm ball, skidding on, Mendis is a touch lat to get his bat down. Luckily, gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 22.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.2 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Full outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 22.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slanting onto the pads, nudged on the leg side. |
| 22.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slower through the air, spinning away. Invites Karunaratne to prod forward in defence but the ball spins away more than he expects and goes past his bat. Playing inside the line saved him there! |
| 22.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 22.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne covers the stumps and blocks it away. |
| 23.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Served around off, KM leans ahead and defends. |
| 23.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Fifty up for Mendis and 100 up for Sri Lanka! Kusal keeps going after Jadeja. Goes to sweep it against the spin, gets a top edge and the ball goes over the keeper and to the fence behind. Some counter-attacking cricket this! |
| 5th Test fifty up for Kusal Mendis. |
| 23.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman plays a sweep shot. They pick up a single. |
| 23.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Loud shout for lbw! Tossed up outside off, spinning in, Karunaratne gets across to work it on the leg side but misses and gets rapped on the pads. The players appeal loud and hard but the umpire isn't interested. Jadeja wants the review but Kohli's teammates suggest otherwise and they don't go for it. It turns out to be a good decision as the Hawk Eye shows the ball to be bouncing over the stumps. |
| 23.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Another appeal for lbw, but impact outside off. Karunaratne gets across to play it with the spin but misses and is pinged on the pads again. Another appeal induces but turned down again for the impact. |
| 23.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, That spun sharply! Landed around middle, spinning down leg viciously, left alone. |
| 24.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Tosses it up on off, turning back in. Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Works it with the spin to square leg. |
| 24.3 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Floats it outside off, turns back in sharply. Mendis plays it towards cover for a run. |
| 24.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 24.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Slower through the air on the pads. Dimuth tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. He brings up his fifty. It is a fighting knock from him and he still has a long way to go. |
| 13th Test fifty for Karunaratne. It also brings up the 100-run stand between the two. |
| 24.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Loopy ball outside off, Dimuth lets it through to the keeper. |
| Umesh Yadav is back into the attack. |
| 25.1 : U Yadav to Mendis, On a good length outside off, Mendis hangs his bat in the air but the ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 25.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 25.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Full outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 25.4 : U Yadav to Mendis, On a length outside off, tapped to point. |
| 25.5 : U Yadav to K Mendis, FOUR! Good length delivery wide outside off, flayed on the up through cover-point for a boundary. He is just growing in confidence. |
| 25.6 : U Yadav to Mendis, Full and tailing in around off, pushed down the track. |
| 26.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slower through the air on middle and leg, defended down the track. |
| 26.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Around leg, Karunaratne kneels down and paddle sweeps through to fine leg for a brace. |
| 26.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tossed up around middle and off, spinning away, left alone. |
| 26.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Spinning away from the batsman, Dimuth goes back and cracks it through covers for a single. |
| 26.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Served outside off, spinning in, worked to short leg. |
| 26.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Mendis prods forward to defend but the in-spinning delivery takes the inside edge and goes behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 27.1 : U Yadav to Mendis, On the fuller side around off, Mendis stays strong and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 27.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, Length delivery around off, tapped to covers. |
| 27.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Angling into the batsman, Mendis shuffles across and tucks it through fine leg for a run. |
| 27.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On the thigh pad, nudged in the mid-wicket region. Kohli sprints towards the ball and scores with an underarm throw at the non-striker's end. But, the batsman is always in. |
| 27.5 : U Yadav to D Karunaratne, Fuller this time, pushed to mid on. |
| 27.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Flicked away past mid-wicket for a single. |
| 28.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around leg, spinning towards the middle, nudged off the back foot on the leg side. |
| 28.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served outside leg, padded away. |
| 28.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Once again it's served outside leg and DK takes it on the pads. |
| 28.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Ashwin fires it on middle, Karunaratne blocks it firmly. |
| 28.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around leg, Dimuth stays in his crease and tucks it towards short leg. |
| 28.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery, Karunaratne leans ahead and keeps it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 3! |
| What a turn of events! Finally a session in Sri Lanka's favour! But, they still trail by 321 runs. They lost Upul Tharanga early again but the stand between Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis has helped their team gain some momentum. Both the batsmen scored half centuries and have stretched their partnership to an unbeaten 111. Mendis is counter-attacking while Karunaratne is looking solid out in the middle. However, one wicket can turn things around. Can we witness a similar fight in the last |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne will carry on to fight it out for the home side. Umesh Yadav to continue. Here we go... |
| 29.1 : U Yadav to Mendis, Drifts it on the pads, Mendis flicks it through square leg for a couple. First runs of this session. |
| 29.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, A tad fuller on off, Mendis drives it to mid off. |
| 29.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Full outside off, Kusal drives it towards Kohli at covers who makes a good stop. |
| 29.4 : U Yadav to Mendis, Length outside off, Mendis guides it down to thrid man for a run. |
| 29.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Angles it onto the pads, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, FOUR! Poor line! Bowls it on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it fine down the leg side for a boundary. A good start to the session for Sri Lanka. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin will bowl form the other end. |
| 30.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Vicious bounce and turn there! Slower on leg stump, Mendis tries to tuck it on the leg side but the ball gets big on him and goes off the glove down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 0.0 : A leg gully comes in place. |
| 30.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, What was he doing there? Mendis first goes to play the reverse sweep but Ashwin fires the ball on leg stump. Kusal adjusts and defends it to short leg. |
| 30.3 : R Ashwin to Mendis, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 30.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 30.5 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Floats it on off, Karunaratne drives it to mid off. |
| 30.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, turning away. Karunaratne pads it away. |
| 31.1 : U Yadav to K Mendis, A tad fuller on off, Mendis drives it to covers. |
| 31.2 : U Yadav to Mendis, Good length on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.3 : U Yadav to Mendis, Short and wide outside off, Kusal cuts it towards cover-point for a run. |
| 31.4 : U Yadav to Mendis, Back of a length on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 31.5 : U Yadav to Mendis, Fullish length on off, Mendis drives it to mid off. |
| 31.6 : U Yadav to Mendis, Similar length on off, Mendis walks across and flicks it to mid on. |
| Finally, Kohli has his wish fulfilled. The umpires feel that the ball has lost his shape after it failing the 8-shape gauge test. And, the ball has now been replaced. |
| 32.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on middle, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, Dimuth drives it to covers. |
| 32.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Plays the paddle sweep down to fine leg for a run. |
| 32.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, FOUR! Nails the reverse sweep through the vacant point region for a boundary. |
| 32.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Plays the sweep shot this time down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 32.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Flatter on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 33.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, FOUR! Easy peasy! Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 33.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Bowled on leg stump, Dimuth flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 33.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Bowled on the pads, Dimuth misses the flick and is struck on the pads of the batsman. |
| 33.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 33.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Slower on the stumps, Dimuth flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 33.6 : U Yadav to Mendis, Bowls it on the middle, mendis flicks it to mid on. |
| 34.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on leg stump, Karunaratne drives it to mid on. |
| 34.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Quicker on off, Dimuth defends it on the front foot. |
| 34.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter outside off, Karunaratne pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 34.4 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Plays it with the spin through the leg side for a run. |
| 34.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, Karunaratne defends it solidly. |
| 34.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot |
| Ravindra Jadeja comes back into the attack. |
| 35.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Full on leg, clipped to mid-wicket. |
