India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 2 Highlights: 5 for 2 in 2nd Innings, Lanka Stare at Defeat after Dhawan, Kohli Tons
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan handed India a massive 192-run lead after posting twin hundreds. Sri Lanka at the end of Day 2 are tottering at 5/2. Catch all the highlights of the day here.
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan added 227- runs for the third wicket to hand India a massive 192-run lead. Shikhar Dhawan scored a delightful 134 while Kohli put on a display with a strokeful 103. Wriddhiman Saha also played a solid hand of 60. Coming out to bat at the end of the day, the Lankans capitulated to 5/2 as both Indian spinners grabbed a wicket each. Catch all the highlights of Day 2 here - (SCORECARD | SCHEDULE | NEWS)
© AFP
(All times in IST)
17:30: Stumps! Sri Lanka would be relieved. At 5/2, they are staring down the barrel and Indian spinners have started to work their magic again! Sangakkara needs to play an epic innings to dig them out of this hole.
17:20: BOWLED! Another one gone - Silva absolutely bamboozled by a Mishra googly. Gone for a duck and Sri Lanka are 1/2 now!
17:15: BOWLED! What a start for Ashwin. Karunaratne had no clue about that. The ball kept low and skidded through. SL 0/1 after the 1st over.
17:10: Sri Lankan openers are out and Ashwin takes the new ball. With the way the track has played out, not a surprise at all!
© AFP
17:00: That's it! Aaron is gone and India have posted 375 with a massive lead of 192 runs. This is a mountain to climb for Sri Lanka and tonight they have a torrid four overs to face.
16:55: Ishant Sharma is not out on 3 from 39 balls. He's blocking the life out of the cricket ball. Solidly behind every ball and block! Ind 374/9, lead by 191 runs.
16:48: WICKET! Saha c Chandimal b Pradeep 60 - Good innings comes to an end. Saha misses the hook and gloves it to keeper. Ind 366/9, lead by 183 runs.
16:30: SIX! Down the track and whack! Over the ropes of long off - that was a shot filled with disdain. Saha accelerating now, taking Pradeep on.
Good, attritional half century from Saha means India have the lead they will be happy with.
- Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 13, 2015
16:20: FIFTY for Saha - maiden Test fifty for the Indian keeper. A very well compiled innings that see India stretch their lead beyond 170.
16:15: FOUR! Saha swings hard and slogs Kaushal over mid wicket. The Indian innings has gone into a stagnant mode and Saha needed that boundary to break the shackles. Ind 351/8, lead by 168 runs.
16:00: Saha has moved into his 40s. This is a good innings from the Indian keeper and will inspire confidence in Kohli. Ishant Sharma has joined him in the middle. Still 19 overs of play left tonight.
15:52: OUT! Amit Mishra gone, Kaushal has four now. India 344/8, lead by 161 runs.
15:34: BOWLED! Harbhajan Singh b Kaushal for 14 - Goes too far across the stumps, misses the sweep, ball clips the leg stump. Kaushal has three now, the young spinner has bounced back very nicely. Ind 330/7, lead by 147 runs.
15:23: Sri Lanka would be hoping to wrap up the Indian tail quickly but Harbhajan Singh and Wriddhiman Saha are putting up a good resistance. India lead by 133-runs and on this track, this lead is going to haunt the Lankans. In Chennai, India A have qualified for the Tri-series final.
© AFP
15:10: Before the game Kohli spoke about the lower-order contributing with the bat. The Indian lower-order will be tested now. The pitch isn't the easiest one and they need to put a few on the board. Ind 311/6, lead by 128 runs.
Have been a supporter of @ashwinravi99 batting higher but the difference for him will be the quality of his defensive play.
- Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 13, 2015
15:00: The last session of the day commences. India would like to stretch the lead past 150 and Harbhajan Singh might like to chance his arm here.
14.44: TEA - India are 304/6 and lead Sri Lanka by 121 runs. However, every run they add from hereon will be a bonus as all the main batsmen have departed. But Saha (25 not out) is still in the middle and this is his litmus test with the bat. Can he work with the tail and play a Dhoni-like knock?
14.32: WICKET! Ashwin bowled by Pradeep - Poor shot selection by Sri Lanka's wrecker-in-chief in the first innings, a loose drive against the new ball. India 302/6, lead by 119 runs. But this has been a terrific fightback by the hosts.
14:20: OUT! Dhawan bowled by Pradeep for 134 - Dhawan looked a bit out of steam and it was a loose shot. Hung out the bat and the inside edge chopped onto the stumps. India 294/5, lead by 111 runs.
14:12: New Ball taken. Sri Lanka opt for the second new ball after 86 overs and Prasad will be using it first-up. India go past 100-run lead. This is a good lead on this track and India would want to stretch it as far as possible.
