Anyway out come the players for the Lankan reply. A few words between Pujara and Rahane as India huddle around. It will be Upul Tharanga who will face the first ball from Ishant. Three slips and a gully

Pujara's innings has given India a selection headache before their next Test series at home against South Africa. A nice headache to have though. It will be interesting to see where India fits Pujara in their batting line-up. They won't make him open, will they? I'm guessing that Rohit Sharma's spot is under danger because of Pujara's hundred here. One thing is for sure - Pujara's hundred has ensured that he will be undroppable for the next Test

Coming to today's action - India came out with a specific plan to try and score runs quickly. Again reading from their preferred textbook - the one where 'aggression' is given the first priority. Ishant's slog to the first ball he faced showed his mindset. As a result of that approach India lost both Ishant and Umesh while Pujara stayed not out and carried his bat through. Let's see how the Indian bowlers go about their task with the ball. We will be back soon with the Sri Lankan reply...

Pujara becomes the fourth Indian after Sunny Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid to carry his bat through a completed innings. A fine achievement from Che in his comeback Test. And that too batting as an opener - which is not his usual position. He gets a handshake from Dhammika Prasad on the way back. The Indians and Sri Lankans clap as he walks off. A fantastic feat and not many have done it. He is only the fourth and deserves all the credit that he will get because this hasn't been an easy wicket to bat on. A very atypical SSC wicket with plenty of grass and seam movement. It looked more like an English wicket but Che stuck it out and showed all of his tenacious qualities as a batter

100.1 - Herath to U Yadav, out Bowled!! All over. Pujara carries his bat. Herath finishes things off. Yadav was on the back foot trying to flick, missed the skidder, the ball brushed the pad and then went onto the stumps. Yadav should've got forward to that. U Yadav b Herath 4(14)

Herath to U Yadav, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

The Indian captain - Virat Kohli is in his whites

Over: 100	1 0 0 0 1 Wd 4	IND 312/9
Pujara 145(289)	U Yadav 4(13)	Dhammika 26-4-100-4

99.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, FOUR, short on the stumps, Pujara is late on the hook, hurried for pace but manages to glove it down to fine leg, the ball races away. Good delivery from Dhammika but still it has gone for four

99.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, wide, short outside off, Pujara hooks and misses. Too high and called a wide

99.5 - Dhammika to U Yadav, 1 run, direct hit from Kaushal Silva and Yadav would've been gone. Pushed to the right of mid-off, hesitation between Yadav and Pujara and that meant the former started late, Kaushal went to his right and rifled in a throw but missed. Yadav was stretching to make it but wouldn't have made it with a direct hit

99.4 - Dhammika to U Yadav, no run, that was a brave leave. Not far from off stump and Dhammika knows it. Has a wry grin. It nipped back in sharply and Yadav didn't cover his off stump as he left it alone, almost shaved the stump there

99.3 - Dhammika to U Yadav, no run, full outside off, left alone

99.2 - Dhammika to U Yadav, no run, bang on the stumps, Yadav shows all his three stumps but defends it back down the track

99.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, when Pujara hit that, the call was two, but he has hit it straight to the fielder at sweeper cover, full and outside off, driven hard but finds the man. Pujara ran straight down the pitch and Llong saw that. Gets a friendly caution from the umpire

Over: 99	0 0 0 0 1 1	IND 305/9
Pujara 140(287)	U Yadav 3(9)	Herath 27-3-84-2

98.6 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, Pujara uses his feet and swipes across the line, no power behind the shot, so a single to deep mid-wicket

98.5 - Herath to U Yadav, 1 run, a wild slog and Yadav doesn't connect cleanly. But gets a single to deep mid-wicket

98.4 - Herath to U Yadav, no run, slower and on the stumps, pushed back to the bowler

98.3 - Herath to U Yadav, no run, loud shout for lbw but that is going down. Flat and Yadav was on the back foot to flick, missed but it would've missed leg and comfortably

98.2 - Herath to U Yadav, no run, slower around the off stump line, Yadav turns it gently to the left of short leg

98.1 - Herath to U Yadav, no run, fired outside off, Yadav pushes it wristily to short cover

Over: 98	0 1 1 1 0 Nb 1	IND 303/9
U Yadav 2(4)	Pujara 139(286)	Dhammika 25-4-93-4

97.6 - Dhammika to U Yadav, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Yadav swings hard and gets a thick inside edge to deep mid-wicket. They are happy to take the single

97.6 - Dhammika to U Yadav, no ball, Dhammika oversteps and Yadav defends off the back foot to a back of a length delivery

97.5 - Dhammika to U Yadav, no run, lifter outside off, Yadav wanted to play at that and then realised that the ball was bouncing more, pulls the bat out of the line of the ball

97.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, full on off stump, Pujara drives forcefully and finds long-on

97.3 - Dhammika to U Yadav, 1 run, full and down leg, Yadav whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single

97.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, drilled to long-on, 'two, two' was the call but the fielder kept it to one. It was never two as it was hit straight to the fielder

97.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, short and wide outside off, Pujara cuts hard to sweeper cover, doesn't take the single and rightly so

Umesh Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Over: 97	0 0 0 0 1 W	IND 298/9
Ishant 6(9)	Pujara 137(283)	Herath 26-3-82-2

96.6 - Herath to Ishant, out Bowled!! Herath gets Ishant. Ishant comes down the track and looks for a wild slog across the line, misses and the ball hits the stumps. Herath held the length back and beat the batsman in flight. That was Herath's 900th first-class wicket. Ishant b Herath 6(9) [4s-1]

Herath to Ishant, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

96.5 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, now takes the single as he uses his feet and pushes it to mid-off

96.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, slower and on the stumps, Pujara defends it back down the track

96.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, down leg, Kusal fails to collect cleanly

96.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, skips out and defends towards short mid-wicket, Herath runs across to field but the batsmen don't take the single

Just a slip in place as Herath comes round the wicket

96.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flat outside off, punched back to Herath

Over: 96	0 0 0 1 0 4	IND 297/8
Ishant 6(8)	Pujara 136(278)	Dhammika 24-4-88-4

95.6 - Dhammika to Ishant, FOUR, now the thick outside edge goes wide of gully. Full and wide outside off, Ishant threw his bat at that and the edge flew over the man. Third man is very square and he had no chance

95.5 - Dhammika to Ishant, no run, what was that Ishant? He steps out and tries to whack Dhammika out of the park, misses and the ball goes over the off stump. Dhammika has a wry smile at the batsman. Looks like the plan is for India to get quick runs. Never seen Ishant do something like that before in Tests. He is a blocker and nudger

For Ishant there are two slips in place

95.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, yorker length on off, Pujara digs it out to mid-on and takes the single first ball of the over

Bright and sunny at Colombo again. The players walk out to the middle. The Lankans had a small team talk. Pujara will face the first ball from Dhammika Prasad. Just a slip and a gully. Field well spread out

Our man at the ground - Ganesh Chandrasekaran, has more info - he says that the Indian bowlers are doing their bowling drills under the watchful eyes of their bowling coach, Bharat Arun. 'Ishant is getting a lot of bounce on the practice wicket which is greener than the one that the match is being played on. All the Indian seamers are trying to hit the stumps.'

Pitch Report: 'There is still a bit in it for the pacers. The grass is uniform throughout the wicket. If you hit the right length, there is something in it for the pacers to exploit. The batsmen will never feel settled on this wicket', reckons Jonty Rhodes.

For the hosts, Dhammika Prasad continued to impress, despite battling a stiff back. He hit a fine length just outside off and got the ball to dart either ways - often putting the batsmen in doubt. He was well supported by Nuwan Pradeep, who was unlucky to finish with just one wicket. Herath was his usual miserly stuff but Tharindu Kaushal often erred in length - releasing the pressure off the Indian batsmen. 292 is more than competitive on this surface and the hosts will feel that they let India off the hook.

India will resume from their overnight score of 292/8. It was all about Pujara yesterday, his 7th Test hundred rescuing India from a position of difficulty to one of comfort. However, it wasn't just about him. Batting at number nine, Amit Mishra, made a fine counter-attacking 59. He was also involved in a 104-run stand for the 8th wicket with Pujara, a record on this ground. How valuable will those runs prove to be? The pitch is still offering plenty for the pacers while Rangana Herath and Tharindu Kaushal found some turn and bounce, late into Day 2.

Before going any further, here's what our man at the ground, Ganesh Chandrasekaran, has to say about prospects of today's play. 'It rained for a while in the morning, but it's bright and sunny at the moment', he says. As usual, the Indian team were involved in a long huddle.

Day 3: Yesterday was a day to remember for Cheteshwar Pujara. Cast aside from the playing eleven after the Boxing Day Test against Australia, the diminutive right-handed batsman had to wait for 8 months to get his next chance. He wasn't in line to play this Test either. An unfortunate injury to Murali Vijay during the second Test opened the doors for a comeback - in an unlikely role as an opener. How well has he grabbed his chance? He's in line to become only the fourth Indian to earn the distinction of carrying his bat in a Test match. Will he be able to do it? That's for later, for now, his job is to take this Indian first innings as far ahead as possible. Hello and a warm welcome to Day 3 of the third and final Test of the Cricbuzz Cup.

Prasad extracted appreciable seam movement to keep the batsmen on tenterhooks. Pradeep, Mathews and Herath gave a good account of themselves as well. However, they lost the plot once Mishra started to play some eye-catching shots. The hosts need to up their game tomorrow and bowl out the opposition ranks as early as possible. On the other hand, the tourists will look up to Pujara to put them in pole position. So that's it for the day then. Hopefully the weather will play good tomorrow. Join us back for all the action from Day 3. Remember, play will start at 09:45 local time. Goodbye!

In fact, when Mishra came to bat, India were in a spot of bother, but he took the pressure off Pujara's shoulders by essaying a wide array of shots. Earlier, the likes of Virat Kohli, Naman Ojha and Rohit Sharma got starts, but weren't able to convert it into big ones. For the home team, Dhammika Prasad bowled with vim and vigour to scalp four wickets.

Riding on the back of Cheteshwar Pujara's brilliant century, India found themselves in a good position. Unfortunately, due to a passing shower, play was called off late in the final session. Pujara exhibited his defensive skills and also showed superb temperament. The Sri Lankan pacers tried every trick in the trade, but weren't able to prise out Pujara. He would be a delighted man for sure as he is on a comeback trail in Tests. Barring Amit Mishra, who played an enterprising knock, rest of them struggled to make an impact.

17:00 Local Time, 11:30 GMT, 17:00 IST: We are hearing that play should restart by 17:15, else that will be it for the day. It's official, it will be stumps. The umpires were walking towards the dressing rooms to have a chat with the captains. Since it was not possible for the groundsmen remove the water on the covers and get the outfield ready in 15 minutes time, the umpires have called stumps.

16:55 Local Time, 11:25 GMT, 16:55 IST: The rain has eased a bit and one can see a bit of blue sky as well. In fact, Ganesh tells us that the rain has stopped. "Bit of sunshine peeking in," he adds. Can we get some play today? 17.3 overs to go in the day. There is a bit of water on the covers. How long will it take for them to dry the outfield? The umpires are having a chat with the head groundsman. Well, the covers are being removed.

16:48 Local Time, 11:18 GMT, 16:48 IST: It's heavy enough now for the umpires to take the players off the field. It is not really pouring down as it did yesterday. The square has been covered. Now they are rushing back for more covers. The rain has picked up. The entire ground is being covered now.

95.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Pujara tucks it into the on-side

It has started to drizzle. Looks like the groundsmen wanted the umpires to stop play, but they are carrying on for the moment - maybe hoping that it would just be a passing shower.

95.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, another short ball, another pull to the deep backward square leg fielder, a run not taken again

95.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, bumper on the stumps, Pujara pulls it to deep backward square leg, but doesn't take the run

Over: 95	0 2 0 0 1 0	IND 292/8
Ishant 2(6)	Pujara 135(274)	Herath 25-3-81-1

94.6 - Herath to Ishant, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Ishant is nicely forward as he defends

Looks like a thread on the seam has come off. The umpire cuts it and gives it back to the bowler.

