Former Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews and current captain Dinesh Chandimal smashed tons as the visitors dominated the 1st two sessions and India hit back on day 3 at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
Day 3 resumed on 131 for 3 with the visitors having a daunting task ahead of them to make sure they avoid the follow-on since the hosts posted 536/7 on the second day. Expectations were for a below-par performance but Sri Lanka produced some remarkable batting to shock India on their home soil.
The most senior batsmen Mathews and Chandimal came out on day 3 with a fighting attitude and the hunger to excel after a dramatic second day. The four Indian front line bowlers were out of ideas as the Chandimal-Mathews duo went to lunch without giving up a wicket, in the opening session with 192/3 in 71 overs.
Sri Lanka make bold reply after air-pollution drama in Delhi
Poor air quality and Sri Lankan players wearing masks…
Angelo Mathews went on to score his 8th century in Test cricket after 37 innings with an outstanding 111 off 268 deliveries, that included 14 boundaries and 2 massive sixes to Ravi Ashwin. The 4th wicket partnership was ominous for the Lankans as the pair put on 181 runs before off-spinner Ravi Ashwin edges out Mathews for a well-deserved 111 though he was lucky on many occasions.
‘’ I thought it was not the most fluent innings. I had to work hard against the number one team. But in the end, runs matter. I was hitting the ball, but I did not capitalize after getting to fifties. I told myself to carry on after getting fifty today. As a batsman, you are always under pressure and I like those challenges. Yes, it did cross my mind and thanks to the production team for playing it on the giant screen. (getting run-out on 99 on his first Indian tour). I have played longer cricket and it didn’t bother me. Few more wickets in hand would have been ideal. Chandimal was brilliant today and a captain’s knock from him. Little bit disappointed but we can still fight ‘’. Mathews told the media after 3rd days play.
Top-order batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama was cleared to come and bat after he got a nasty hit on his head. The stylish right-hander was promising as he made a classy 33 off 61 balls before he was sent back to the pavilion with a superb one-handed grab from Wriddhiman Saha of Ishant Sharma. 29-year-old debutant Roshen Silva came and went without troubling scorers, while Niroshan Dickwella followed him courtesy of Ravi Ashwin slider for a duck. Having won the 1st two sessions on the 3rd day the Lankan lions were 322 for 7 giving India the honours late on day 3 with a careless shot selection.
India dominates on a flat track
Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay put on 283 runs for the 3rd wicket…
Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 147* off 341 deliveries that included 18 fours and a six off Ashwin as he registered his 10th century in his test career as umpires call it a day. The visitors end the day at 356 for 9 in 130 overs and showed an improved performance in the tour.
