| 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... |
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