94.5 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, this time Pujara plays the paddle from outside off stump and he sends it to fine leg

94.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tries the slider, but sprays down the leg-side, Pujara misses out on the tickle

94.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery from Herath, Pujara advances and defends

94.2 - Herath to Pujara, 2 runs, easily done! Flighted delivery straying down leg, Pujara gets inside the line and paddles it fine, the man at long leg runs to his right and uses his boot to stop the ball

94.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, slower through the air and on leg stump line, blocked

Over: 94	0 0 2 0 1 0	IND 289/8
Ishant 2(5)	Pujara 132(269)	Dhammika 23-4-83-4

93.6 - Dhammika to Ishant, no run, short of length delivery outside off stump, Ishant defends it towards cover, thinks about a run but Pujara puts his arm up and asks him stay at the striker's end

93.5 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, width on offer outside off stump, cut well, work to do for third man and Karunaratne does well. It was way too short, Pujara sends it past backward point, third man runs to his right, dives and saves a few. Pujara only takes a run as he wants to keep strike next over

93.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, fullish and just moving away, more off the pitch, Pujara looks to defend, the ball rolls back to the bowler off the outside half of the bat

93.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, 2 runs, "two, two, two," shouts Pujara after tucking this length ball towards the unmanned mid-wicket region, easily gets back for the second as well

93.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, that's pull shot that goes all way down to long leg, but Pujara yells out "wait, wait, wait" to his partner. Short and down the leg-side, Pujara hit that reasonably well but picked out the fielder

93.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good length delivery just outside off stump, Pujara defends with an angled bat towards point, doesn't take the run

Dhammika Prasad [22.0-4-80-4] is back into the attack

"Ground staff getting ready again as some dark clouds are moving in towards the ground. It has gone a little darker as well," reports Ganesh.

Over: 93	2 W 0 0 0 2	IND 286/8
Ishant 2(4)	Pujara 129(264)	Herath 24-3-78-1

92.6 - Herath to Ishant, 2 runs, Ishant is off the mark, flatter and short enough for the batsman to hang back, tucked away through mid-wicket

92.5 - Herath to Ishant, no run, slower through the air and outside off stump, Ishant goes for the drive, gets a thickish edge that rolls to point

92.4 - Herath to Ishant, no run, another forward defence used by Ishant to block this delivery

92.3 - Herath to Ishant, no run, on the stumps, Ishant uses his height and defends it off the front foot

Ishant Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

92.2 - Herath to Mishra, out Stumped!! A bit unfortunate as Mishra gets stumped. He used his feet to a tossed up delivery, tried to work it through the on-side, got an inside edge, onto the boot and the keeper fumbled but recovered in time, and hits the stumps as Mishra takes the long walk back to the pavilion. He has played a key innings in the context of the game. Mishra st K Perera b Herath 59(87) [4s-7]

Herath to Mishra, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

92.1 - Herath to Mishra, 2 runs, rank full toss, Mishra advances and drives it to deep extra cover for a brace

Over: 92	0 2 0 0 0 0	IND 282/7
Pujara 129(264)	Mishra 57(85)	Mathews 13-6-24-1

91.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, another short delivery from Mathews, Pujara thinks of pulling it, but in the end, lets it go by

91.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, short delivery from Mathews, Pujara hunkers under it easily

91.4 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, half-hearted appeal from the Sri Lankan fielders, but it was clear that it missed Pujara's gloves. Short delivery from Mathews, but it was going down leg, Pujara tried to pull and missed it

91.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, Pujara tries to guide this short delivery over the slip cordon and misses

91.2 - Mathews to Pujara, 2 runs, fuller length and on the stumps, Pujara tries to work it through the on-side, gets an inside edge to mid-wicket

91.1 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fuller length delivery and outside off, left alone to the keeper

Over: 91	0 0 0 0 2 0	IND 280/7
Mishra 57(85)	Pujara 127(258)	Herath 23-3-74-0

90.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, tossed up delivery and on the stumps, Mishra pushes it to mid-on

90.5 - Herath to Mishra, 2 runs, flighted delivery from Herath, Mishra paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a brace

90.4 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flatter delivery on the leg-stump, Mishra tucks it to short mid-wicket

90.3 - Herath to Mishra, no run, Mishra gets behind the line and blocks

90.2 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the off-stump, defended

90.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, Mishra drives this one to cover

Drinks are on the field now. On the back of a superb stand between Mishra and Pujara, India have certainly gained the upper hand

Over: 90	1 0 0 0 1 4	IND 278/7
Pujara 127(258)	Mishra 55(79)	Mathews 12-6-22-1

89.6 - Mathews to Pujara, FOUR, full and outside off, Pujara shows superb timing and placement by coming forward and drives it through sweeper cover on the off-side for a four. No one moved on that occasion

89.5 - Mathews to Mishra, 1 run, length delivery and just outside off from Mathews, Mishra tries to defend off the front foot, gets an inside edge to mid-wicket

89.4 - Mathews to Mishra, no run, back of a length delivery and outside off, Mishra ignores. Mishra is picking the length early

89.3 - Mathews to Mishra, no run, from close to the stumps, Mathews extracts extra bounce and this one moves away off the seam, too. However, Mishra shows good judgment and shoulders arms

89.2 - Mathews to Mishra, no run, from mid-crease, Mathews keeps it in the channel outside off, left alone to the keeper

89.1 - Mathews to Pujara, 1 run, short and wide, Pujara cuts it to deep backward point

Over: 89	4 2 0 0 1 1	IND 272/7
Pujara 122(256)	Mishra 54(75)	Herath 22-3-72-0

88.6 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, floaty delivery and on the stumps, Pujara uses his feet, shows nimble wrist-work and nudges it to fine leg

88.5 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, middle-stump line from Herath, Mishra works it to backward square leg

88.4 - Herath to Mishra, no run, tossed up from Herath, Mishra comes forward and defends

88.3 - Herath to Mishra, no run, Mishra brings out the forward defence to block this delivery

88.2 - Herath to Mishra, 2 runs, full toss from Herath, Mishra uses the paddle sweep and collects a brace

88.1 - Herath to Mishra, FOUR, Mishra has reached his fifty in style. He advanced down the track to a tossed up delivery, comes close to the pitch of the ball, drives it through extra cover for a sumptuous boundary. This is his third fifty in Test cricket. His teammates in the pavilion applaud his effort as he raises his bat to celebrate his half-century

Rangana Herath [21.0-3-64-0] is back into the attack

Over: 88	0 1 0 4 0 0	IND 264/7
Pujara 121(255)	Mishra 47(70)	Mathews 11-6-16-1

87.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, Pujara tries to cut this delivery that was kept in the channel outside off and is beaten on the outside edge

87.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, Mathews keeps it in the channel outside off, left alone to the keeper

87.4 - Mathews to Pujara, FOUR, dropped. It is Pradeep at fine leg who has dropped it. He did everything right other than dropping that catch. Pujara didn't get into position early as he tried to pull and doesn't get it off the middle of the bat. Even though Pradeep ran across to his left from long leg and got both hands to it, the ball slipped out of his hands, to put salt onto his wounds, it runs away for a four. This is now the highest stand for the 8th wicket at this ground

87.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, length delivery and on the stumps, defended

87.2 - Mathews to Mishra, 1 run, short delivery from Mathews, but it was going down leg, Mishra tries to pull, gets a top-edge and luckily for him it goes to the fielder at fine leg on one bounce. This has equalled the highest partnership for the 8th wicket on this ground

87.1 - Mathews to Mishra, no run, Mathews teases Mishra by keeping it outside off, Mishra gets rooted to the crease, pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge. Mathews has bowled with exemplary control in this Test

Angelo Mathews [10.0-6-11-1] is back into the attack

Over: 87	0 1 2 4 0 0	IND 259/7
Pujara 117(251)	Mishra 46(68)	Pradeep 22-6-52-1

86.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, length delivery and just outside off, Pujara pushes it to point off the front foot

86.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, this one angles back in on off-stump, Pujara blocks

86.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, FOUR, well, Pradeep bowls on Pujara's pads, and Pujara shows lovely Asian wrist-work to flick it through deep mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder in the deep runs to to his left, puts in the dive, but can't stop the ball from going past the boundary ropes

86.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, 2 runs, full and outside off, Pujara comes forward and pushes it to sweeper cover on the off-side for a brace

86.2 - Pradeep to Mishra, 1 run, shortish delivery from Pradeep, Mishra pulls it to fine leg. He did well to keep it down there

86.1 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, from round the wicket, Pradeep bowls it on a back of a length, Mishra defends it off the back foot. This time, Mishra got into line there

Over: 86	2 0 0 2 0 1	IND 252/7
Mishra 45(66)	Pujara 111(247)	Dhammika 22-4-80-4

85.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, 1 run, short delivery and this time, Dhammika follows the batsman, Mishra backs away and cuts it to deep backward point

85.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, back of a length delivery and on the stumps, Mishra gets inside the line of the ball and takes it on the body, by taking both his hands out of the way. It rolls away into the on-side

The square leg goes out and there is a leg-slip in place

85.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, 2 runs, width on offer, Mishra punches it off the back foot to sweeper cover and they collect a couple of runs

85.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, back of a length delivery from Dhammika, Mishra is pushed back in the crease, gets opened up slightly, but defends it off the back foot

85.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, length delivery that nips away off the seam, Mishra shows poor footwork as he is rooted to the crease and gets beaten on the outside edge

85.1 - Dhammika to Mishra, 2 runs, full and outside off, Mishra steers it square of the wicket on the off-side for a brace. He had to reach out to play that shot

Over: 85	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 247/7
Pujara 111(247)	Mishra 40(60)	Pradeep 21-6-45-1

84.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, a bit of width on offer, Pujara tries to cut, but mistimes it to backward point

84.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, length delivery that angles back in, defended off the back foot

84.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, Pradeep keeps it in the channel outside off, left alone. This pitch with a good covering of grass reminds the commentator of what he saw when England played here at the SSC back in 2001

84.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fuller length delivery and on the stumps, Pujara defends

84.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, from close to stumps, Pradeep bowls it on a back of a length and on the stumps, Pujara defends. Pradeep has used the crease well today

84.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of length delivery and outside off, Pujara defends it to point

Over: 84	0 0 0 0 4 1	IND 247/7
Pujara 111(241)	Mishra 40(60)	Dhammika 21-4-75-4

83.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Pujara works it to mid-on and hurries down to the other end for a single. The fielder at mid-on fires in the throw and misses. In fact, the batsman was in there

83.5 - Dhammika to Pujara, FOUR, a bit of width on offer, Pujara cuts it and cuts it hard, the fielder at backward point dives to his right, but can't stop the boundary. The fielder should have made a better fist of it

83.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery from Dhammika, Pujara defends it solidly. Pujara has that tendency to commit himself onto the front foot too early, but it has worked for him in this innings

83.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery that angles back in, Pujara rides well on the bounce and defends

83.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, Dhammika keeps it in the corridor outside off, Pujara plays what can be called as a half-hearted cut shot and gets beaten on the outside edge. Pujara's concentration prowess seems to be waning

83.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full and outside off, Pujara lets it go by

"The fans just outside the Indian dressing room are having a good time. Lot of flag waving and chanting going on," reports Ganesh.

