Published: Jul 28, 2017, 02:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 28, 2017, 02:44 PM (IST)
India registered highest first-innings lead in Sri Lanka, bundling out the host for 291 on the third day of the first Test at Galle. However, they lost centurions of the first innings — Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara — added a mere 29 together after they denied follow-on. Heavy rainfall enforced early tea, as India lead by 365 runs. Dilruwan Perera and Lahiru Kumara shared a wicket apiece.
Sri Lanka were a batsman short, as Asela Gunaratne was ruled out after he fractured his left thumb on the opening day. Despite half-centuries from Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, and Dilruwan Perera, Sri Lanka trailed by 309 runs. India, however, did not enforce follow-on and took the field instead to pile on more rains.
Sri Lanka lost their last wicket right away after tea. Ravindra Jadeja ripped apart Lahiru’s defence, leaving Dilruwan 8 runs short of a well-deserved century.
Since January 2010, follow-on has been enforced in 29 Tests, out of which 25 ended in victory and 4 in draw. However, 34 of 36 Tests, in which follow-on was denied, ended in triumphs and 1 was drawn.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain is expected on the weekend as well. For India to win the match, they will have to add as many runs at a brisk rate and put Sri Lanka to bat before the weather spoils the party.
Brief scores
India 600 (Shikhar Dhawan 190, Cheteshwar Pujara 153; Nuwan Pradeep 6 for 132) & 56 for 2 (Abhinav Mukund 27*, Cheteshwar Pujara 16; Lahiru Kumara 1 for 9) lead Sri Lanka 291 for 9 (Upul Tharanga 63, Angelo Mathews 83, Dilruwan Perera 92*; Ravindra Jadeja 3 for 67, Mohammad Shami 2 for 45) by 365 runs.