| 35.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Sweeps it towards square leg for a run. |
| 35.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 35.4 : R Jadeja to K Mendis, FOUR! Lovely shot! Full ball on off, Mendis drives it with the spin through covers for a boundary. |
| 35.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter on off, Mendis defends it solidly. |
| 35.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker on the stumps, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 36.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tosses it on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 36.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tries to play the sweep but misses and the ball hits him on his body. |
| 36.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The ball takes the outside edge goes towards the slip region. |
| 36.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drifts it on the pads, Dimuth flicks it towards the leg side for a run. |
| 36.5 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Sweeps it with the spin through square leg to change strike. |
| 36.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on the stumps, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, They have played the sweep to great effect! Goes down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a couple. |
| 37.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Quicker on off, Kusal defends it solidly. |
| 37.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Brings the sweep shot out again and gets a single at the square leg region. |
| 37.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Fires it on middle, Karunaratne defends it onto the ground. |
| 37.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flicks it with the spin towards square leg. |
| 38.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Flicks it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 38.2 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Works it with spin around the corner for a run. |
| 38.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Shorter and outside off, Karunaratne guides it to point. |
| 38.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Karunaratne defends it solidly. |
| 38.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Bowls it outside off, Dimuth lets it through to the keeper. |
| 38.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Angles it into the pads, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 39.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter on off, Mendis defends it watchfully. |
| 39.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fires it in on middle, Kusal works it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 39.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes down the track and defends it. |
| 39.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, The batsman comes down the track and tries to flick it but misses and the ball hits him on the pads. |
| 39.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin towards fine leg for a run. |
| 39.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Tosses it up on off, Mendis drives it through covers for a couple. 150 run stand is up between the two. These two are going along really well. |
| Mohammed Shami replaces Ashwin. |
| 40.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Full on the stumps, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 40.2 : M Shami to D Karunaratne, Full outside off, Dimuth pushes it to covers. |
| 40.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length outside off, Karunaratne lets it through to the keeper. |
| 40.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length on off, the batsman defends it watchfully. |
| 40.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, An absolute beauty! Length on off, straightens a bit. Dimuth pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 40.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, A loose ball outside off, Karunaratne shoulders his arms to it. |
| 41.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Fires it on middle, turning away. Mendis gets an outside edge towards short third man for a couple. |
| 0.0 : A gully comes in place for Mendis. |
| 41.2 : R Jadeja to Mendis, The batsman drives this through the covers. |
| 41.3 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Tries to play the sweep shot but gets beaten by the extra bounce. |
| 41.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter on off, Mendis defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 41.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 41.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 42.1 : M Shami to Mendis, Back of a length on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 42.2 : M Shami to Mendis, Good length on off, Mendis presses forward and defends it. |
| 42.3 : M Shami to Mendis, A tad fuller on off, Mendis drives it to mid on. |
| 42.4 : M Shami to Mendis, Bowls it on a length outside off, Mendis lets it through to the keeper. |
| 42.5 : M Shami to Mendis, Tight line from Shami. Another length ball on off, Mendis blocks it watchfully, |
| 42.6 : Shami to Mendis, Good length jags back in a touch. Mendis tries to flick but misses and the ball strikes his pads. There is a stifled appeal from the Indians but nothing from the umpire. |
| 43.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Works it with the spin to short leg. |
| 43.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 43.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Mistimes his reverse sweep towards point for a run. |
| 43.4 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Flatter outside off, turning away. Mendis tries to sweep but misses. |
| 43.5 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Tosses it up on middle, Kusal defends it on the front foot. |
| 43.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! Top shot! Fires it very full, Mendis any how manages to sweep it through mid-wicket for another boundary. |
| 44.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Shorter in length, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 44.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Bangs it in short, Karunaratne plays it down the leg side for a run. |
| 44.3 : M Shami to Mendis, Back of a length outside off, Mendis pushes it towards cover. |
| 44.4 : M Shami to Mendis, Drifts it on the pads, Mendis flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 44.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Shorter in length on the body of the batsman, Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 44.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, A tad fuller outside off, Mendis lets it through to the keeper. |
| Drinks time! |
| 45.1 : R Jadeja to Mendis, Full around off, spinning away, Mendis kneels down and sweeps it cleanly against the spin to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 0.0 : India looks confident in their appeal for caught behind but the umpire stays put. The visitors have referred it upstairs. Let's see... |
| 45.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, NOT OUT! Spinning down leg, Karunaratne goes back to work it on the leg side but misses. As it goes past him, some sound is heard. Saha collects and everyone start appealing their heart out. The umpire though stay unmoved. After a major discussion with the surrounding players, Kohli goes for the review. The Ultra Edge shows that the ball came off the back thigh. India lose both their review now. |
| 45.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flicked with the spin on the leg side. |
| 45.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Full around middle, Karunaratne reverse sweeps it through covers for a couple. |
| 45.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Dimuth stays in the crease, places it to mid on and takes a quick single. |
| 45.6 : R Jadeja to Mendis, FOUR! That's it! Kusal Mendis has scored a crucial century for his side. Take a bow, young lad! Kneels down and sweeps the fuller delivery hard through mid-wicket for a boundary. What an innings this has been! Shown his class, determination and mantle. His works is not done yet though. His team still trails by 263 runs. |
| 3rd Hundred for Kusal Mendis. |
| Hardik Pandya comes into the attack. |
| 46.1 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, A touch ahead of a length around middle and off, angling away, defended on the off side. |
| 46.2 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 46.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery around off, blocked off the back foot. |
| 46.4 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Fullish around off, driven to covers. |
| 46.5 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Length delivery, angling away, tapped to point for a single. |
| 46.6 : H Pandya to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Change of ends for Ravichandran Ashwin. |
| 47.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, pushed to covers. |
| 47.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sliding down the leg side, Dimuth looks to flick but misses. |
| 47.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, spinning away a shade, defended carefully. |
| 47.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Ball straightens a touch after pitching on middle. Karunaratne watches the ball till the last moment and keeps it out. |
| 47.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full on middle, DK presents another front foot defence. |
| 47.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Cracked it! Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne cashes on the width on offer. Camps back and spanks it through cover-point for a boundary. Solid shot, that! He moves to 79. |
| 48.1 : H Pandya to Mendis, Wide! Banged in short, but it's too high and it sails over the batsman's head. Wide is signalled. |
| H Pandya to Mendis, Flicked off the pads through square leg for a single. |
| 48.2 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Fuller on middle and off, defended neatly. |
| 48.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Pandya comes from around the wicket, bowls it on a length outside off, Dimuth glides it to third man for a single. |
| 48.4 : H Pandya to Mendis, Back of a length delivery, angling in, tucked off the thigh pad to fine leg for a single. |
| 48.5 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle and off, blocked away with ease. |
| 48.6 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Hardik comes steaming in and spears in a very full delivery around off, dug out to mid on. |
| 49.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Full on middle and leg, Mendis kneels down and sweeps it to fine leg for a single. He is playing that shot with such confidence by getting on top of that bounce reckons Gavaskar on air. |
| 49.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 49.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sliding down leg, worked on the leg side. |
| 49.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, pushed to mid off. |
| 49.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Slower through the air, pushed to covers. |
| 49.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Ashwin drags his length a touch back, Dimuth taps it on the off side. |