Over: 83	0 0 0 1 2 Wd 0	IND 242/7
Mishra 40(60)	Pujara 106(235)	Pradeep 20-5-45-1

82.6 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, another short delivery tried from Pradeep from round the wicket, Mishra gets under it

82.6 - Pradeep to Mishra, wide, Pradeep tries the short delivery, Mishra ducks under it easily. It is way too high and the umpire gives it as a wide

82.5 - Pradeep to Mishra, 2 runs, very full and on the stumps, Mishra works it to deep backward square leg and they take a couple of runs. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and fields it

82.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, back of a length delivery from Pradeep, Pujara rides well on the bounce and pushes it to sweeper cover for a single. The batsmen think of taking another run, but decide against it

82.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, Pradeep bowls it on a length and on the stumps, Pujara pushes it to mid-on

82.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery and angles back in, Pujara cuts it to backward point. Again Pradeep extracts good bounce on that delivery. Remember, the grass that is used at this ground sort of stands up and that means one will get to see good bounce when it pitches on the grass

82.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, Pradeep bowls it in the one square foot window outside off, left alone to the keeper

Over: 82	0 0 0 1 4 0	IND 238/7
Mishra 38(58)	Pujara 105(231)	Dhammika 20-4-70-4

81.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, Dhammika keeps it in the corridor outside off, left alone to the keeper. It jagged back off the seam appreciably

81.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, that is rare gift from Dhammika as he bowls a high full toss, Mishra drives it off the front foot through the cover-region for a boundary

81.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, this one angles back in, Pujara works it wide of mid-wicket and takes an easy single

81.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, well, that very unlike Pujara as he tries to cut a back of a length delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge

81.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, this one cuts back off the seam from Dhammika, Pujara cuts it hard, but the fielder at gully shows sharp reflexes and dives to his left and saves four runs for his team

81.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery from Dhammika, Pujara defends it off the back foot

Dhammika Prasad [19.0-4-65-4] is back into the attack

Over: 81	0 0 1 0 4 0	IND 233/7
Mishra 34(56)	Pujara 104(227)	Pradeep 19-5-41-1

80.6 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Mishra stays besides the line and defends it towards the off-side

80.5 - Pradeep to Mishra, FOUR, cracking shot, width on offer from Pradeep, Mishra is quick to get on top of the bounce and cuts it away square behind point for a boundary

80.4 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Mishra gets behind the line and defends it back towards the bowler

80.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, short of a length and on Pujara's hips, nudged away behind square on the on-side for a single

80.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, that's nicely bowled by Pradeep, to beat a well settled batsman, batting on 103 is quite a task. Wobbly seam for Pradeep, pitches on a good length, draws Pujara forward before shaping away from the batsman, he pushes forward and is beaten

80.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, on a good length and shaping away from outside off, Pujara covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

Nuwan Pradeep [18.0-5-36-1] is back into the attack

The second new ball is due now. Will Sri Lanka take it? Yes, they do. The partnership is worth 48 runs so far, valuable for India, irritating for Sri Lanka. Pradeep has the new ball in his hands. Just two slips in place

Over: 80	0 1 0 1 0 0	IND 228/7
Mishra 30(53)	Pujara 103(224)	Herath 21-3-64-0

79.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Mishra goes back and pushes it back towards the bowler

79.5 - Herath to Mishra, no run, slower and on the stumps, Mishra gets a big stride forward and blocks

79.4 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, Pujara shimmies down the track, gets to the pitch of a well flighted delivery and drives it to mid-off for a single

79.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Pujara gets across and defends it with soft hands

79.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, risky from Mishra, attempts to sweep from the stumps, gets a bottom edge behind square on the on-side for a single

79.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Mishra prods forward and blocks

Over: 79	3 1 0 0 0 1	IND 226/7
Mishra 29(49)	Pujara 102(222)	Kaushal 12-2-45-1

78.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, that's nicely played by Mishra, gets well forward to a tossed up delivery, plays with the spin and nudges it behind square on the on-side for a single

78.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, tossed up and on the off-stump line, Mishra goes back and blocks it

78.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, the doosra from Kaushal, Mishra didn't spot it as he lunged forward on the defensive push, beaten on the outside edge

78.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, this one is given more air, Mishra gets forward and drives it towards mid-on

78.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, Pujara shimmies down the track to a well tossed up delivery and drives it towards long-on for a run

78.1 - Kaushal to Mishra, 3 runs, Kaushal drifts one onto Mishra's pads, he plays with the spin and nudges it very fine. Dhammika gets across from long leg, sticks his boots out and stops it, saves a run for his team

A slip and a silly point in place as Kaushal starts from round the wicket

Over: 78	0 0 0 1 0 0	IND 221/7
Pujara 101(221)	Mishra 25(44)	Herath 20-3-62-0

77.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Herath slows one outside off, Pujara gets well forward and defends it with soft hands

77.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Herath drifts one outside off, Pujara gets half forward and blocks

77.4 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, fraction shorter in length from Herath, Mishra goes back and works it past cover for a single

77.3 - Herath to Mishra, no run, this one is given more air, Mishra gets well forward and defends it

77.2 - Herath to Mishra, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Mishra gets well forward and defends it

77.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery and on Mishra's pads, he goes back and defends it towards the on-side

A slip and a silly point in place for Herath

Welcome back.. The second new ball is due in three overs. How long can Pujara & Co. extend India's first innings?

As far as Pujara is concerned, he would be a relieved man. Remember, he has found himself in the wilderness in recent times and this is certainly a sterling comeback from him. The visitors would look up to their man of the moment, Pujara, to shore up the lower-order and take them to a good position. Till now, Amit Mishra has supported him well. For Sri Lanka, it is all about cleaning up the Indian innings as quickly as possible.

Prasad also sent Ashwin back to the pavilion cheaply. At the other end, after looking in fine touch, Naman Ojha threw his wicket away. He tried to slog-sweep Kaushal, but could only find the fielder at long-on. It has to be also said that the likes of Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath and Angelo Mathews bowled with exemplary control.

Despite Cheteshwar Pujara's determined graft at the crease, the tourists found themselves in a tricky situation at the end of the second session. Pujara was rewarded for his hard graft as he amassed his 7th Test ton. For the hosts, Dhammika Prasad continued to impress by making the ball talk and ended up with four wickets to his name. In fact, Prasad, started on a great note by snaring the wicket of Stuart Binny off the first ball of this session.

Pujara raises his bat and looks at the sky as he makes his walk back to the dressing room. He gets a handshake from Mathews, Silva and a few other Sri Lankan players as well.

Over: 77	0 0 0 Nb 1 0 1	IND 220/7
Mishra 24(40)	Pujara 101(219)	Kaushal 11-2-40-1

76.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, quicker delivery, turns sharply as well, Mishra just manages to get an inside edge as he looks to defend, otherwise he would have been plumb in front, the ball rolls to fine leg

Two slips, short leg in

76.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, opts to stay back to this flighted delivery and defends

76.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, turns it with the spin through backward square leg

76.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, no ball, full toss, driven back to the bowler, Kaushal has again overstepped the line

76.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, Pujara defends it to short leg

76.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, shortish and on the leg stump, Pujara goes for the pull but mistimes it

76.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, turns this flighted delivery to short leg

Over: 76	0 0 0 0 1 0	IND 217/7
Mishra 23(38)	Pujara 100(214)	Herath 19-3-61-0

75.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery outside off stump, left alone

75.5 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, down the track, driven to mid-off and that's a quick single. First Test hundred for ChePu after 22 innings. The dressing room stands and applauds. He takes his helmet off and raises his bat to acknowledge the applause. He must be a relieved man now. What a timely knock, both on a personal account and for India as well. He needed this knock badly and has held this innings together as well. The replay shows that he swings the bat in joy, while Mathews was applauding in the background. Pujara gets a hug from Mishy as well

75.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Pujara comes down the track, is the pressure getting to him? He drives it to cover

75.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, easily defended again off the front foot

75.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, nice and full, blocked towards short mid-wicket

75.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Pujara defends off the front foot

Over: 75	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 216/7
Mishra 23(37)	Pujara 99(209)	Kaushal 10-2-37-1

74.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, oh how did that miss the off stump? The bounce saved Mishra there. He backed away and exposed his sticks in an attempt to guide it late to third man but missed it completely

74.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, very full and outside off stump, Mishra drives it to Mathews at short cover

74.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, shout for LBW, it was a running appeal from Kaushal but umpire Rod Tucker shakes his head. That was close. Flatter delivery pitching around leg stump, Mishra hangs back and tries to defend, misses and gets hit on the pad, maybe height was an issue there. As the ball rolls into the off-side, Pujara looks for a run but Mishra is not keen

74.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Mishra turns it towards short leg

74.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, the doosra again, bit of extra bounce on this one, Mishra manages to adjust and defend with soft hands

74.1 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, doosra for the first time in the game from Kaushal I think and Mishra didn't have a clue about it. Played for off-spin, it turned away and beat the bat

Over: 74	0 1 1 0 0 0	IND 216/7
Pujara 99(209)	Mishra 23(31)	Herath 18-3-60-0

73.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery just outside off stump, blocked to Silva at silly-point

Short leg moves to silly-point

73.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, slower through the air, on the off stump, Pujara defends into the off-side

73.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, gently turns this into the on-side

73.3 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, on the stumps, Mishra advances and mistimes the loft, there is no one at mid-off to swallow it

73.2 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, flatter delivery on the leg stump, Pujara flicks it to deep mid-wicket

73.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, beaten! Oh that one grips and bounces extra as well, Pujara is lucky that he didn't edge it. That was unplayable though. Pitching around off stump and turning square, Pujara looks to defend, ends up poking at it but it beats the outside edge

Over: 73	Nb 0 0 0 1 1 1	IND 214/7
Pujara 98(204)	Mishra 22(30)	Kaushal 9-1-37-1

72.6 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, once again a step down the track before sending this along the ground to long-on, he'll keep strike with that run

72.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, good looking drive off the front foot, but not timed that well, Mishra sends it past the diving short cover for a run

72.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, advances and works the flighted delivery to long-on

72.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, gets behind the line of this flighted delivery and defends

72.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, gets a good stride forward as he defends this flighted delivery

72.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, on the leg stump, turned into the on-side

72.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no ball, some excitement from the Sri Lankan fielders for a catch, but Kaushal has overstepped. Flighted delivery from Kaushal, Pujara misses the flick, the ball lobs off the thigh pad to the left of short leg

Over: 72	0 1 0 1 0 0	IND 210/7
Mishra 21(29)	Pujara 96(198)	Herath 17-3-58-0

71.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, slower through the air, once again the line is leg stumpish, easily defended

71.5 - Herath to Mishra, no run, not much of flight on this one, defended to short mid-wicket

71.4 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, flatter and on the leg stump, Pujara tucks it through square leg

71.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, on the stumps, blocked

71.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, good batting, slower and shorter as well, Mishra goes back and guides it to the left of backward point

71.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery from round the wicket, Mishra defends off the front foot

Rangana Herath [16.0-3-56-0] is back into the attack

Slip and short leg in

Over: 71	0 1 2 0 0 1L	IND 208/7
Mishra 20(25)	Pujara 95(196)	Kaushal 8-1-33-1

70.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, leg byes, 1 run, appeal for LBW, not given. Flighted delivery just outside off stump, Mishra plays the fancy looking paddle-, but misses and gets hit on the pad, impact seemed to be just outside off. Why is he attempting such shots when Pujara is batting on 95 at the other end?