14:00: The Indian progress has been halted somewhat by the Lankan spinners. Saha still looks circumspect while Dhawan has been forced back into a shell. India though are closing in on 100-run lead.
© AFP
13:50: India need to be careful here. Kaushal suddenly is turning the ball square and not much batting to come for the Indians after this. Those two wickets have put the onus on Dhawan and Saha needs to get into the groove and support the left-hander if India want to stretch the lead past 150. Ind 269/5, lead by 86 runs. In Chennai India A are facing an onslaught from the Proteas. Live Updates
13:34: WICKET! Rahane lbw b Kaushal 0(5) - Kaushal is turning it around for Sri Lanka. Ball turns in sharply, Rahane misses the forward defensive shot and is struck in front of stumps. Ind 257/4, lead by 74 runs.
13:27: WICKET! Kohli lbw b Kaushal 103 (191) (11x4) - Misses the sweep, struck in front of stumps. Kohli has been struggling with the sweep a little, that time just fell off and was struck right in front. Didn't Sri Lanka need that wicket! Ind 255/3, lead by 72 runs.
13:25: 100 for Virat Kohli! 11th hundred for the right-hander, fourth as Indian captain. Stunning knock from the stylish Delhi batsman. Virat Kohli has now scored four centuries in his first four Tests as captain. Alastair Cook is the only one to score five 100s in first five tests as captain. Sunil Gavaskar too, scored four centuries in his first four Tests as captain.
@imVkohli impressive record continues to grow, 11th test hundred with 8 way from home! #Class #SLvInd
- Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) August 13, 2015
13:11: Ouch! Nasty blow on the back of the head for Dhawan. Tried to avoid the bouncer from Pradeep but got into an awkward tangle as the ball crashed into the back of his helmet. The Indian physio is out there, Dhawan looks fine though. Ind 242/2, lead by 59 runs.
13:05: FOUR! Kohli moves to 96. The Indian skipper swivels on his backfoot and guided Pradeep to the fine leg boundary. The Lankans are trying to bounce India for sometime now but not quite working on a docile track.
12:50: Partnership - 200 runs! The wicket is slowing down at Galle. This is a typical slow-low Sri Lankan turner. The batsmen have ample time to play their strokes and the Sri Lankan spinners are not getting any help from the turf. Ind 231/2, lead by 48 runs.
12:40: The players are walking out. India have dominated the first session. Mathews would be hoping for a reversal in fortunes in the second. Herath starts off the proceedings.
© AFP
Test matches are won by winning sessions and India have won all four thus far. Dhawan's conversion rate for centuries is just phenomenal.
- Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 13, 2015
12:00: That's lunch - What a sterling session for India. They began the day at 128/2 and have ended the 1st session at 227/2. No wickets lost, Dhawan gone past 100, Kohli batting on 86. Indian fans can rejoice but if you are an Lankan fan, you should be worried. The Lankan bowling has been ordinary and the two Indian batsmen have made merry! Will things change after lunch? Sri Lanka would be hoping so! At Chennai though, Mayank Agarwal has hit a superb 176 off just 133 balls to take India A past 300 against the Proteas.
And yes, @SDhawan25 did twirl his moustache #SLvsInd https://t.co/almpoNYIDU
- BCCI (@BCCI) August 13, 2015
11:50: Kohli too has picked up the scoring rate. He's marched into his 80s and this could hurt Lanka very bad. Both batsmen look at ease and Mathews already has quite a problem on his hand. Ind 220/2, lead by 37 runs.
© AFP
11:35: 100 for Shikhar Dhawan - the fourth one in Test cricket. Brilliant knock from the left-hander! A very measured innings from Dhawan today, he hasn't been his flashy self but has played a very mature knock.Meanwhile India have gone past 200 and Kohli looks set for his ton too! In Chennai, Mayank Agarwal of India A has slammed a 100 against the Proteas!
He may not be the most consistent batsman you have seen,but boy, Shikhar Dhawan knows how to get those hundreds. #INDvSL
- Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 13, 2015
Well played @SDhawan25 100 number 4, keep marching on! #SLvInd
- Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) August 13, 2015
A century for Shikhar Dhawan. Wonder if we sometimes spend too much time talking about his shortcomings.....
- Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 13, 2015
11:25: Shikhar Dhawan into the 90s and inching towards his fourth hundred. He's batted really well in this innings - no rash shots, no extravagance. He's played the situation well and has adapted nicely to the conditions and the bowling. It's an innings he can be proud of.
© AFP
11:15: And India are in the lead now. Kohli and Dhawan opening up and the Lankans look under real pressure. Kaushal is bearing the brunt as both Indian batsmen look to cash in on him. Ind 189/2, lead by 6 runs.