| 50.1 : H Pandya to Mendis, Back of a length delivery, angling in, tucked on the leg side. |
| 50.2 : H Pandya to Mendis, Straying on the pads, flicked to fine leg for a single. |
| 50.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, Karunaratne looks to slash it on the off side but gets cramped for room and beaten as well. |
| 50.4 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Full and angling in, clipped to mid-wicket. |
| 50.5 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone. |
| 50.6 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Once again Pandya goes for the yorker on the last ball of the over. Tails it in sharply around off, Karunaratne digs it out nicely. |
| 51.1 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Fuller around middle, spinning in, eased down to long on for a single. |
| 51.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full on middle and off, defended down the track. |
| 51.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 51.4 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 51.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sliding around middle and leg, milked down to long on for a single. |
| 51.6 : R Ashwin to Mendis, Leg spinner on middle, Mendis watches the ball till the last moment and keeps it out. |
| 52.1 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 52.2 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, No ball! On a good length outside off, Karunaratne defends it off the outer half from within the crease. He has overstepped on this occasion and the umpire calls 'no ball'. |
| H Pandya to Karunaratne, Pandya sprays it full and wide outside off, left alone. |
| 52.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Full around off, driven off the front foot to mid off. |
| 52.4 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Length delivery wide outside off, Karunaratne makes an easy leave. |
| 52.5 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, A touch ahead of a length on middle and off, Dimuth looks to defend it on the leg side but gets a soft leading edge back to the bowler. |
| 52.6 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery, angling in, jags back in as well. Karunaratne hops to defend but gets beaten. The ball lobs off the thigh pad in the slip cordon. |
| Mohammed Shami is back into the attack. |
| 53.1 : M Shami to Mendis, Very full and around off, dabbed with soft hands in the cover region for a single. |
| 53.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, A touch ahead of a length outside off, tapped to covers. |
| 53.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Straying on the pads, tucked through square leg for a brace. |
| 53.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Angling into the batsman, played with the angle to mid on. |
| 53.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Length delivery around off, angling in, Karunaratne hops a touch and tucks it to forward square leg. |
| 53.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Very full outside off, Dimuth like always is watchful and keeps it out. |
| 54.1 : H Pandya to K Mendis, FOUR! No ball! Pandya has overstepped again. Sprays a low full toss outside off, flayed through covers for a boundary. This is poor cricket from Hardik. |
| H Pandya to Mendis, Banged in short, Mendis ducks under it and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 54.2 : H Pandya to Mendis, Back of a length delivery, defended off the back foot. |
| 54.3 : H Pandya to Mendis, A touch fuller, Mendis leans ahead to defend. |
| 54.4 : H Pandya to Mendis, Length delivery outside off, Mendis hangs his bat in the air and blocks it. |
| They have referred to check whether the catch has carried to the keeper and also to check whether it has bounced before hitting the pads. The soft signal is out and India are quite confident about it. |
| 54.5 : H Pandya to Mendis, OUT! Hardik Pandya with the vital breakthrough! Bowls it a touch ahead of a length around off, angling in. Mendis prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge and lobs behind. Saha there, dives full stretch to his left and takes the catch. The Indians are excited and start celebrating. The umpire asks his partner whether the catch has been taken cleanly but then go upstairs, soft signal being 'out'. The replay shows that the catch is clean and Mendis's stay in the m |
| Malinda Pushpakumara the nightwatchman strides out to the middle. |
| 54.6 : H Pandya to Pushpakumara, Very full outside off, squeezed on the off side. |
| Ravindra Jadeja comes back into the attack. |
| 55.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Served around middle and off, Karunaratne looks to reverse sweep but misses and the ball lobs off the forearm and dies on the leg side. |
| 55.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, FOUR! Kohli makes mockery of himself. Moves a step to his right in anticipation and Dimuth's flick goes through his left, all the way to the fence for a boundary. Had Virat been in his original position, it could have been a catch. |
| 55.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne dances down the track and offers no shot at all. |
| 55.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 55.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Spinning into pads, flicked on the leg side. |
| 55.6 : R Jadeja to D Karunaratne, Dimuth prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is brought back into the attack. |
| 56.1 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Tosses it up on off, Pushpakumara lunges forward and defends it. |
| 56.2 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Floats it outside off, Malinda presses forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 56.3 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Slower through the air, turning into the batsman. Pushpakumara tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls towards short leg. Lucky it did not go up in the air. |
| 56.4 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Flatter on off this time. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 56.5 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Shorter outside off, Malinda guides it down to third man for a couple. |
| 56.6 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Bowls an off spinner down the leg side, the batsman pads it away. |
| 57.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flicked with the spin through square leg for a single. |
| 57.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Quicker through the air outside off, turns away with extra bounce. Malinda keeps the bat inside the line and sways from the danger. |
| 57.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Beaten again! Full outside off, spinning away, Pushpakumara feels for it but gets beaten. |
| 57.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Once again Malinda prods ahead in defence but the away turn beats him |
| 57.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Spinning away from Pushpakumara, he pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 57.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Full toss around off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 58.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Top shot! Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne goes back and smacks it through cover-point for a boundary. |
| 58.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Peach of a delivery! Loops it up nicely around off, Dimuth leans forward to defend but the ball spins away and goes past the outside edge. |
| 58.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sliding into the pads, defended on the off side. |
| 58.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 58.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Full around off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 58.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Dimuth prods forward and buries it into the surface. |
| 59.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Malinda keeps the bat inside the line and leaves the away spinning delivery. |
| 59.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Similar to the previous delivery. |
| 59.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Pushpakumara prods ahead and dead-bats it on the off side. |
| 59.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Outside off, turning away, Malinda once again keeps the bat inside the line and leaves it alone. |
| 59.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Soft outside edge! Served closer to the off pole this time, Pushpakumara once again presents a front foot defence with bat and pad close. It bounces a touch more, catches a faint outside edge and rolls towards gully. |
| 59.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Close shave to end the day! Jadeja darts an arm ball outside off, Pushpakumara prods ahead and once again lets it go by keeping the bat inside the line. He doesn't pick the straighter one at all but is lucky that the ball whizzes past the off stump. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| So, Sri Lanka are showing some character and fight to get back into the game courtesy two outstanding knocks from Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne. The duo scored a giant 191-run stand, in which the former scored a ton and the latter is unbeaten on 92. They still have a long way to go and it would take something special from their batting line-up to get something out of this game. |
| India on the other hand, toiled hard in the last two sessions of the day but Hardik Pandya provided them with an important breakthrough, ending the day on the high for them. They would want to come out tomorrow morning and take a few early wickets to set the game up for them. Join us for the 4th day of the Test tomorrow at 1000 local (0430 GMT). Till then, take care and cheers! |
| ...Day 4, Session 1... |
| Hello and welcome to the 4th day of the 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and India at SSC, Colombo. The Islanders will try and take inspiration from the Mendis-Karunaratne partnership and show some fight on a pitch which seems to have eased a little. They still trail by another 230 runs and will need a miracle to avoid defeat. |
| The Indian bowlers looked a little tired yesterday. They will be raring to go after a good night's rest and will look to bundle out the Sri Lankan batsmen as soon as possible. We are in for an action-packed day of Test cricket. Stay tuned. |
| PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold inspecting the pitch says that more than the pitch, it's more about the mental strength. Mentions that the pitch looks tired but there's plenty of wear and tear and the ball is still in the bowlers' court. Adds that the Lankan batsmen have to hang in there, trust their defence and try to tire out the Indian bowlers. |
| We are underway for this session. The players and the umpires are out in in the middle. Dimuth Karunaratne walks out with the nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara. Mohammed Shami to start the proceedings of the day with the ball. He has a a wide slip and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 60.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Starts off on a length on middle, Karunaratne tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 60.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, BEAUTY! Lands it on a length on off, straightens a touch. Dimuth pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 60.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Full and wide outside off, Karunaratne lets it through to the keeper. |