70.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, offers a compact defence this time

70.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Mishra defends

70.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, 2 runs, in the airrrrr and just wide of the man at mid-on. Mishra came down the track and tried to loft the bowler back over his head, but the bat turns in his hands and it goes wide of mid-on, who was running to his right, deep mid-wicket tidies up

70.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, flatter and just outside off stump, Pujara cuts it to deep point

70.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, tossed up from Kaushal, Pujara steps out and flicks it to short mid-wicket

Over: 70	1 4 0 0 4 0	IND 204/7
Mishra 18(21)	Pujara 94(194)	Dhammika 19-4-65-4

69.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, now he's solid in his back foot defence, which goes to cover

69.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, lovely drive from Mishra, he's batting really well. Full and just outside off stump, Mishra doesn't try to hit it too hard, just presents the full face of the bat and plays the straight-drive to perfection between the stumps and the non-striker

69.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, back of a length delivery just bouncing a bit extra, Mishra moves across and defends softly into the on-side

69.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Mishra defends off the outside half of the bat to backward point

69.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, oh the pull shot from Mishy and he's timed it well. It was the Nataraja shot as well, with one leg up in the air and across. Short ball from Dhammika, Mishra rocks back and pulls it nicely through mid-wicket. 200 up for India

69.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, fullish and outside off stump, Pujara mistimes the cover drive to sweeper cover

Over: 69	2 0 0 0 1 0	IND 195/7
Mishra 10(16)	Pujara 93(193)	Kaushal 7-1-30-1

68.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, defended off the front foot

68.5 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, appeal for LBW, but umpire Rod Tucker walks away and rightly so. Flighted delivery just outside off stump, Pujara looks to defend off the front foot, the ball brushes the front pad before hitting the bat and rolls towards point but the impact was just outside off stump

68.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, around off stump line, Pujara turns it to mid-wicket

68.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, tossed up outside off stump, Pujara defends it into the off-side

68.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, very full and just outside off stump, defended back to the bowler

68.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, 2 runs, Pujara jumps out of the crease and takes the flighted delivery on the full, whipped through mid-wicket, the fielder in the deep runs to his right and saves two

Over: 68	1 0 0 4 0 0	IND 192/7
Mishra 10(15)	Pujara 90(188)	Dhammika 18-4-56-4

67.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short delivery from Dhammika, Mishra ducks under it

67.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, width on offer outside off stump, Mishra goes for the upper-cut, was late on the shot and got beaten. Mishra then shadow-practices the shot

67.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, 'yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,' is the call from Mishy as soon as he flicked that wide of the fielder. Full and on the off stump, Mishra allows the ball to come and uses his wrist to good effect, sends it past Herath and the timing was good enough

67.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, length and outside off stump, asking Mishra to play away from the body, but the batsman ignores

67.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, overpitched and outside off stump, Mishra goes for the drive, but the bat turns in his hands on impact, hence no timing and mid-off collects

67.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, driven off the back foot as Dhammika bangs this slightly short, but the ball goes straight to deep point

Over: 67	1 0 0 0 0 2	IND 187/7
Mishra 6(10)	Pujara 89(187)	Kaushal 6-1-27-1

66.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, 2 runs, clever from Mishy! Flatter in trajectory and just outside off stump, this one doesn't turn much, Mishra opens the face of the bat at the last moment after going deep in the crease and sends it to third man

66.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, bat well in front of pad as Mishra plants his front foot forward to defend

66.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, Mishra comes onto the front foot and drives the flighted delivery to mid-off

66.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, nicely turned off the front foot to short mid-wicket

66.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, Mishy too uses his feet, not to pitch of the ball, hence the drive is mistimed and it rolls to mid-on

66.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, Pujara takes a step down the track and drives the flighted delivery along the ground to long-on

Ashwin has been very good with the ball in this series but he's struggled with the bat. 7, 3, 2, 19 and 5 are his scores so far. Remember, he plays a vital role with the bat when India are playing five bowlers.

Over: 66	W 0 4 0 0 0	IND 184/7
Mishra 4(5)	Pujara 88(186)	Dhammika 17-4-51-4

65.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of length delivery outside off stump, Mishra tries to guide it to third man but misses

65.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, full and outside off stump, driven to cover

65.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, full and on the off stump, Mishra moves across and turns it to mid-wicket

65.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, uppish but safe. Short and outside off stump, Mishra backs away and cuts, doesn't bother to keep it down, hits it to the left of backward point and well wide of the man at gully as well. Mishy is off the mark

65.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, that's a great ball to a newcomer but Mishra did well to stay away from the line of the ball. Bouncer on the off stump, Mishra hops, tries to drop his wrists, was a touch late but he managed to keep his gloves and bat away as he left that

Amit Mishra, right handed bat, comes to the crease

65.1 - Dhammika to Ashwin, out Caught by K Perera!! What a bowling change from Mathews. A really poor shot from Ashwin, who can bat well. He should be disappointed with himself if he sees the replay. India are 180/7 now. Nothing but a length ball wide outside off stump, Ashwin pokes away from the body as he tries to defend, could have been easily left alone but he plays and gets a thick outside edge. Kusal Perera takes an easy catch. It's four wickets now for Dhammika. Ashwin c K Perera b Dhammika 5(14) [4s-1]

Dhammika to Ashwin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Dhammika returns with two slips and a gully

Dhammika Prasad [16.0-4-47-3] is back into the attack

Over: 65	1 0 0 0 1 0	IND 180/6
Pujara 88(186)	Ashwin 5(13)	Kaushal 5-1-24-1

64.6 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, tossed up outside off stump, defended towards cover

64.5 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, a whip from Ashwin but there is protection in the deep. Full toss, Ashwin advances and sends it past mid-wicket, thinks about the second run but the fielder quickly got to the ball

64.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, tossed up just outside off stump, Ashwin keeps it out off the front foot

Pujara signals to the dressing room for a fresh pair of gloves

64.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, gets a good stride forward and defends to cover

64.2 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, nice and full from Kaushal, Ashwin drives it past the bowler to mid-on

64.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, tossed up on the stumps, Pujara steps out and drives it down to long-on

Over: 64	0 0 0 0 0 4	IND 178/6
Ashwin 4(9)	Pujara 87(184)	Pradeep 18-5-36-1

63.6 - Pradeep to Ashwin, FOUR, off the mark in style! Full and outside off stump, Ashwin leans forward and drives it to the left of the man at cover, who had no chance

63.5 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, half-shout for LBW but there was a lot of bat involved. On a length and angling in, Ashwin looks to defend, gets an inside edge onto pad

63.4 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, there is it, the bumper this time, Ashwin sways out of the line

63.3 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, nice looking back foot punch but straight to the man at cover, the length was short enough for Ashwin to play off the back foot on that occasion

63.2 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Ashwin pushes it to mid-on, not from the middle of the bat though

There is a man in the deep for the pull/hook. Short ball coming?

63.1 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, on a length and just outside off stump, Ashwin defends it to cover

Over: 63	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 174/6
Pujara 87(184)	Ashwin 0(3)	Kaushal 4-1-22-1

62.6 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, once again Pujara gets too close to the pitch of the ball while coming down the track, drills it back to the bowler

62.5 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, down the track this time and he yorks himself, digs it out back to the bowler

62.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, outside off stump and not turning much, Pujara goes back to cut, but misses it

62.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, right on the stumps, defended to the left of short leg, who dives and half-stops the ball

62.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, turned to mid-wicket

62.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, Pujara gets right behind the line and defends well

Over: 62	0 0 1 0 0 0	IND 174/6
Ashwin 0(3)	Pujara 87(178)	Pradeep 17-5-32-1

61.6 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, keeps it just outside off stump, Ashwin blocks

61.5 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, on a length and outside off stump, Ashwin pushes it towards cover-point, thinks about a run and says no to his partner

61.4 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin looks to off-drive this full ball, but it takes the inside half of the bat and rolls back to the bowler

61.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, oh the inside edge is found, but it goes past the sticks to fine leg. It was full and wide outside off stump, Pujara goes for a booming drive, gets a thick edge and gets away with it

61.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, well outside off stump, ignored

61.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of a length and holding its line outside off, left alone

Ravichandran Ashwin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field now. A wicket off the first ball in this session, and one now just before drinks. That has undone all the hardwork done in between. Binny will feel he got a rough call, out LBW off the impressive Dhammika. Ojha settled in nicely, Pujara switched gears and all looked well for the Indians - until that last ball

Over: 61	1 0 2 1 Nb 0 W	IND 173/6
N Ojha 21(54)	Pujara 86(175)	Kaushal 3-0-22-1

60.6 - Kaushal to N Ojha, out Caught by Tharanga!! Oh dear! What a soft dismissal for Ojha. This is a nothing shot really, there was a man at long-on and Ojha has found him to perfection. This was tossed up outside off, Ojha was looking to slog it over mid-wicket, perhaps, he ended up playing straighter then he wanted, ends up dragging it down to the throat of Tharanga at long-on. He sinks to his knees after being caught, can't believe what he has done. Kaushal celebrates, he has had a rough start, but has been gifted a wicket now. N Ojha c Tharanga b Kaushal 21(54) [4s-3]

Kaushal to N Ojha, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Ojha is OUT

60.5 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, this one is given more air, punched towards mid-off

60.5 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no ball, flighted delivery and just outside off, Ojha leans forward and blocks. Kaushal has overstepped as well

60.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, tossed up and well outside off, driven to the right of mid-off for a single. There's a fumble by the fielder, but the batsmen decide against a second run

60.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, 2 runs, nicely played by Pujara, fraction short and well outside off, Pujara makes room and dabs it behind square on the off-side for a couple of runs

60.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery and on the off-stump line, Pujara presses well forward and blocks

60.1 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 1 run, tossed up and well outside off, looking to force Ojha into playing against the spin, he gets on top of the bounce and drives it towards long-off

A slip and a FSL as Kaushal comes back - bowling from round the wicket

T Kaushal [2.0-0-17-0] is back into the attack

Over: 60	0 0 0 1 4 0	IND 168/5
Pujara 83(172)	N Ojha 20(50)	Pradeep 16-5-31-1

59.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Pujara gets behind the line and defends it towards the off-side

59.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, FOUR, top-edge and four, Pujara has changed gears in this session, he wasn't tempted at playing bouncers in the first session, he goes after this one, is late on the shot, gets a top-edge that bounces over the keeper and races away to the fence in a hurry

59.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, 1 run, fuller length delivery and a hint of late shape back into Ojha, he plays with a closed face and works it past mid-wicket for a single

59.3 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and holding its line outside off, left alone

59.2 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Ojha lunges well forward and defends it

59.1 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ojha gets half-forward and defends it

Over: 59	1 1 0 0 1 0	IND 163/5
Pujara 79(170)	N Ojha 19(46)	Herath 16-3-56-0

58.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flatter and drifting away from outside off, it was the quicker ball from Herath, Pujara went for the cut and is beaten, a rare bad shot in this innings from the Indian number three

58.5 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, Ojha was itching for the big hit, Herath cleverly drags his length back by a fraction, worked in front of cover for a single

58.4 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, Herath drifts one on middle, Ojha prods well forward and defends it

58.3 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Ojha was late in bringing his bat down, gets an inside edge towards the on-side

58.2 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, Pujara comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and gently pushes it towards long-off for a run

58.1 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, Herath tosses one well outside off, driven towards long-off for a single

Over: 58	0 0 0 0 4 0	IND 160/5
Pujara 78(168)	N Ojha 17(42)	Pradeep 15-5-26-1

57.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Pujara gets solidly behind the line as he defends it towards mid-on

57.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, FOUR, cracking shot, overpitched and well outside off, Pujara gets a big stride forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and dismisses it past cover-point for a boundary

57.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, very full and just outside off, Pujara can't get underneath the length, goes hard on the drive and mistimes it towards cover

57.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fraction fuller and just outside off, Pujara gets well forward and pushes it towards mid-off

57.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of a length and well outside off, Pujara rocks back and cuts it straight to the fielder at point

57.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fuller length delivery and a hint of nip back into Pujara, he gets well forward and defends it towards cover

Nuwan Pradeep [14.0-5-22-1] is back into the attack

Another change at this end, Pradeep replaces Mathews

Over: 57	1 0 2 0 0 0	IND 156/5
N Ojha 17(42)	Pujara 74(162)	Herath 15-3-53-0

56.6 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, pushed through flatter, Ojha goes back and blocks it

56.5 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, Herath drifts one on the off-stump line, Ojha gets his bat and pad together as he blocks

56.4 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Ojha stays back and defends it towards the off-side

56.3 - Herath to N Ojha, 2 runs, nicely played by Ojha, tossed up and on the off-stump line, Ojha gets well forward and caresses it through extra cover, gets back for the second run

56.2 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and just outside off, driven straight to the fielder at short extra cover

56.1 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, good use of the feet from Pujara, gets to the pitch of a well flighted delivery, plays with the angle and drives it towards long-on

Over: 56	1 2 0 0 0 0	IND 153/5
N Ojha 15(37)	Pujara 73(161)	Mathews 10-6-11-1

55.6 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, the stumps at the bowler's end has robbed Ojha, fraction fuller and just outside off, Ojha presents the full face of the bat and punches it back at the stumps at the other end. It deflects away towards mid-off, either side of the stumps - it might well have been a boundary

55.5 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and jagging back in off the seam, Ojha covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

55.4 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, the bouncer from Mathews, Ojha is happy to duck under it

55.3 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, on a length and just outside off, Ojha watches it all along and defends it towards the off-side

55.2 - Mathews to N Ojha, 2 runs, short of a length and on Ojha's pads, nudged away past square leg for a couple of runs

55.1 - Mathews to Pujara, 1 run, fraction too full and too straight from Mathews, nudged away to the right of mid-on for a single

Over: 55	4 1 0 4 0 0	IND 150/5
N Ojha 13(32)	Pujara 72(160)	Herath 14-3-50-0

54.6 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, slower and just outside off, Ojha presses well forward and defends it

54.5 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and spinning away from outside off, Ojha was looking to dab it late, withdraws from the shot at the last moment and lets it go

54.4 - Herath to N Ojha, FOUR, Ojha is an aggressive batsman, he spots Herath giving this one some air, gets a big stride forward and lifts it with the turn, clears mid-off, one bounce and over the ropes

54.3 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, Herath gives this one more air, Ojha gets well forward and blocks

54.2 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, this is good batting from Pujara, comes down the track and eases a well flighted delivery towards mid-on for a single

54.1 - Herath to Pujara, FOUR, excellent use of the feet from Pujara, comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball, closes the face of the bat and drives it past the diving mid-on fielder for a boundary

Change of ball once again. The second ball has also failed the 'hoop test'. Will this one swing? Definitely not this over though, Herath has the ball and will continue..