India are showing why they will be such a force on sub-continent style pitches. Augurs well for the next year and a bit.
- Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 13, 2015
11:10: 150-run partnership! Sri Lankan bowlers need to step up for Mathews here. The pitch has eased out considerably and is showing no signs of deteriorating, in fact, it looks like a slow-low turner. Dhawan and Kohli now starting to dominate the proceedings a bit more. The running between the wickets has been exceptional and the Lankans have found no answer to the solidity of the India pair. Ind 181/2.
10:56: Drinks - Terrific first hour for India as they continue their progress and have a great chance to bat out Sri Lanka of the game. Dhawan into his 80s and he's looking increasingly dangerous, well set for a hundred. Remember, he scored a ton in his last Test against Bangladesh as well. The conditions are in his favour and he will be smacking his lips at the prospect of a big score. Ind 169/2, trail by 14 runs.
10:48: Turn, bounce, beaten - finally Herath gets some purchase from the wicket. Pitches on middle and turns square to beat Kohli all ends up. Chandimal goes for the stumping but oh! That's close! But no, Kohli just had enough behind the line. Ind 153/2.
10:42: 150-up for India. Partnership goes past 120, Dhawan and Kohli look strong as India cut down the lead to 33 runs. Sri Lanka need wickets, now.
10:36: Pradeep into the attack and streaky shot from Kohli. Wide half-volley and Kohli chases it, gets the edge and almost gets caught at gully. At Chennai though, India A loses Unmukt Chand, who departs after a blistering knock of 65. Follow updates here.
10:30: Indians looking comfortable in the middle. No boundaries yet but the overnight pair has pushed the singles and twos pretty comfortably. India cutting down the lead slowly but surely. Dhawan and Kohli look set for big ones here and Sri Lanka could be in for a serious leather chase. Ind 144/2, trail by 39.
© AFP
10:15: FIFTY for Kohli. The Indian captain pushes the ball in the gap and gets to his 11th fifty. This is a solid start for Kohli and he would like to convert this into a real big one. The pitch seems flat and the bowling hasn't got much teeth in it. Ind 140/2, trail by 43 runs. Meanwhile, the India A team is going great guns against the Proteas. Unmukt Chand has slammed a sensational fifty.
10:07: Herath with the second over. Starts with a big LBW shout against Kohli but the ball was going way down the leg side. Dhawan and Kohli looking to milk the singles.
10:00: Prasad to start the proceedings of Day 2 for Sri Lanka. Just three runs coming from the first over. Both Kohli and Dhawan look cautious, trying to get their feet moving and eyes set. Ind 131/2.
09:52: Sri Lanka need wickets. Dhamika Prasad produced a good spell up-front last night but faded away. Mathews picked up Rohit but the spinners need to come to the party for Sri Lanka. Kaushal, the off-spinner, has been insipid, while Herath has been economical but no threatening. On a track that saw Ashwin spin a web, Mathews would be hoping for his spin twins to turn up on Day 2.
09:50: Day 2 arrives - sunny morning at Galle and India would be looking to make the most of it. After a splendid bowling performance on Day 1, India are in the box-seat. Although they lost two quick wickets in Lokesh Rahul and Rohit Sharma (who batting at three continues to baffle everyone!), Dhawan and Kohli put up a strong fight and have pushed the hosts on the backfoot. Dhawan, batting on 53, would like to convert the start into a big one, while Kohli, batting on 45, would like to stamp his authority on the game.
© AFP
A 100-run third-wicket stand between Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan spoke volumes about India's ability to weather a difficult Galle pitch on Wednesday. Kohli (45 runs off 77 balls) and Dhawan (53 runs off 103 deliveries after being dropped on 28) have shown the right temperament to build India's innings and that momentum is essential on Thursday. (Ashwin Turns Philosophical After Six-For | Ashwin Conquers Galle on Day 1)
The ball is 34 overs old and Sri Lanka will surely opt for a spin-pace attack and look for a quick breakthrough. The decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired on Angelo Mathews' team. A combination of poor technique and variable bounce caught the hosts on the wrong foot. (Indian Spinners Exploited Conditions Well: Chandimal)
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn't need a second invitation to trap the Lankans. His six for 46 put India in the driver's seat in spite of the fact that the visitors' fielding was not top class. India must guard against the wily left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, whose arm ball can be dangerous.
First Test on Lankan soil and he starts off with a six-wicket haul...well bowled @ashwinravi99 #TeamIndia #SLvsInd pic.twitter.com/IIxAb7Yxtn
- BCCI (@BCCI) August 12, 2015
Ideally, India must avoid the prospect of batting fourth on this wicket. A handsome lead will not put Kohli's team in an advantageous position, it will also negate the rain factor.