| 60.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lovely bowling from Shami! He has started off well here. Back of a length just outside off, Karunaratne tries to force it through the off side but gets beaten. |
| 60.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length outside off, Karunaratne shoulders his arms to it. |
| 60.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Good length on off, Karunaratne defends it watchfully. A testing over by Shami. |
| Ravindra Jadeja will bowl from the other end. He has a couple of slips and a silly point in place. |
| 61.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Bowls it wide outside off, Pushpakumara lets it through to the keeper. |
| 61.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Drags his length back, Malinda cuts it to point. |
| 61.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Flatter on off, turning away. Pushpakumara tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 61.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it on the pads, Malinda flicks it towards square leg. |
| 61.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, TURN AND BOUNCE! Darts it on off, gets a lot of turna nd bounce. Pushpakumara lunges forward and tries to defend but is beaten. |
| 61.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Bowls an arm ball on middle, Malinda defends it off the front foot. |
| 62.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Back of a length outside off, Karunaratne guides it down to thrid man for a run. |
| 62.2 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Full on off, Pushpakumara drives it beautifully to covers. |
| 62.3 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Good length angling into the batsman, Pushpakumara defends it solidly. |
| 62.4 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Shorter in length outside off, the batsman does well to evade it. |
| 62.5 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Sprays on the pads, Pushpakumara tries to flick it but the ball brushes the pads and goes down to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 62.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length on off, from around the wicket. Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 63.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Quicker on off, Pushpakumara defends it off the front foot. |
| 63.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Flatter on off, Malinda defends it watchfully. |
| 63.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Arm ball on off, Pushpakumara gets it off the inner half towards mid on to change strike. |
| 63.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Drags his length back outside off, Dimuth pushes it through cover-point for a run. |
| 63.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, FOUR! Streaky boundary. A risky shot shot that. Fires it on off, turning away. Pushpakumara opens the face of the bat and guides it between the two slips where Kohli dives to his right but does not get a hand to it and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 63.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, FOUR! SHOT! Tosses it up on middle, Pushpakumara hits it with authority over the mid on fielder for another boundary. |
| 64.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Full on off, Dimuth gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 64.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Back of a length on off, Karunaratne defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| Gavaskar on air mentions about Kohli's slip fielding. He once again committed the same mistake what he did a couple of times yesterday. His initial movement is always to his right. Also the little master mentions that he should bend a touch more than his usual stand. |
| 64.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length, straightens a touch. Dimuth pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 64.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Fuller on middle, Dimuth flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 64.5 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, Bangs it in short on middle, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 64.6 : M Shami to Pushpakumara, A tad fuller on middle, Pushpakumara flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Fires it down the leg side, Karunaratne lets it through to the keeper. |
| 65.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes down the track and drives it to mid on. |
| 65.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flatter outside off, Dimuth tries to sweep it but misses and the ball goes off the pad and on the bounce to first slip. |
| 65.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, DROPPED! Another one goes down. A sharp chance for Rahul. Jadeja bowls it on middle, Karunaratne flicks it uppishly with the spin to Lokesh at short leg who spills it. SHould have taken that he was standing a little behind than a normal short leg position. |
| 65.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, Karunratne gets it off the inner half down the ground for a run. |
| 65.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it on off, turning away. Pushpakumara tries to defend but gets beaten. |
| 66.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, Karunaratne defends it solidly. |
| 66.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Length ball angling into the batsman who flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 66.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length outside off, DImuth points his bat skywards and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 66.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 66.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Bangs it in short on middle, Karunaratne ducks under it. |
| 66.6 : M Shami to D Karunaratne, FOUR! Full and on middle, Karunaratne drives it through mid on for a boundary. He also brings up his century and what a knock it has been. He has had his luck but take nothing away from the will and determination he has shown out there. He still has a long way to go out there. |
| 6th Test ton for Dimuth Karunaratne! 4 of his 6 centuries have come in the second innings. This shows his character. |
| 67.1 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Vicious turn and bounce! Flatter on off, turns and bounce away from the batsman. Pushpakumara tries to defend it but gets beaten. |
| 67.2 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Again almost a replica of the last ball but this one did not quite bounce like the last one. |
| 67.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it on off, Pushpakumara guides it to point. |
| 67.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 67.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Third time in the over. Darts it in on middle, Pushpakumara who gets forward to defend it is beaten by the away turn. |
| 67.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Bowls a straighter one, Malinda prods forward and defends it. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin comes on to bowl. A slip, a gully and a silly point is there for him. |
| 68.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, WOW! That spit off the wicket! Tosses it up on off, turns and bounces away from the batsman. Karunaratne does well to get his gloves out of the way. |
| 68.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it on off, Karunaratne drives it to mid off. |
| 68.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flighted ball on off, Karunaratne drives it through cover-point for a run. |
| 68.4 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Good intent here from Pushpakumara! Slog sweeps it with the spin towards wide long on for a run. |
| 68.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Plays it with the angle through suqare leg for a run. |
| 68.6 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Loopy ball outside off, turning into the batsman who tries to guide it down to thrid man but it goes off the top of the bat to covers. |
| 69.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Karunaratne defends it watchfully. |
| 69.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, DImuth sweeps it with the spin towards deep square leg for a run. |
| 69.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it on middle, turning away from over the wicket. Pushpakumara tries to defend it but gets beaten. |
| 69.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, FOUR! He is really playing well here! Bowls it on the leg stump, Pushpakumara sweeps it against the spin through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 69.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Darts it on off, turning away. Malinda gets beaten. |
| 69.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 70.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Tossed up ball, Karunaratne paddle sweeps it through short fine leg for a run. |
| 70.2 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Slower through the air on off, Pushpakumara lunges forward and tries to defend but the ball spins into the batsman and hits him on the stomach. |
| 70.3 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 70.4 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, An appeal in desperation there! Floats it on off, turning into the batsman. Pushpakumara tries to defend it but the ball hits him on his pad and lobs to short leg who takes it easily. The Indians appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 70.5 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, Tries to sweep it but it goes off the pad to Kohli at leg slip. |
| 70.6 : R Ashwin to Pushpakumara, The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot. |
| 71.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 71.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Sweeps it with the spin to fine leg for a run. |
| 71.3 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Quicker on off, Malinda guides it to the slip cordon. |
| 71.4 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 71.5 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Fires it in on middle, Malinda defends it off the front foot. |
| 71.6 : R Jadeja to Pushpakumara, Darts it full on middle, Malinda awkwardly keeps it out. There is a muted apppeal from the Indians but nothing from the umpire. |
| 72.1 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Tosses it up on off, turning away. Karunaratne tries to defend but gets an outside edge through first slip for a run. |
| 72.2 : Ashwin to M Pushpakumara, OUT! Pushpakumara what have you done? That was a needless shot there. Malinda tries to bring the reverse sweep out. Ashwin bowls it quicker and full on leg stump and Pushpakumara misses and it hits the leg pole. He was playing so well only he would know why did he do that! India get their first wicket of the day and who else but Ashwin who provides it. |