Over: 54	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 141/5
N Ojha 9(28)	Pujara 67(158)	Mathews 9-6-8-1

53.6 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Ojha leans forward and defends it back towards the bowler

53.5 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and well outside off, steered away towards point

53.4 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Ojha leans well forward and defends it

53.3 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, short of a good length and a hint of shape away from off, defended off the back foot towards point

53.2 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, Mathews was about to go up in an appeal, but Ojha managed to get his bat in front of the pads as he blocked. This was pitched up and nipped back in slightly, Ojha got his bat and pad together in defence

53.1 - Mathews to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ojha presses forward and defends it towards the off-side

Angelo Mathews [8.0-5-8-1] is back into the attack

Dhammika is off after another superb spell, Mathews brings himself on

Over: 53	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 141/5
Pujara 67(158)	N Ojha 9(22)	Herath 13-3-41-0

52.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tossed up and on the off-stump line, Pujara stays besides the line and blocks

52.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Pujara comes down the track to a flighted delivery and smothers the spin

52.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, this one is bowled with a flatter trajectory, Pujara watches it all along and defends

52.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, slower and on the stumps, Pujara lunges forward and defends it

52.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, a little shimmy from Pujara, gets to the pitch of a well tossed up delivery and drives it straight to cover

52.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Pujara presses forward and defends it

A slip and a FSL in place

Over: 52	4 0 0 0 0 0	IND 141/5
N Ojha 9(22)	Pujara 67(152)	Dhammika 16-4-47-3

51.6 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and in that channel outside off, Ojha presses half-forward, presents the full face of the bat and plays a check drive towards mid-off

51.5 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, fraction short of a good length and just outside off, Ojha prods across and defends it towards the off-side

51.4 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, Ojha's genuinely beaten now, on a good length and a hint of shape away from the right-hander, draws Ojha into the drive, he was almost walking into the shot, once again beaten on the outside edge

51.3 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Ojha stays behind the line and defends it towards the off-side

51.2 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, beaten! But to Ojha's credit, he wasn't feeling for the ball, on a good length and a hint of shape away from the right-hander, draws Ojha into the defensive prod and goes past the outside edge, didn't carry to the keeper

51.1 - Dhammika to N Ojha, FOUR, back-to-back boundaries for Ojha, but he was in more control over this one, short and wide from Dhammika, Ojha gets on top of the bounce and steers it past gully for a boundary

Over: 51	2 0 2 0 0 0	IND 137/5
Pujara 67(152)	N Ojha 5(16)	Herath 12-2-41-0

50.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Herath slows one on off, Pujara gets his bat in front of the pads and blocks

50.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Herath drifts one well outside off, Pujara jumps down the track and blocks

50.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, slower and just outside off, Pujara gets well forward in defence

50.3 - Herath to Pujara, 2 runs, this one is given more air, Pujara comes down the track and whips it past mid-wicket for a couple of runs, played with the spin and with a closed face

50.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Pujara presses forward and defends it

50.1 - Herath to Pujara, 2 runs, appeal for LBW, but the ball went off the back of Pujara's bat, lobbed in the air and went over Mathews at first slip, he was busy appealing, reacts late to the chance and is nowhere near the ball. Pujara was looking to sweep a very full ball and missed, he was struck on the pads, well outside leg, as he completed the shot, the ball went off the back of the bat

Rangana Herath [11.0-2-37-0] is back into the attack

Over: 50	3 0 0 0 0 4	IND 133/5
N Ojha 5(16)	Pujara 63(146)	Dhammika 15-4-43-3

49.6 - Dhammika to N Ojha, FOUR, streaky and four, this was well pitched up, wider outside off, drew Ojha into playing at it, he went with hard hands, gets a thick outside edge - wide of gully. It was in the air but in the gap as well

49.5 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, fraction fuller and just outside off, Ojha presses forward and defends it towards the off-side

An extra slip has been added now

49.4 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, tad too straight from Dhammika, allows Ojha to shuffle across and nudge it towards mid-wicket

49.3 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, beaten! Dhammika continues to torment the Indian batsmen, this was pitched up in that fifth stump line, draws Ojha into the defensive push, held its line and beats his outside edge

49.2 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, on a length and angling into Ojha, he fell over slightly as he looked to flick, the ball thudded into his thigh pad and lobbed towards the on-side

Just two slips and a gully for Ojha

49.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, 3 runs, Pujara is looking positive after lunch, leans into a well pitched up delivery, opens the face of the bat at the last moment and finds the gap past cover, the batsmen run hard and comes back for the third run

Over: 49	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 126/5
N Ojha 1(11)	Pujara 60(145)	Pradeep 14-5-22-1

48.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Ojha plays with an open face and defends it to the right of cover-point. Pujara wanted a run but is quickly sent back

48.5 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, on a length and in that corridor outside off, Ojha prods across and defends it towards the off-side

48.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, Pradeep shortens his length a tad, Ojha stays besides the line and defends it towards cover-point

48.3 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, fraction fuller and just outside off, Ojha gets well forward and defends it back towards the bowler

48.2 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ojha gets well forward and defends it

48.1 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, leading edge! But the ball went to ground quickly, on a good length and angling into the right-hander, he was looking to work it towards the on-side, closed the face of the bat early and the edge pops towards mid-off

Over: 48	0 0 3 0 0 1	IND 126/5
N Ojha 1(5)	Pujara 60(145)	Dhammika 14-4-36-3

47.6 - Dhammika to N Ojha, 1 run, Ojha is off and running, fraction fuller and just outside off, Ojha leans forward and firmly pushes it back past the bowler, just a single as mid-off gives chase

47.5 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Ojha stays behind the line and defends it

47.4 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, fuller length delivery and well outside off, looking to tempt Ojha into the drive, he resists and lets it go

47.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, 3 runs, full and wide from Dhammika, ends up as a long half-volley, Pujara reaches out for the drive and finds the gap past cover-point, runs hard and gets back for the third run

47.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, short of a good length and in that channel outside off, Pujara doesn't committ fully on the front foot, just takes half-a-stride and defends it

47.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, no hat-trick for Dhammika, on a good length and just outside off, Pujara presses half forward and defends it towards the off-side

Dhammika is on a hat-trick. Three slips and a gully in place

Over: 47	0 0 1 1L 1 0	IND 122/5
N Ojha 0(2)	Pujara 57(142)	Pradeep 13-4-22-1

46.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ojha plays with an open face and guides it towards point

46.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, another short delivery from Pradeep, Pujara swivelled across, rolls his wrists and pulls it down towards long leg for a single

46.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, leg byes, 1 run, appeal for LBW, but the ball was sliding down the leg-side, this one jagged back in off the seam, Ojha was pushing forward in defence and is struck on the pads, the impact was in front of leg-stump, would have been going down

Two slips and a gully in place

46.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, banged in short and on the stumps, hurried Pujara on the pull, he ends up gloving it behind square on the on-side for a single, first run after lunch

46.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Pujara watches it all along and pushes it towards mid-off

46.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of a length outside off and holding its line outside off, Pujara covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

Nuwan Pradeep [12.0-4-20-1] is back into the attack

Naman Ojha, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Over: 46	0 0 0 0 W W	IND 119/5
Binny 0(1)	Pujara 55(138)	Dhammika 13-4-32-3

45.6 - Dhammika to Binny, out Lbw!! Binny falls first ball, he doesn't look all that happy! A cracker of a delivery from Dhammika, pitched up in that channel outside off and shaped back in slightly, Binny was pushing forward in defence, the ball beats his inside edge and raps him on the back-pad, almost on his thigh pad, well above the knee roll. Was it going on to hit the stumps? Umpire Llong didn't think a lot, he raised his finger in a flash. The impact was in front of off-stump, but the height was an issue? Binny lbw b Dhammika 0(1)

Dhammika to Binny, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Stuart Binny, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Welcome back for the second session...The Sri Lankan players are in a huddle. Pujara is the key for India. Dhammika has a band-aid on the upper part of his back and he will finish the over. Binny is the new batsman in..

Mathews held back Tharindu Kaushal but when he introduced him in the second hour, all the pressure that was built in the morning was released. Pujara, who scored just 13 runs in 110 minutes of play, smacked Kaushal's first three deliveries for four. Soon, he reached his 7th Test fifty and the partnership too went past 50. However, Dhammika found Rohit's outside edge in the last over before lunch to put Sri Lanka right on top. India are under serious pressure at 119/4 and they need to bat really well from here to post a good first innings total. Take a break and join us back at 12:40 for the post-lunch session.

Just when Kohli was looking solid in his defence and strokeplay, he poked acres away from the body at an Angelo Mathews outswinger to edge it to the keeper. The Indian captain walked back in disbelief, especially having done all the hard work early in the morning. Rohit Sharma joined Pujara and tried to be positive and almost gifted his wicket to Rangana Herath. But the Mumbaikar settled down, treated the bowling on merit and did not miss out on a boundary scoring opportunity.

A good battle between bat and ball throughout the morning, Sri Lanka will be very happy with proceedings though. Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep hit the right areas straightaway and got the ball to move around. Both Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli survived a few nervy moments early on. Apart from the ball going past the edge on occasions, Kohli even survived a close LBW shout in the very first over of the day. However, the duo fought hard to negate the opening burst from both the pacers.

45.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, out Caught by Tharanga!! And Dhammika has found the edge. Caught at first slip. That will be lunch as well. Dhammika has success at last. He folds his hands and thanks the almighty. Rohit had left well in this over, but this one was around the sixth stump line, on a good length and he edged the defensive stroke. Carried nicely around stomach height to Tharanga who made no mistake. Dhammika certainly deserved that wicket. He has bowled outstandingly well today. Replays show that, like Kohli, Rohit shuffled well across and that proved to his undoing. No need to shuffle so much when you know the line will be outside off. Credit to Dhammika though for plugging away. Rohit c Tharanga b Dhammika 26(65) [4s-3 6s-1]

Dhammika to Rohit, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

45.4 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, Dhammika knows that he hasn't made Rohit play. Delivers it well outside off and then has a wry smile after Rohit left it alone

45.3 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full outside off, Rohit lets it go

45.2 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full and well wide of off, left alone

This will be the last over before lunch

45.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, outside off line, Rohit shoulders arms

Over: 45	0 0 1 0 0 4	IND 119/3
Pujara 55(138)	Rohit 26(60)	Herath 11-2-37-0

44.6 - Herath to Pujara, FOUR, dragged down, on the middle and leg line, easy for Pujara as he rocks back and whips it through mid-wicket. No deep fielder on the on-side and an easy boundary

44.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Pujara wants to come forward, but preferred to defend that from the crease as it came back in towards off stump

44.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flat outside off, defended to short cover

44.3 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, slower and Rohit gets forward to drive to long-off

44.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on the middle and leg stump line, Rohit defends to short mid-wicket

44.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, tossed up on off stump line, Rohit gets forward to defend to short cover

Rangana Herath [10.0-2-32-0] is back into the attack

Over: 44	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 114/3
Pujara 51(135)	Rohit 25(57)	Dhammika 12-3-32-1

43.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, cracker to end. Beats Pujara all ends up. Lift from a back of a length area, pitches and seams away, Pujara hangs his bat out and is nowhere near it. Dhammika has bowled superbly without much luck. He is a frustrated man and sinks his head down as he holds his knees. Maybe he is tired too

