India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Men’s Test at Galle: Visitors lead by 365 runs at tea after losing Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara in quick succession
India lead by 365 runs at tea after losing Dhawan, Pujara in quick succession
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 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.