| The Sri Lankan spinner Dinesh Chandimal strides out to bat. |
| 72.3 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Floats it outside off, turning in. Chandimal tries to defend it but gets beaten and is hit high on the pads. |
| 72.4 : R Ashwin to D Chandimal, EDGE BUT SAFE! Bowls a carrom ball on leg stump, Chandimal tries to flick it but gets a leading edge wide of first slip and they take a couple. |
| 72.5 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Floats it on off, Ashwin defends it off the front foot. |
| 72.6 : R Ashwin to Chandimal, Flicks it with the spin towards square leg. |
| 73.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Tries to sweep it with the spin but gets beaten and is hit on the pads. |
| 73.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Slower through the air, Karunaratne flicks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 73.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flicks it with the spin towards deep square leg for a run. |
| Chandimal moved away at the last moment as there was some disturbance in front of the sightscreen. Also, as he swayed away, it caught the edge of his willow and flied past the keeper. |
| 73.4 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, Flatter on off, Chandimal defends it off the front foot. |
| 73.5 : R Jadeja to Chandimal, OUT! Chandimal has to depart there! As the saying goes if you get one you soon get another one. Jadeja gets his first of the innings. Flatter on off, turning away. Chandimal pokes at it and gets an outside edge to Rahane at first slip who takes a good low catch diving to his right. A huge wicket for India. Has Pushpakumara's wicket opened the flood gates? Can they now trigger a collapse? |
| Angelo Mathews is the new man in. The going is getting tough and he needs to step up. Bring all his experience in the middle and show some resistance. |
| 73.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, WOW! That is unplayable. Fires it on leg stump, Mathews tries to defend it off the back foot but is beaten by the vicious away turn which misses the edge and the off stump. How on earth do you play that ball? You just have to hope that it misses everything. Brilliant from Jadeja. |
| 74.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around off, spinning away, Karunaratne stays in the crease. Looks to defend with a straight bat but the ball spins away and beats him. |
| 74.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Low full toss around off, Dimuth gets down on one knee and slogs sweeps it handsomely over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 74.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 74.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Spinning into the batsman, Mathews sweeps it nicely to deep mid-wicket for a single. He is off the mark. |
| 74.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Beaten! Slower through the air around off, spinning away, Karunaratne feels for it and gets beaten. |
| 74.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Sliding down leg, Dimuth goes back and plays across the line through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 75.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flicks it with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 75.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flater on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 75.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Things have started to happen here! Karunaratne's back foot just saved him. Tries to play a reverse sweep the ball takes the inside edge and hits his back foot. He should consider himslef a bit lucky as that was going onto hit the stumps. |
| 75.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Fires it down the leg side, Dimuth nudges it towards the on side. |
| 75.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Darts it down the leg side, Karunaratne tries to flick but misses it. |
| 75.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| Drinks time! India have got what they wanted, first a breakthrough and then rid of the opposition skipper. Pushpakumara was out to a poor shot selection while sharp turn got the better of Chandimal. The hosts are staring at the defeat and they need more stands like the Mendis-Karunaratne one. India are cruising through at the moment! |
| 76.1 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Tosses it up on off, Karunaratne gets it off the outside edge towards point for a run. |
| 76.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Comes down the track and drives it to long on for a run. |
| 76.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Floats it up on off, Dimuth drives it down to long off for a run. |
| 76.4 : Ashwin to A Mathews, Flighted ball outside off, turning in and also bounces. Angelo tries to play the sweep but the ball bounces and hits him on the chest and lobs besides the wicket. |
| 76.5 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 76.6 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Drags his length back a little, Mathews plays it towards short leg. |
| 77.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Comes down the track and gets it off the outer half through point for a run. |
| 77.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Tosses it up on middle, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 77.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews defends it solidly. |
| 77.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on leg stumnp, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 77.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Quicker on middle, Mathews defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 77.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, FOUR! The most effective shot to counter the spin. Jadeja darts it on middle, Mathews kneels down and sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 78.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Drives it with the spin through covers for a run. |
| 78.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Comes down the track and defends it off the front foot. |
| 78.3 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 78.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Sweeps it from outside off, to deep square leg for a run. |
| 78.5 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Karunaratne cuts it to deep point for a run. |
| 78.6 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Plays the sweep shot uppishly to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 79.1 : Jadeja to Mathews, FOUR! BANG! Full ball on middle, Mathews lofts it over the bowlers head for a boundary. Good by Mathews he has taken the aggressive approach. |
| 79.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, SIX! Over mid off this time. This is even better. Jadeja tosses it up on off, Mathews goes over the long off fence for a maximum. |
| 79.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Drags his length back a little, truning away. Mathews tries to play it through the off side but gets beaten. |
| 79.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Dabs it towards point. |
| 79.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Shorter in length outside off, Mathews cuts it to point. |
| 79.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, BRAVE LEAVE! Bowls an arm ball outside off, Mathews does not bother playing a shot at it and the ball goes relatively close to the off stump. |
| New ball is taken straightaway! Ashwin only will continue with it. |
| 80.1 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Served around off, straightens a touch, defended off the outer half on the off side. |
| 80.2 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, FOUR! Top shot! Full on middle and leg, flicked crisply through mid-wicket for a boundary. That was really a fine, fine shot! |
| 80.3 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Karunaratne prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 80.4 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 80.5 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Karunaratne dances down the track, fails to dig it out and gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 80.6 : R Ashwin to Karunaratne, Four Leg byes! Sliding down leg, Dimuth gets ahead to tickle it away but misses. The ball brushes the pads and rolls down to the fine leg fence. |
| 81.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Full outside off, spinning away, pushed to covers. |
| 81.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Mathews gets ahead and pushes it to covers. |
| 81.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Slanting into the pads, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 81.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Spinning into the pads, worked past short leg for a run. |
| 81.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flicked on the leg side from within the crease. |
| 81.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Mathews gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it. |
| Umesh Yadav finally gets a go with the ball today. It's a brand new cherry and he would look to make full use of it. |
| 82.1 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, On a good length around off, deviates away. Karunaratne pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Good start by Yadav, this! |
| 82.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Full around middle and off, pushed to mid off. |
| 82.3 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery around leg, defended by getting on his toes. |
| 82.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Yadav hits the deck hard again. Bowls it short of a good length, angling away, Karunaratne hangs his bat and taps it on the off side. |
| 82.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Goes a touch fuller this time, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 82.6 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Straying on the hips, tucked to fine leg for a single. |
| Kohli has gone back to the basics. He now brings on Mohammed Shami from the other end. First time in the match he will partner Umesh with the ball. |
| 83.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Fuller length around off, driven on the up to mid off. |
| 83.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Ouch! That nipped back in sharply! Shami comes in from around the wicket, lands it on a good length around off. The cherry jags back in and goes through Karunaratne's defence and hits him near the box area. |
| 83.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Angling into the batsman from a length, defended off the back foot. |
| 83.4 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Slightly fuller this time, DK prods ahead and taps it to covers. |
| 83.5 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Wide outside off on a length, Karunaratne bends his knees and cuts it through covers for a brace. |
| 83.6 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery, angling in, blocked into the deck. |
| 84.1 : U Yadav to Mathews, Back of a length delivery outside off, tapped on the off side. |
| 84.2 : U Yadav to Mathews, Fuller on the pads, Mathews flicks it flamingo style in front of square on the leg side for a brace. |