43.5 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, testing line outside off, Pujara lets it go

43.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara pushes it to cover-point

43.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full and angled in on off stump, Pujara in trying to defend, gets an inside edge onto the pad. The ball trickles back down the wicket

43.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara defends with an open face to cover-point

43.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, Dhammika beats Pujara. Nervous defence attempted. In the corridor of uncertainty, holds its line and beats the bat. Nearly the edge

Over: 43	0 2 1 1 0 1	IND 114/3
Pujara 51(129)	Rohit 25(57)	Kaushal 2-0-17-0

42.6 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, very full on the stumps, Pujara gets forward and wrists it to long-on

42.5 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, flighted outside off, Pujara leans forward to block

42.4 - Kaushal to Rohit, 1 run, full toss outside off, Rohit gets forward and drives to long-off

42.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, 1 run, 50 for Pujara. The team director - Ravi Shastri and others stand up to clap. Pujara walks up to Rohit and shakes his hand. Dragged down midway and Pujara rocks back to pull to deep mid-wicket

42.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, 2 runs, short and turning in, Pujara rocks back and cuts wide of cover, good enough for two

42.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, tossed up outside off, Pujara stretches out and defends

Over: 42	0 1 0 3 2 0	IND 109/3
Rohit 24(56)	Pujara 47(124)	Dhammika 11-2-32-1

41.6 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, good length and outside off, Rohit shuffles across and defends it back to Dhammika

41.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, 2 runs, angled in on middle and leg, flicked past mid-wicket for two more

41.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, 3 runs, nice shot. On a short of length and outside off, Pujara punches wide of cover, Kaushal gives chase and keeps it to three

41.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good length and angled in, Pujara defends

41.2 - Dhammika to Rohit, 1 run, short down leg, Rohit is hurried on the shot and gloves it to fine leg, single

Just a thought - part 4: To finish off I would rate Root, Williamson, Kohli and Smith in that order. Kohli and Smith have to prove themselves when the ball moves and not just score runs when the ball doesn't do anything. Similarly KW and Root in spinning and sub-continental conditions. One thing about all four batsmen is their undoubted talent. Just that they have to perform in all conditions. PS: I have nothing against Kohli or Smith. Saying it as how I see it. Not convinced about either of them and disappointed that they flopped in seaming/swinging conditions when so much was expected of them. Bit of bias when I say I have more faith in KW and Root over Kohli and Smith - but that's how it is. I'm allowed to state my opinion!

41.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, short of length outside off, Rohit leaves

Over: 41	4 4 4 0 0 0	IND 103/3
Pujara 44(122)	Rohit 21(52)	Kaushal 1-0-12-0

40.6 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, floated on off, Pujara gets forward and defends it to short mid-wicket

Slip and a short leg in

40.5 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, turns in sharply, Pujara defends to cover

40.4 - Kaushal to Pujara, no run, short mid-wicket runs and dives to his left to make a good stop after Pujara punched that

40.3 - Kaushal to Pujara, FOUR, hat-trick of boundaries. Is that the first time Pujara has hit a hat-trick of fours in Tests? Could very well be. Again too full outside off, allows Pujara a free extension of his arms, he gets forward and square drives in the vacant backward point region. Bad bowling and rightly put away

Back over the wicket

40.2 - Kaushal to Pujara, FOUR, horribly dragged down, Pujara rocks back and dabs it through short third man. Consecutive boundaries. Pujara had so much time to play that. Kaushal tried something different and got it totally wrong

Now round the wicket

40.1 - Kaushal to Pujara, FOUR, tossed up from over the wicket, Pujara gets forward and thumps the drive, beats Herath running across from deep cover. He was slow to get to the ball and the ball beat him easily. Hit really hard by Pujara after Kaushal overpitched

T Kaushal, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Over: 40	0 0 0 0 0 1	IND 91/3
Pujara 32(116)	Rohit 21(52)	Dhammika 10-2-26-1

39.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, short on the stumps, Pujara hops and takes the bottom hand off, gloved down and wide of square leg, quick single taken. That hurried Pujara for pace

39.5 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, lovely line, full and teasing Pujara outside off, Pujara got his front foot forward and then the bat didn't go at the ball. Left it alone. Dhammika has a wry smile at the batsman

39.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full outside off, pushed back to Dhammika

39.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, short of length outside off, punched to short cover

39.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good ball and it beats Pujara. Angled in and then seams away to beat the bat. Pujara wasn't fully forward, pushed out and is lucky that he didn't nick off. The ball swung after passing the bat

39.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, angled in towards off stump, Pujara defends to short cover

Over: 39	0 0 0 4 0 0	IND 90/3
Rohit 21(52)	Pujara 31(110)	Herath 10-2-32-0

38.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on the stumps, defended back to Herath

38.5 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat outside off, pushed to cover-point

38.4 - Herath to Rohit, FOUR, even slower outside off, Rohit gets forward and drives languidly, wide of short cover and beats extra cover diving to his right. Timing and the ball raced away

38.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, slower outside off, pushed to straight short cover

38.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, slower again, Rohit gets forward and wrists it to short mid-wicket

38.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, slower and on the stumps, defended to short leg

Over: 38	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 86/3
Pujara 31(110)	Rohit 17(46)	Dhammika 9-2-25-1

37.6 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full outside off, Pujara gets forward and drives with an open face to the right of cover-point

37.5 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, outswinger, well wide and Pujara leaves

37.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full outside off, left alone

37.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, good length and angled in, defended to short cover

Just a thought - part 3: Then comes Root. He looks to be the one who is most capable of playing all conditions. One inherent advantage he has over the others is that he has been brought up in conditions that offer appreciable movement in England. So he has no problems when the ball moves. Plays spin well. Can be a bit suspect against the short ball. Saw that once or twice in the Ashes against Johnson. Isn't a sitting duck to that though. But his real test will come when England visit UAE in October. If he can pass that and then conquer the sub-continent then we may see the making of a true great.

37.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, full and angled in towards off stump, Pujara defends to cover-point

Two slips and a gully

37.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, outside off, left alone

Dhammika Prasad [8.0-1-25-1] is back into the attack

Over: 37	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 86/3
Rohit 17(46)	Pujara 31(104)	Herath 9-2-28-0

36.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, bit round-armish and flat on the stumps, Rohit defends off the front foot towards short cover

36.5 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on the middle and leg stump line, pushed back to Herath

36.4 - Herath to Rohit, no run, bit more flight on the middle stump line, Rohit defends it back to the bowler

36.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, again the length is flat and on the stumps, Rohit blocks down the track

36.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and on the stumps, Rohit defends it back to Herath

36.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, down leg, Rohit misses the clip, would've gone down

Over: 36	0 Wd 0 0 0 0 0	IND 86/3
Pujara 31(104)	Rohit 17(40)	Pradeep 12-4-20-1

35.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short outside off, left alone

35.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full outside off, driven back to Pradeep who shies at the batsman, Pujara is quick to get out of the way

35.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length and angled in towards off stump, Pujara is rock-solid in his defensive technique

35.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full outside off, driven off the front foot to mid-off

35.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara drops it with soft hands towards short cover

35.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, wide, dug in short outside off, Pujara sways away and Kusal leaps to take it. Called wide for height

35.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, nips back in towards off stump, Pujara turns it to mid-wicket

Over: 35	0 0 0 4 0 0	IND 85/3
Rohit 17(40)	Pujara 31(98)	Herath 8-1-28-0

34.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on the off stump, Rohit offers a compact forward defence

34.5 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Rohit defends

34.4 - Herath to Rohit, FOUR, Rohit uses his feet this time, gets close to the pitch of this flighted delivery and flicks it nicely through mid-wicket, it was in the air for a while but in the gap

34.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, pushed through and just straying down the leg-side, Rohit works it to the right of the bowler

34.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, around off stump line, blocked easily again

34.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, Rohit leans forward and defends

Over: 34	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 81/3
Pujara 31(98)	Rohit 13(34)	Pradeep 11-4-19-1

33.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, angled in towards off stump, Pujara gets forward and defends it back to Pradeep

33.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, and again, Pujara dabbing it with soft hands to cover-point

33.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, pitched up outside off, Pujara gets forward and pushes it to cover-point

33.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of length on the stumps, bit of extra bounce, hits the shoulder of the bat and rolls towards cover-point

The ball seems to have gone out of shape. LOL moment as Sanjay Manjrekar on air calls the circular rings which is used to check the shape of the ball - "Cufflinks" and then quickly corrects himself. The fourth umpire is out there with those rings. The ball is passed through those hoops and we may have a change of ball. It doesn't go through them. The six that Rohit hit in the last over landed on the covers placed outside the boundary ropes. The ball may have gotten wet as there was water on those covers. The ball has been changed!

33.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full outside off, Pujara gets forward and defends to cover

33.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of length outside off, left alone

Just a thought - part 2: Forgot about Root in that list. Even though KW doesn't have a great record in Australia, South Africa and England, he certainly inpsires more confidence than a Kohli or Smith when the ball moves around. Also he isn't a flat track bully like Smith and Kohli. Can be counted upon to make runs when the conditions are hard. Kohli may have got four hundreds in Australia but those were conditions that were suited to his style of play - no lateral movement and the ball didn't move much. Same applies to Smith. Killed India in Australia and then flopped in England if you take out the double hundred at Lord's and the hundred at the Oval

Over: 33	0 0 0 1 6 0	IND 81/3
Rohit 13(34)	Pujara 31(92)	Herath 7-1-24-0

32.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and on the stumps, pressed back to Herath

32.5 - Herath to Rohit, SIX, this time Rohit takes on Herath and hits him for six. Again a closed bat face and though he hasn't struck it cleanly, it goes all the way over long-on

32.4 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, down leg, tucked to deep backward square leg

32.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, angled in on the stumps, Pujara defends to short leg

32.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, now goes back and wrists it towards short leg

32.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, Pujara comes down the track and drives it hard back at Herath who fields

Over: 32	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 74/3
Rohit 7(32)	Pujara 30(88)	Pradeep 10-3-19-1

31.6 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, Rohit strides forward and defends with bat and pad close together

31.5 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, again back of a length outside off, nice lift after Rohit leaves

31.4 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, short of length outside off, Rohit shoulders arms

31.3 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, pitched up outside off, left alone

31.2 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, full outside off, Rohit gets forward and blocks solidly to mid-off

31.1 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, good length and angled in, Rohit blocks solidly to the left of Pradeep

Nuwan Pradeep [9.0-2-19-1] is back into the attack

Over: 31	0 0 1 0 1 0	IND 74/3
Pujara 30(88)	Rohit 7(26)	Herath 6-1-17-0

30.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flat and outside off, blocked to mid-off

30.5 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, gets forward and pushes it wide of cover, easy single

30.4 - Herath to Rohit, no run, slower and on the leg stump line, Rohit is lazy to get forward and is rapped on the pads, going down. No real appeal for lbw

30.3 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, fullish on middle, Pujara flicks to deep backward square

30.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery outside off, Pujara takes a step out and defends to short cover

30.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tossed up on the stumps, defended

Time for drinks. Not an easy hour for batting. The ball has decked around and made batsmen's life uncomfortable. Kohli survived a loud shout for lbw in the opening over against Dhammika and looked uncertain. Soon his stay ended when he nicked a Mathews outswinger. Pujara has survived some nervy moments too. As the sun beats down, conditions should get better for batting in the next hour

Over: 30	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 72/3
Rohit 6(24)	Pujara 29(84)	Mathews 8-5-8-1

29.6 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, dug in short outside off, Rohit bows his head down and leaves. Mathews gives him a stare

29.5 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, left alone

29.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, outside off, Rohit leaves well

Just a thought - part 1: The three best young batsmen in the world currently are Kohli, Steven Smith and Kane Williamson. While the first two are monsters on dead, flat wickets, when it comes to seaming/swinging conditions they have been found out. The one reason for that could be the way they bat. There is a huge shuffle across towards the fifth, sixth and even seventh stump line. That is their pre-dominant movement. Which makes them vulnerable to balls that seam or swing. Also going with hard hands towards the ball makes them susceptible. This doesn't apply to KW who plays close to his body and is an impeccable leaver of the ball outside off. Also knows where his off stump is