| 84.3 : U Yadav to Mathews, Edged but safe! A touch ahead of a length outside off, Mathews feels for it. Gets an outside edge but it's a soft one and goes on the bounce behind. Rahane at gully dives to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 84.4 : U Yadav to Mathews, A touch fuller again. Mathews leans ahead and defends. |
| 84.5 : U Yadav to Mathews, Appeal for lbw! Length delivery, angling in, nips in as well. Mathews hops back to play it across the line but misses and gets hit on the thigh. The players appeal but it's turned down. height might be the factor. The replay though shows that there was slight inside edge as well |
| 84.6 : U Yadav to Mathews, Outside off, left alone. |
| 85.1 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Very full around off, tailing in, driven to mid off. |
| 85.2 : M Shami to Karunaratne, Banged in short, angling into Karunaratne, he ducks under it and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 85.3 : M Shami to Karunaratne, FOUR! Beautiful, simply beautiful! Pitched up outside off, Karunaratne takes a stride forward, leans into the shot and just drive it on the up past diving Ashwin at mid off for a boundary. |
| 85.4 : M Shami to D Karunaratne, Shortish and wide outside off, Dimuth cuts it square of the wicket on the off side for a single. |
| 50-run stand is up between Mathews and Karunaratne! |
| 85.5 : M Shami to Mathews, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 85.6 : M Shami to Mathews, Quick single. Mathews stands tall to this short delivery, drops it in the cover region and calls Karunaratne through for a single. |
| 86.1 : U Yadav to Mathews, Back of a length delivery, defended from within the crease by Mathews. |
| 86.2 : U Yadav to Mathews, A touch fuller in length, played on the up to mid off. |
| 86.3 : U Yadav to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Jadeja has been seen warming up. |
| 86.4 : U Yadav to Mathews, Back of a length delivery, angling in, Mathews hops and nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single. Yadav is hitting the deck hard but not getting the purchase off it that he would like. |
| 86.5 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, A touch on the shorter of a length around off, angling away. Karunaratne pokes at it away from his body and taps it in the point region for a single. |
| 86.6 : U Yadav to A Mathews, Edged but safe again! On a good length around off, bounces a touch extra as well. Mathews looks to defend it but fails to counter the extra bounce. His bottom hand comes off as the ball hits the willow. It goes off the edge but on the bounce to Rahane at gully. |
| Ravindra Jadeja comes back into the attack. |
| 87.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 87.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne prods forward and defends it neatly. |
| 87.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Defended on the off side by leaning ahead. |
| 87.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne gets across, leans ahead to block with a straight bat on the leg side. |
| 87.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Dimuth takes a huge stride forward and across and keeps it out on the off side. |
| 87.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Spinning in from a length around off, Karunaratne stays back and plays with the spin on the leg side. |
| 88.1 : U Yadav to Mathews, Very full and tailing in on around off, flicked off the inner half wide of mid on for a single. |
| 88.2 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery, angling away, Karunaratne gets on his toes and dabs it behind square on the off side for a single. |
| 88.3 : U Yadav to Mathews, A touch shortish and wide outside off, Angelo cracks it square of the wicket on the off side for a single. |
| 88.4 : U Yadav to Karunaratne, A touch ahead of a length on middle and leg, turned on the leg side for a single. |
| 88.5 : U Yadav to Mathews, Length delivery outside off, Mathews defends it beside the track. |
| 88.6 : U Yadav to Mathews, Short and wide outside off, cut through backward point for a single. Both these batsmen are ticking along nicely now. |
| 89.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Tossed up outside off, spinning away, sliced towards backward point. It was in the air for a short while but no harm done. |
| 89.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 89.3 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Beaten! Turn and bounce once again beats the outside edge of Mathews, who prods forward in defence. |
| 89.4 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Sliding on with the arm, worked behind square on the leg side for a single. 300 up for Sri Lanka. They now trail by 139 runs! |
| 89.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flatter delivery around leg, Karunaratne looks to work it on the leg side but misses and the ball goes off the thigh pad to leg gully. |
| 89.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne stays in the crease and defends. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl the last over before lunch. |
| 90.1 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Tossed up outside off, Mathews kneels down and across to sweep but misses. Gets hit on the pads. |
| 90.2 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Mathews dances down the track, Ashwin sprays it quicker, cramps Angelo for room. The Lankan gets an inside edge and the ball goes off the pads on the off side. There's a stifled appeal too, which is turned down. A single is taken. |
| 90.3 : R Ashwin to D Karunaratne, Edged but just short! Sliding into the pads, squares up Karunaratne, who is early in closing the face of his bat. Gets an outside edge and the ball falls short of Rahane's outstretched left hand at first slip. The ball rolls behind and a single is taken. |
| 90.4 : R Ashwin to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 90.5 : R Ashwin to Mathews, Spinning into the batsman, Mathews prods forward to defend but gets it off the pads on the leg side. |
| 90.6 : R Ashwin to A Mathews, Edged but safe! Carrom ball around middle and off, spinning away with extra bounce. Mathews fails to pick it up and the extra bounce does him in as well. The ball lobs off the gloves and falls safely on the off side. Mathews survives and that shall be LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| We have just witnessed a terrific passage of play! Ravichandran Ashwin first provided India with the breakthrough and then Ravindra Jadeja scalped his first of the innings soon after. Both were bowling in tandem and wreaking havoc with some sharp spin and bounce. |
| As one thought that a couple of quick wickets would open the floodgates, Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne came up with something special. If the first hour belonged to India, the next one belonged to the hosts. The Mathews-Karunaratne stand is growing stronger but they still have a long way to go. The trail is 137 and a couple of quick wickets can run Sri Lanka out of this game. Join us shortly for the post-lunch session. |
| ...Day 4, Session 2... |
| The players are back from the lunch break. Mathews and Karunaratne will look to stretch their stand even further. Ravindra Jadeja to start the proceedings with a short leg, a leg slip and a slip in place. Here we go... |
| 91.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Starts off with a flatter delivery on leg stump, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 91.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Paddle sweeps it through short fine leg for a run. |
| 91.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Dimuth defends it watchfully. |
| 91.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Advances down the track and tries to flick but misses and it hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal from the Indians but nothing from the umpire. |
| 91.5 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 91.6 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Works it around the corner and retains strike for the next over. |
| Hardik Pandya will bowl from the other end. A wide slip in place for him. |
| 92.1 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Lands it on a length angling across the batsman. Dimuth defends it off the back foot. |
| 92.2 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Full and wide outside off, the batsman shoudlers his arms to it. |
| 92.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, BEAUTY! The change in angle almost does the job! Lands it on a length on off, straightens a touch. Dimuth pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 92.4 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Full on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 92.5 : H Pandya to Mathews, Sprays on the pads, Mathews tries to flick but misses the ball brushes the pads and rolls towards Saha who does well to dive to his left and stops the ball. |
| 92.6 : H Pandya to Mathews, Full and wide outside off, Mathews gets it off the toe end to covers. |
| 93.1 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Works it with the spin on the bounce to short leg. |
| 93.2 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Quicker on the pads, Karunaratne tries to flick it but misses and the ball hits him on the pads. |
| 93.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Karunaratne camps back and works it to FSL. |
| 93.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Bowls the leg stump line, Dimuth flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 93.5 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Fires it on middle, Mathews gets his bat down in time and pushes it to covers. |
| 93.6 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Darts it on middle, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 94.1 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Back of a length on off, Dimuth defends it off the back foot. |
| 94.2 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Bowls it outside off, the batsman does not fiddle with it. |
| 94.3 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Good length on off, Karunaratne defends it watchfully. |
| 94.4 : H Pandya to Karunaratne, Angles it into the pads, Dimuth flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 94.5 : H Pandya to Mathews, Angles it into the pads, Mathews misses the flick and the ball hits him on the pads. There is an appeal from Hardik but nothing from the umpire. |
| 94.6 : H Pandya to Mathews, Shorter in length outside off, Mathews guides it towards point for a run. |
| 95.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Very full ball, Mathews first thinks of sweeping but then bails out and defends it. |
| 95.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Drags his length back on the stumps, Mathews flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 95.3 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, Dances down the track and tries to flick it but misses and is struck on the pads. |
| 95.4 : R Jadeja to Karunaratne, OUT! The centurion has to depart! What a knock it has been from him. The Indians come upto him to congratulate Karunaratne as he walks off. It had to be a very good delivery to get him out. Flatter on leg stump, spits off the wicket. Karunaratne tries to defend it but the ball gets big on him and takes the glove and lobs behind the keeper. Rahane runs towards the ball from first slip and takes the easiest of catches. He could have done nothing with that ball. Half |
| Niroshan Dickwella walks out to bat. |
| 95.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Advances down the track and drives it to mid on. |
| 95.6 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Works it with the spin to the man at leg slip. |
| 96.1 : H Pandya to Mathews, Lands it on a length on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| 96.2 : H Pandya to Mathews, A tad fuller on middle, holds a touch off the surface. Mathews flicks it while taking his hand of the handle through square leg for a run. |
| 96.3 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Fuller on off, Dickwella drives it to covers. |
| 96.4 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Good length outside off, Nirsohan leavs it to the keeper. |
| A silly point comes in. |
| 96.5 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Good length straightens a bit. Dickwella first pokes at it but then keeps the bat inside the line and sways away from the ball. |
| 96.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 97.1 : R Jadeja to Mathews, FOUR! In the air... but safe and into the boundary. Tosses it up on off, Mathews tries to go inside out but slices it uppishly through cover-point and the ball races to the fence. |
| 97.2 : R Jadeja to Mathews, Flatter outside off, the ball stays low. Mathews goes for the cut but misses. |
| 97.3 : Jadeja to Mathews, OUT! Saha what a catch! He has been brilliant with the gloves on a wicket which has been bouncing and turning and does well to dismiss Mathews. The ball before this kept low and this one bounced more than Angelo expected. Fires it outside off, turning away. Mathews goes for the cut but the ball gets big on him and takes the outside edge to Saha who takes a good catch at chest height. The ex-skipper has to depart and this is a huge wicket. Another one bites the dust and |
| Dilruwan Perera is the new man in. |
| Dilruwan Perera is the new man in. He has been promoted above Dhananjaya de Silva this innings. |
| 97.4 : R Jadeja to Perera, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 97.5 : R Jadeja to Perera, Very full on off, Perera defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 97.6 : R Jadeja to D Perera, DROPPED! FOUR! Almost another wicket for Jadeja. He throws it full and wide outside off, Dilruwan goes for the drive but gets an outside edge between the first and the second slip. Kohli at second slip is late to react and throws a hand at it but only manages to get a finger tip to it and the ball races to the fence. Kohli is not having the best of times in the field. |
| 98.1 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Fuller this time outside off, angling in. It straightens a touch, squares up Dickwella and the outside edge goes through the gap in the point region for a single. |
| 98.2 : H Pandya to Perera, Very full on middle, pushed down the track. |
| 98.3 : H Pandya to Perera, Perera gets half forward and defends on the off side. |
| 98.4 : H Pandya to Perera, Length delivery around off, blocked from within the crease back to the bowler. |
| 98.5 : H Pandya to Perera, Banged in short. A surprise bouncer from Pandya and it does surprise Perera, who sways away from it at the last moment. |
| 98.6 : H Pandya to Perera, Brave leave! A cutter on a good length outside off, Perera plants his front foot across and then makes a leave. Luckily that ball doesn't cut him much and just goes past the stumps. |
| 99.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Plays the sweep shot through backward square leg for a run. |
| 99.2 : R Jadeja to Perera, Fires it on off, Dilruwan defends it off the front foot. |
| 99.3 : R Jadeja to Perera, OUT! Another one bites the dust! It is the Saha and Jadeja partnership again! Jadeja gets a 4-fer. Fires it on off, Dilruwan comes down the track and tries to go big but is beaten by the spin. Saha collects the ball and whips the bails out in a flash and Dilruwan is way down the wicket. Jadeja is ecstatic. India are just three wickets away from a win. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva strides out to bat. He has been demoted down the order and Arnold on air asks what it will do to his confidence? Remember, he is also on a pair. |
| 99.4 : R Jadeja to Silva, Flatter on off, de Silva defends it off the front foot. |
| 99.5 : R Jadeja to Silva, BEAUTY! Almost a replica of how he got out in the first innings. Darts it on middle, spinning away. De Silva pokes at it but gets beaten and the ball just misses the off pole. |
| 99.6 : R Jadeja to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 100.1 : H Pandya to Dickwella, FOUR! Good intent from Dickwella! He makes room and slashes at it and the ball flies over point for a boundary. |
| 100.2 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Lands it on a length on off, Dickwella defends it solidly. |
| 100.3 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Full on off, Niroshan drives it to covers. |
| 100.4 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Very full on middle, Niroshan does well to dig it out. |
| 100.5 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Lands it on a length outside off, Dickwella shoulders his arms to it. |
| 100.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Full on off, Dickwella shuffles across and flicks it to mid on. |
| 101.1 : R Jadeja to Silva, Fires it on middle, de Silva plays tries to sweep but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Had he misses he was a goner. |
| 101.2 : R Jadeja to Silva, FOUR! CRUNCHED! That was hit hard. Plays the sweep through mid-wicket for a boundary. He also avoids a pair with that boundary. |
| 101.3 : R Jadeja to Silva, Shorter outside off, the batsman guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 101.4 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it. |
| 101.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Sweeps it with the spin down to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 101.6 : R Jadeja to Silva, Bowls it outside off, turning away. De Silva lets it through to the keeper. |
| 102.1 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Slower ball on off, Dickwella defends it off the back foot. |
| 102.2 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Good length outside off, Dickwella lets it through to the keeper. |
| 102.3 : H Pandya to Dickwella, A tad fuller outside off, Niroshan drives it to cover-point. |
| 102.4 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Bangs it in short outside off, Dickwella tries to guide it down to third man but gets beaten. |
| 102.5 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Full and wide outside off, Dickwella lets it through to the keeper. |
| 102.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Full on off, Dickwella drives it to covers. |
| 103.1 : R Jadeja to Silva, FOUR! The sweep shot has been played to great affect by the Lankan batsmen. Fires it on middle, de SIlva sweeps it through square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 103.2 : R Jadeja to Silva, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries to de Silva. Short and wide outside off, he cuts it through cover-point for another boundary. |
| 103.3 : R Jadeja to Silva, FOUR! Three in a row! Paddle sweeps a low full toss down to the fine leg fence. 12 off the first three balls. The lead is now below 100. |
| 103.4 : R Jadeja to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 103.5 : R Jadeja to Silva, Flatter outside off, de Silva lets it through to the keeper. |
| 103.6 : R Jadeja to Silva, Bowls an arm ball on middle, de Silva defends it off the front foot. |
| 104.1 : H Pandya to N Dickwella, Lands it on a length, Dickwella gets it off the outer half to point. |
| 104.2 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Good length outside off, Dickwella guides it to gully. |
| 104.3 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Smart bowling by Pandya! Almost got Dickwella. Seeing Niroshan shuffle Pandya tries to bowl a leg stump yorker but sprays it down the leg side. Dickwella misses the flick and Saha does well to dive to his right and collect it. |
| 104.4 : H Pandya to N Dickwella, Bangs it in short outside off, Niroshan cuts it to point. |
| 104.5 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Bowls an extremly slow ball outside off, Niroshan lets it through to the keeper. |
| 104.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Back of a length on middle, Niroshan defends it off the back foot. |
| Time for Drinks. India have managed to pick 4 wickets after the break and are now inching closer to victory. |
| 105.1 : R Jadeja to Silva, Served fuller outside off, de Silva goes for the paddle sweep but gets a top edge off the toe end and the ball lobs beside the track on the off side. First, there was a silly point in place for him but after getting hit for three boundaries, Kohli had taken him off. Had he been there, it would have been a dolly catch. |
| 0.0 : India just need three wickets more and Kohli has placed a deep backward square leg, long on and a deep mid-wicket. |
| 105.2 : R Jadeja to Silva, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 105.3 : R Jadeja to Silva, De Silva prods forward and blocks it away. |
| They have gone upstairs to check whether the catch has carried to Ajinkya Rahane at first slip. The soft signal is out. De Silva is man in question. |
| 105.4 : R Jadeja to de Silva, OUT! Edged and taken! 9th fifer for Jadeja in Tests! He has made full use of the pitch on offer. Serves it around off, de Silva covers his stumps and hangs his bat in the air away from the body. Gets an outside edge and it goes towards Rahane at first slip, who takes an excellent low catch to his right. He is such a phenomenal fielder for India at that position. The umpire though takes it upstairs to have a look at the catch. The third umpire rules it out and Dhanan |
| Rangana Herath is the new man in. |
| 105.5 : R Jadeja to Herath, No run. |
| 105.6 : R Jadeja to Herath, 1 run. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin comes into the attack. There is a silly point, two slips and a leg slip in place for him. |
| 106.1 : R Ashwin to Herath, No run. |
| 106.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, Full outside off, pushed to mid off. |
| 106.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, Flighted around off, Herath feels for it but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge. |
| 106.4 : R Ashwin to Herath, Herath goes for the sweep but gets it off the inside edge on the off side. |
| 106.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, Off spinner around off, Rangana goes for the sweep against the spin but misses. |
| 106.6 : R Ashwin to Herath, No run. |
| 107.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, FOUR! Dickwella nails the reverse sweep through the gap on the off side and the ball races to the fence. |
| 107.2 : Jadeja to Dickwella, Goes for the reverse sweep again. Jadeja fires it full on off, Dickwella gets an inside edge onto his pads. There is a midl appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 107.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, This time connect with the reverse sweep to deep point for a run. |