29.3 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, wide of the crease and outside off, Rohit gets forward to defend to mid-off

29.2 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, full outside off, solid forward block to the bowler

29.1 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, pushed to cover-point

Over: 29	0 0 0 1 0 2	IND 72/3
Pujara 29(84)	Rohit 6(18)	Herath 5-1-15-0

28.6 - Herath to Pujara, 2 runs, fired down leg, flicked wide of backward square, two it is

28.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted delivery outside off, Pujara takes a step out and defends it back down the track

28.4 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, darted in on the pads, tucked wide of short leg, quick single taken

28.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, again slower and teasing line outside off, Rohit defends to short cover

28.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, slower and tossed up outside off, left alone

28.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, angled in on the stumps, Rohit defends to the right of Herath

Over: 28	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 69/3
Pujara 27(82)	Rohit 5(14)	Mathews 7-4-8-1

27.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, full outside off, Pujara dead-bats to mid-off

27.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, just short of gully. Pujara going with hard hands at a delivery outside off, luckily his push didn't carry to the fielder

27.4 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, pitched up outside off, left alone

Now the sun is out and the weather is fine

27.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, dug in short on the stumps, Pujara ducks under that. Looped to the keeper

27.2 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, bit more fuller outside off, Pujara defends solidly back down the track

27.1 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara blocks

Over: 27	0 4 0 0 0 0	IND 69/3
Rohit 5(14)	Pujara 27(76)	Herath 4-1-12-0

26.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, angled in on on the stumps, Rohit gets forward to defend and the ball runs off a thick outer half to backward point

26.5 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and on the stumps, Rohit takes a step out and defends

26.4 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on the stumps, Rohit makes room and drives inside out to short cover, good sharp stop

26.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on off stump, defended back to Herath

26.2 - Herath to Rohit, FOUR, Rohit nearly holes out. Nuwan Pradeep makes a clumsy effort - back-pedalling - at mid-on and doesn't even get a hand on it. He went to his left and leapt but was late in starting off the blocks. Rohit comes down the track and then the bat face closes on the loft, a more agile fielder than Pradeep would've moved swiftly backwards and tried to get under that. It runs away to the boundary

26.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, tossed up outside off, driven to mid-off. Pujara takes a step out and then retreats

Over: 26	0 0 0 0 1 0	IND 65/3
Pujara 27(76)	Rohit 1(8)	Mathews 6-3-8-1

25.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, on off stump, Pujara blocks from the crease

25.5 - Mathews to Rohit, 1 run, gentle outswinger, outside off, Rohit pushes it to the left of cover, wants the quick single and pushes Pujara to make it. Dhammika Prasad was the fielder and he was caught napping

25.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length on the stumps, turned to mid-wicket

25.3 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, loud shout for lbw. Not given. Similar delivery to the one that got him out lbw in the first Test. Llong smiles and then shakes his head. It nipped back in, missed the inside edge and then thudded into the thigh pad. Height would've taken it over. Rohit was stuck on the crease

Three slips and a gully

25.2 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, Rohit defends with an open face to gully

25.1 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length on off stump, Rohit defends to mid-off

Over: 25	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 64/3
Pujara 27(75)	Rohit 0(3)	Herath 3-1-8-0

24.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, on the off stump line, Pujara defends it back to Herath

24.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, skips out and defends to the right of Herath

24.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flight from Herath, Pujara uses his feet and drives to mid-off

24.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted outside off, pushed back to Herath

24.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tossed up on the stumps, Pujara comes down the track and wrists it to mid-on

24.1 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flat and on the stumps, punched to mid-on

Over: 24	0 0 W 0 0 0	IND 64/3
Rohit 0(3)	Pujara 27(69)	Mathews 5-3-7-1

23.6 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, wide of the crease and Mathews beats Rohit. This one was angled in and that sucked Rohit into playing at that, then held its line to beat the outside edge. Top top delivery and end of a fine over from Mathews

23.5 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, outswinger outside off, left alone

23.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, on a length and on the stumps, Rohit defends

Rohit Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

23.3 - Mathews to Kohli, out Caught by K Perera!! Mathews gets Kohli out. First catch for Kusal Perera in Tests. Gentle outswinger outside off, nothing more than that, Kohli came forward to defend and nicked off. Well held by Kusal diving to his right. Mathews leaps and punches the air in delight. Nagging line and length and Kohli's uncertain stay at the crease ends. He shuffled well across to meet that and that's why the edge was found. A bit like another young talented batter - Steven Smith who too did the same in the Ashes. Kohli c K Perera b Mathews 18(60) [4s-3]

Mathews to Kohli, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

23.2 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, length outside off, Kohli gets forward and pushes it to short cover

23.1 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, Kohli gets forward and defends to short cover. Rock-solid forward defence

Angelo Mathews [4.0-2-7-0] is back into the attack

Over: 23	2 0 0 0 0 0	IND 64/2
Pujara 27(69)	Kohli 18(57)	Herath 2-0-8-0

22.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, again uses the feet, but isn't to the pitch of it, the ball dipped on him and he pad-bats it away

22.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, outside off, Pujara gets forward and defends to short cover

22.4 - Herath to Pujara, no run, flighted around the off stump line, Pujara blocks

22.3 - Herath to Pujara, no run, again skips out and drives, but to mid-on

22.2 - Herath to Pujara, no run, tossed up on the middle stump line, Pujara gets forward to block

Slip and a short leg in

22.1 - Herath to Pujara, 2 runs, tossed up from round the wicket, Pujara comes down the track and flicks past mid-wicket for a couple

Rangana Herath [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack

"Ground staff just getting ready now all of a sudden. One big dark cloud chunk seems to be coming towards the ground but there is a lot of blue sky round as well to be optimistic. Even if the shower comes, it shouldn't last long. They are just milling around as a precaution," reports Ganesh.

Over: 22	0 0 3 0 0 0	IND 62/2
Kohli 18(57)	Pujara 25(63)	Dhammika 8-1-25-1

21.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, good yorker on off, Kohli digs it out to mid-on. Dhammika closes his eyes and seems to be struggling a bit. Is the heat getting to him?

21.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, good delivery. This one tails back in too, keeps a touch low too, Kohli though covers off stump and shoulders arms

21.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, nips back in and strikes Kohli on the thigh pad. Bounce for Dhammika and once the ball starts to move, Kohli doesn't look comfortable at all

21.3 - Dhammika to Pujara, 3 runs, good shot. Full on off and middle, Pujara gets forward and flicks wide of mid-on. Three taken as the ball is hauled back in

21.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, more indecisiveness from Pujara. He wanted to leave that outside off delivery, was late in doing so, the ball takes the face of the bat and rolls to gully. Dhammika now has a big smile at Pujara who turns his back on the bowler

Now Dhammika loses his run-up. Has to go back and start all over again

21.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, look at Dhammika. He is chirping away at Pujara. Who offers a meek smile in return. Now Kohli walks up to Pujara and has a chat. Then punches gloves. This was a good delivery, short of length outside off, bit of extra bounce too, Pujara pushed out and is lucky that he didn't feather it. Very limp batting. After he beat Pujara, Dhammika had a few pieces of advice for the batsman. Lovely stuff with those big eyes bulging out

Over: 21	0 0 0 0 0 3	IND 59/2
Pujara 22(60)	Kohli 18(54)	Pradeep 9-2-19-1

20.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, 3 runs, first runs for Pujara this morning. Nips back in, Pujara turns it with a closed bat face to deep square leg, three there and three taken

20.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, thumping drive by Pujara and he is unlucky that Mathews made a great stop. Full and wide outside off, Pujara drove it hard to the left of mid-off. Mathews stuck out his left-hand and stopped it. Even though he got a bad bounce, Mathews ensured that the ball didn't pass him

20.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, third leave in a row as Pradeep hits a length outside off

20.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, outside off, Pujara sees it early and leaves

20.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, teasing line outside off, Pujara leaves

20.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara gets forward and pushes it to cover, looks for a quick single, isn't there and sent back by Kohli

Over: 20	Nb 0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 56/2
Kohli 18(54)	Pujara 19(54)	Dhammika 7-1-22-1

19.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, full and nips back in towards off, Kohli gets forward and drives to mid-on. Wanted to get it wide of the man but played it straight to the fielder

19.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, the sucker delivery, full and wide outside off, Kohli now shoulders arms

19.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, that's rock-solid from Kohli. The feet moved beautifully and out of the middle of the bat as he defends to mid-off. Bat and pad close together and the head right down. Almost smelling the leather of the ball. Very well played by Kohli. Textbook forward defence

19.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, Kohli gets forward and defends to cover-point

19.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, nice variation. This was the attempted yorker, but not quite the perfect yorker, Kohli was a bit late in bringing the bat down, but did so. Digs it out. Kohli then has a wry smile at Dhammika. He knew it was a good delivery

19.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, pitched up outside off, Kohli shoulders arms

Looks like Pujara hasn't made any technical adjustments ever since I last saw him on the tour to England. The feet aren't getting forward and his weight is back. Is stuck on the crease to most deliveries and is vulnerable to balls that nip back in. A huge candidate for lbw. We saw him getting bowled or lbw often in England. Also plays besides the line of the ball rather behind the line of it. Doesn't have the back and across movement say for example someone like a Kohli has

19.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no ball, pitched up outside off, left alone. Dhammika has overstepped once more

Over: 19	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 55/2
Pujara 19(54)	Kohli 18(47)	Pradeep 8-2-16-1

18.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of length outside off, Pujara blocks to the bowler off the back foot

18.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, wide of the crease and angled in, Pujara covers off and shoulders arms

18.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full outside off, moved away a bit, Pujara lets it go

18.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length outside off, Pujara blocks solidly from the crease to mid-off

18.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, this one doesn't bounce much and doesn't carry to the keeper. Outside outside off and left alone

Pujara seems to have an issue with something behind Pradeep's arm. He goes up to Tucker and points it out. Slight delay

18.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full outside off, nips back in, good leave too as Pujara gets forward and then lets it go. That carried nicely to the keeper

Over: 18	0 0 Nb 0 0 0 4	IND 55/2
Kohli 18(47)	Pujara 19(48)	Dhammika 6-1-21-1

17.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, FOUR, full outside off, slightly streaky drive as Kohli was playing away from the body, the ball was in the air for a while and beat cover-point's dive to his left. First runs of the bat in the morning. The ball trickles away into the ropes

17.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, again this one nips back in and Kohli defends towards mid-on. Back and across before playing it softly. He rehearses the shot after defending it

17.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of length on the stumps, Kohli defends with a closed bat face to mid-wicket

17.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of length on the stumps, Kohli defends to the right of the bowler

17.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no ball, first run on day 2 and it has come via a no-ball. Dhammika oversteps and delivers it outside off, left alone

17.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, poor feet from Kohli. Feels for the ball outside off and is beaten. The front foot didn't move back and across, while the back foot stayed static. The bat went towards the ball and lucky that he didn't edge it. Stayed a tad low as well

17.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, outside off, left alone

Over: 17	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 50/2
Pujara 19(48)	Kohli 14(40)	Pradeep 7-1-16-1

16.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, nipped back in and strikes Pujara on the thigh pad. Pujara again caught on the crease and getting hit. That stung him and he grimaces. No real shout for lbw as the ball struck Pujara on the thigh pad

16.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, tight length delivery on the stumps, Pujara is solid in his back foot defence

16.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, again on a length and outside off, Pujara defends to mid-off

16.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, pitched up outside off, Pujara gets forward and pushes it to cover

16.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, Pujara is caught on the crease and is lucky that the ball missed off. It nipped back in and went past the inside edge, the bounce took it over the stumps. Looked very poor there, did Pujara, no footwork at all

16.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, short of length on off, Pujara dead-bats it down the track

Nuwan Pradeep [6.0-0-16-1] is back into the attack

Over: 16	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 50/2
Kohli 14(40)	Pujara 19(42)	Dhammika 5-1-16-1

15.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, again a loud shout for lbw but not given. Full and tailed back in, Kohli came forward to drive and missed. Got outside the line of off and that's why Llong gave it not out. A testing over from Dhammika comes to an end. Certainly had the batsman in trouble there. Replays are in and it shows that Kohli was struck marginally outside off. Not much there, an inch or two perhaps

15.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, outswinger outside off, left alone

15.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, pitched up outside off, Kohli plays away from the body and mistimes the drive to mid-off. Should've left that alone

15.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, loud shout for lbw. Not given. Was height an issue there? Looks like it as Llong thought about that for a while and then said no. It nipped back in and trapped Kohli on the crease, struck above the kneeroll of the pad and need Hawk-Eye (my colleague Pradeep is quick to remind me that there is no Hawk-Eye in this series, forgot about that) to confirm whether it was going over. That could be the only reason for Llong not to give that out. It was a good delivery, nipped back in and Kohli's feet didn't move that much

Three slips and a gully

15.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, again outside off, this one swings away, Kohli leaves again. Kusal Perera dives to his right and fumbles the take. It swung late after the batsman left it and that made Kusal's job difficult

15.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, starts with a wide delivery, well wide of off, but seam movement and carry for Dhammika, Kohli lets it go

It is a fantastic day in Colombo. Blue skies and Ravi Shastri - the team director - is gung-ho about Team India. Lots of upbeat talk in that little interview with Deep Dasgupta. "The sun is out and think bright" is his message. Coming back to the match - 98 overs are scheduled to be bowled in the day. Remember the forecast is for showers later in the day. Let's hope that stays away. We aren't too far away from ball 1 on day 2.