| 107.4 : Jadeja to Herath, Herath this time goes for the reverse sweep but the ball goes of something to the keeper. There is a huge appeal from the Indians for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. Replays show that the ball had hit his pads and would have missed leg. |
| 107.5 : R Jadeja to Herath, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 107.6 : R Jadeja to Herath, Flatter on off, Herath defends it off the front foot. |
| 108.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, reverse swept through backward point for a single. |
| 108.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, Sliding down leg, Herath looks to defend but is beaten. Gets pinged on the pads but nothing from the umpire to the appeal. Going down leg. |
| 108.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, FOUR! Swept away! Full around middle, Herath shapes up to sweep and gets it off the middle through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 108.4 : R Ashwin to Herath, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 108.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, FOUR! Another one! Carrom ball outside off, Herath goes for the slog sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary. His one hand even came off the bat but still fetched him a boundary. |
| 108.6 : R Ashwin to Herath, FOUR! Third one of the over! Full outside off, Herath now reverse sweeps it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 109.1 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dickwella presents a solid front foot defence. |
| 109.2 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Niroshan shapes up to reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 109.3 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Dickwella dances down the track and blocks it. |
| 109.4 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, Spinning into the pads, Dickwella is beaten and the ball lobs off the pads on the leg side. |
| 109.5 : R Jadeja to Dickwella, The batsman plays a sweep shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 109.6 : R Jadeja to Herath, Shout for lbw! Tossed up outside off, spinning in, Herath gets across, prods ahead to defend but the ball goes through his defence and hits him on the front pad. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. Impact outside the line may be the issue. |
| 110.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, FOUR! Ashwin is being taken to cleaners in the last few overs. Dickwella comes down the track and tonks it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 110.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Full outside off, reverse swept in the third man region for a single. |
| 110.3 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Paddle swept to fine leg for a single. |
| 110.4 : R Ashwin to R Herath, Served around middle and off, takes off from the deck. Herath is surprised and gets it off the shoulder on the off side. |
| 110.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, Shortish delivery, chopped through point for a single. |
| 110.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Full outside off, reverse swept through backward point for a single. |
| Hardik Pandya is back into the attack. |
| 111.1 : H Pandya to Dickwella, FOUR! Welcome Pandya, says Dickwella. Picks the length early, gets across and heaves it over front of square on the leg side for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : That shot has induced Kohli to push the square leg fielder deeper. |
| 111.2 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Dickwella eases it down through mid on for a single. |
| 111.3 : H Pandya to Herath, Very full and tailing in, Herath misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. Going down leg maybe. |
| 111.4 : H Pandya to Herath, Banged in short, RH sways out of the way. |
| 111.5 : H Pandya to Herath, Very full and tailing in, Herath digs it out at the last moment on the leg side. A single is taken. |
| 111.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Dabbed to gully. |
| 112.1 : R Ashwin to Herath, Served outside leg, spinning away, Herath looks to defend but gets beaten and rapped on the pads. |
| 112.2 : R Ashwin to Herath, Outside leg again, Herath goes for the sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 112.3 : R Ashwin to Herath, Wide down the leg side, No trouble at all for the batsman. |
| 112.4 : R Ashwin to Herath, Served around leg, spinning towards the stumps, defended from within the crease. |
| 112.5 : R Ashwin to Herath, Just short! Excellent effort from Jadeja! Fired in full on middle, Herath kneels down and slog sweeps it flat over mid-wicket. Ravindra in the deep, sprints in and dives ahead to catch but it falls just ahead of him. However, he does well to field it. A single is taken. |
| 112.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman tried to sweep that one but missed it and was hit on the pads. |
| 113.1 : H Pandya to Herath, Length delivery outside off, Herath feels for it but gets beaten. |
| 113.2 : H Pandya to Herath, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 113.3 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Back of a length outside off, nips away, Dickwella puts his bat to it but gets beaten. |
| 113.4 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 113.5 : H Pandya to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery outside off, Dickwella pokes and misses. |
| 113.6 : H Pandya to Dickwella, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 114.1 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Slower through the air outside leg, Dickwella dances down and pads it away. |
| 114.2 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, The batsman paddles the ball down the leg side. |
| 114.3 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Full around leg, Dickwella kneels down and reverse sweeps it through cover-point for a brace. |
| 114.4 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Another reverse sweep, this time finds the man at backward point. |
| 114.5 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Dickwella goes leg sidish, at least a yard from the stumps and then defends |
| 114.6 : R Ashwin to Dickwella, Full around leg, reverse swept through point for a single. |
| 115.1 : H Pandya to Dickwella, OUT! Catch practice! Very full outside off, Dickwella makes room, crouches low and glides it straight to Rahane at gully. There's a doubt of whether it went straight off the bat or it went on the bounce. However umpire Oxenford is convinced and rules Dickwella out. End of a frustrating 41-run stand for India. They are just one wicket shy of victory. |
| 0.0 : Nuwan Pradeep the last man strides out to the middle. |
| 115.2 : H Pandya to Pradeep, Full and straight outside off, Pradeep is beaten on his drive. |
| 115.3 : H Pandya to Pradeep, Full and tailing in, kept out neatly. |
| 115.4 : H Pandya to Pradeep, Slower one around off, Pradeep is watchful and leaves it. |
| 115.5 : H Pandya to Pradeep, Banged in short, Pradeep ducks under it and lets it sail through to the keeper. Wide signalled for height. |
| H Pandya to Pradeep, Full toss, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 115.6 : H Pandya to Herath, Bowls it full on the stumps, Herath keeps it out. |
| 116.1 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, Served around leg, spinning in a touch. Pradeep looks to defend on the leg side but gets a leading edge and it lobs on the off side beside the pitch. That was a carrom ball! |
| 116.2 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. |
| India have taken a review for LBW against Nuwan Pradeep. It looks like it has pitched outside leg. |
| 116.3 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, NOT OUT! Tossed up around leg, Pradeep once again fails to read the carrom ball, gets beaten and is hit on the pads. The players appeal but it's turned down. India go for the review but it turns out to be a wasteful one as the ball landed outside leg. |
| 116.4 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 116.5 : R Ashwin to Pradeep, OUT! Final nail in the coffin! Ashwin gives it a nice loop and tosses it up outside off. Pradeep kneels down and goes for the slog sweep. Gets it off the toe end and the ball lobs high in the air on the leg side. It goes straight to Dhawan at wide mid on, who completes the catch to finish off the proceedings. And, the celebration starts! INDIA WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 53 RUNS! India have sealed the series as well and have won 8th series on the trot. |
| Another Test which ends inside 4 days and India have taken the series in their strides with a 2-0 lead. Kohli leads his team off the field and it has been another dominating performance by the visiting side. Jadeja is the man of the moment for the Indians as he bagged a brilliant 5-fer. The Lankans showed good fight in the second innings but it was never going to be enough. To cut down a deficit of 439 on a wicket which had turn and bounce was never going to be easy and they fell short by 53 run |
| Earlier in the match India won the all important toss and elected to bat. They posted a mammoth 622 courtesy a huge partnership of 217 between Pujara and Rahane with both completing their respective tons. Sri Lanka never recovered from that and fell short twice, by 439 runs in the first innings and then by 53 after being enforced to follow-on. If it was Jadeja who claimed a fifer this innings, it was Ashwin who took it in the first, both scored fifties as well. The others supported them well and |
| Man of the Match, Ravindra Jadeja says that the ball wasn't turning much when they were batting but when they came on to bowl, it started turning from the middle part of the wicket. Praises Mendis' batting. On the sweep shots being played against him, he mentions that it's challenging to bowl to and has to alter his lines and lengths. |
| Dinesh Chandimal says that one can't control the toss. Credits India by saying they outplayed us. Also praises the efforts of his side in the fightback. Informs that they want to take positives of the game going forward. Says that due to Angelo Mathews not bowling at the moment, they can't find the right balance. On losing Gunaratne, he says that it's a big blow as he has been consistent and hopes that some takes this opportunity to step up. |
| Virat Kohli says that the way the wicket behaved and the big lead they had prompted him to enforce the follow-on. Adds that he isn't a big fan of the follow-on and especially on a wicket like this where the ball turns square and even a target of 150 is tough but here he felt that they had enough to get them out. On the fight they received, he says that at international level one expects such things. Informs that he spoke with his team about enjoying the hard times and not getting much worried if |
| That is it from us for this match. India have continued their dominance over the Islanders and won what was quite a one-sided series. The Lankan side on the other hand have a lot of issues to solve and come up with new plans for the third and final Test. It will be played on the 12th of August in Pallekele at 1000 local (0430 GMT). Till then, take care and cheers! |
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