Pitch report: Live grass and Jonty Rhodes is concerned about some balls behaving unpredictably. Yesterday one delivery took off from a length and Jonty points to that area on the pitch. The rest of the wicket is fine. "Lots of grafting and lots of hard work" is the phrase Jonty uses for what awaits the batsmen today

In the few overs that were bowled, the hosts showed verve and discipline. On a wicket, where there is a good covering of live grass, the pacers joined the dots and extracted appreciable seam movement. For their efforts, Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep were rewarded with the scalps of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, respectively. Virat Kohli, too, could have been dismissed, but Kusal Perera in his first Test dropped him off Pradeep. The tourists would look up to Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to battle through the difficult period and set the platform. On the other hand, Sri Lanka need to keep taking wickets at regular intervals. Today as well thunderstorms are predicted in the afternoon. Hopefully, the rain will stay away.

Day 2: The first day of the final Test between Sri Lanka and India was marred by incessant rain. In fact, only 15 overs were bowled, with India losing a couple of early wickets. Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of day 2.

India lost two early wickets, that of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, after they were asked to bat first on a green pitch. Cheteshwar Pujara has looked composed though and Virat Kohli will look to make the most of the reprieve he got, dropped by Kusal Perera off Pradeep on 8. Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep impressed during their short bursts. The weather pattern is expected to remain similar for the rest of this Test. Hopefully, we will get a complete day's play tomorrow. Day 2 will start at 9:45 AM. Make sure that you join us for the action. For now, cheers and bye..

15:50 Local Time, 10:20 GMT, 15:50 IST: Well, this was inevitable. Day 1 of the third and final Cricbuzz Cup Test has been called off. Just 15 overs of play were possible. Weather permitting, we will have early starts on the remaining four days of the match, to make up for some of the lost time today.

15:43 Local Time, 10:13 GMT, 15:43 IST: The umpires are still out in the middle. But by the looks of it, we might not be too far away from calling it off for the day

15:41 Local Time, 10:11 GMT, 15:41 IST: It has started to rain. All the hard work of the groundsmen has gone waste. It is very dark as well.

15:32 Local Time, 10:02 GMT, 15:32 IST: The inspection is currently on. The two umpires are having a close look at some of the damp areas. They were concerned with the amount of water the outfield has taken. They had a long chat with the groundsman, looks like they are not happy with some of the damp spots. More groundstaff are coming onto the ground. Ganesh says more rain is on the way. The covers are coming on again. We are back to square one. This is very frustrating.

15:00 Local Time, 09:30 GMT, 15:00 IST: Ganesh has been kept very busy today. He says that there will be an official inspection at 3:30 PM local time. We have live visuals as well. The umpires were worried with the amount of water on the outfield. The groundstaff are looking to get it dry, the super sopper is in action as well. Will we get positive news in 30 minutes time? Large blocks of sponges are being used in an attempt to get the ground dry. The fourth umpire is out in the middle, as the hardworking men continue to prepare the ground, under the watchful eyes of head groundsman, Michael de Souza.

14:55 Local Time, 09:25 GMT, 14:55 IST: Ganesh adds that the super soppers are in action. But why wasn't it used until now? He has the answer as well. The main focus was on removing all the water from the covers, it has been done now, onto the second part, that of getting the ground fit to play. That is being done right now. He also spots Marvan Atapattu having a long chat with the groundsman.

It's officially Tea in Colombo. Our man Ajith Ramamurthy sends in more information. He says that the groundstaff are doing their best to get the ground ready. Ganesh chips in and adds that all the water has been removed from the covers. There's no super sopper as of now, says Ajith, and adds that it is the reason for the slow drying process. The umpires are expected to have a look at the conditions shortly.

14:30 Local Time, 09:00 GMT, 14:30 IST: The rain has stopped, the groundstaff are busy as they look to get the ground ready, but will there be any more play today? We will have an update in 30 minutes time..

14:12 Local Time, 08:42 GMT, 14:12 IST: Bad news folks, the umpires reckon that chances of play resuming today looks pretty bleak, despite the best efforts of the groundsmen to get the ground ready for play.

13:30 Local Time, 08:00 GMT, 13:30 IST: Great news folks! The covers are being peeled off. Time for the groundsmen to get into action. "What they (groundsmen) did was remove the pitch-cover to let the water on it flow outside, the pitch is now covered again. They will probably do it for all the covers to take the water on the covers out first, then super sopper etc. That's why, it'll be a long drill," updates Ganesh.

Rod Tucker: 'The amount of rain we have had so far, it will take at least one hour to get the covers off. The groundsman is worried about the water table beneath the surface, we will definitely have no play for at least an hour'.

13:15 Local Time, 07:45 GMT, 13:15 IST: The rain has stopped for the moment, but the light is an issue. There is plenty of water on the covers. The fourth umpire is out in the middle. The entire ground has been covered. No sign of the groundstaff attempting to begin the clean-up operations. Doesn't look too promising at the moment.

12:53 Local Time, 07:23 GMT, 12:53 IST: Ganesh has had his lunch and reports that the drizzle is very light. It has got a lot brighter as well. The groundstaff are waiting for the rain to stop before getting on with the cleaning process.

12:25 Local Time, 06:55 GMT, 12:25 IST: Live visuals from the ground. It is still drizzling and the outfield is taking plenty of water. The wait continues..

12:15 Local Time, 06:45 GMT, 12:15 IST: Ganesh continues to remain busy. He says that the rain has almost stopped and some blue skies are visible in the background. The covers are still on though, the groundstaff are in no hurry to remove them.

11:55 Local Time, 06:25 GMT, 11:55 IST: It is still raining and Ganesh says there is thunder and lightning in the background. Hopefully, we will get lucky on the weather front.

A decent session for Sri Lanka although they might rue dropping Virat Kohli - early on in his innings. It was a perfect start for the hosts after Mathews asked India to bat first. KL Rahul was sent packing in the first over - completely misjudging an incoming delivery from Dhammika. Ajinkya Rahane looked very positive - two straight boundaries showing his class. But on this pitch, all it requires is one small mistake from the batsman, and as it happened, Rahane fell over attempting an off-drive off Nuwan Pradeep and was caught plumb in front. Kohli started confidently enough but has looked edgy, especially after being reprieved by the keeper. On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara looks solid - despite playing his first Test after a long gap of eight months. The duo have added 36 runs so far and the team will hope that this pair takes them out of choppy waters, once play resumes.

11:43 Local Time, 06:13 GMT, 11:43 IST: The umpires have decided to take early lunch. If we are lucky enough, we might well have play resuming at 12:25 local time. But for that to happen, rain must stop completely and the outfield has to be readied in time for a prompt start. There is a lot of water on the covers, will take a while once the groundstaff get to work.

11:35 Local Time, 06:05 GMT, 11:35 IST: Rain has reduced to just a drizzle now. But it's still very cloudy and the light doesn't seem to be all that good. Lunch is just a few minutes away as well.

11:27 Local Time, 05:57 GMT, 11:27 IST: Ganesh is at the ground and he's not very confident of play resuming anytime soon. 'Absolutely pelting down' - are his exact words.

11:21 Local Time, 05:51 GMT, 11:21 IST: Almost the entire ground has been covered. I can see only small patches of green - the rest have been firmly protected. The forecast is for scattered showers right through the Test - we might lose more time as this match progresses. Good thing is that the pitch has plenty of grass on it - will help this match move ahead faster

11:17 Local Time, 05:47 GMT, 11:17 IST: It has started to rain and the groundsmen rush to the middle with the big covers. As of now, the entire square has been covered. It is pretty heavy now, the ground staff are struggling as they bring in more covers, it's very dark in the background, not much wind as well. This might be a lengthy delay

Over: 15	1 4 0 1 0 0	IND 50/2
Pujara 19(42)	Kohli 14(34)	Herath 1-0-6-0

14.6 - Herath to Pujara, no run, a shimmy down the track from Pujara, gets to the pitch of a well flighted delivery and drives it towards mid-off. He set-off immediately for a single, sent back by his partner

14.5 - Herath to Pujara, no run, pushed through by Herath, Pujara goes back and whips it towards mid-wicket

14.4 - Herath to Kohli, 1 run, Herath tosses one on Kohli's pads, tucked away behind square on the on-side for a single

14.3 - Herath to Kohli, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Kohli prods forward and defends it

It's getting darker and darker by the minute. The ground staff are getting ready, with the covers

14.2 - Herath to Kohli, FOUR, Herath drifts one onto Kohli's pads, he was looking to nudge it towards the on-side, gets a fine edge that races away past the keeper, a handy boundary for Kohli

A slip and a FSL in place

14.1 - Herath to Pujara, 1 run, tossed up and on Pujara's pads, whipped away towards mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and allows a run

Rangana Herath, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

Spin now, it's Herath

Over: 14	0 1 0 0 0 0	IND 44/2
Kohli 9(31)	Pujara 18(39)	Dhammika 4-0-16-1

13.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, this one rears from a length, Kohli has been beaten once again on that outside edge. Dhammika shortened his length by a fraction and gets it to straighten on the batsman. This angle forces Kohli to push forward - as he does here, without any conviction, nearly edged it through to the keeper

13.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, on a good length and in that channel outside off, Kohli covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

13.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, edged and short, that's very loose from Kohli, this was full and wide outside off, looking to lure Kohli into the drive. He didn't need to play at those, plays well away from his body, a healthy outside edge is found and the ball drops well in front of first slip

13.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of a length and holding its line outside off, Kohli covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

13.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Pujara lets the ball come upto him, drops it wide of cover-point with soft hands and calls Kohli across for a single

13.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, fuller length delivery and holding its line outside off, Pujara covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

Three slips and a gully in place.. Dhammika is back for a second spell

Dhammika Prasad [3.0-0-15-1] is back into the attack

Over: 13	0 2 0 0 0 1	IND 43/2
Pujara 17(37)	Kohli 9(27)	Mathews 4-2-7-0

12.6 - Mathews to Pujara, 1 run, short of a good length and in that chanel outside off, Pujara plays with an angled bat and dabs it to the left of backward point, the fielder makes a tumbling half-stop and keeps the batsmen down to a single

12.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, on a good length and in that corridor outside off, Pujara presses across and defends it with soft hands

12.4 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, tad fuller and in that channel outside off, Pujara leans forward and defends it towards cover

12.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, short of a good length and just outside off, Pujara stabs forward, plays with a closed face and defends it back at the bowler

12.2 - Mathews to Pujara, 2 runs, tad fuller and in that channel outside off, Pujara gets forward, plays with an open face and guides it past gully for a couple of runs

12.1 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, that's a good start after the drinks interval, tad fuller and a hint of late swing - away from the right-hander, Pujara nearly went feeling for that, to his credit, he didn't push forward, gets beaten on the outside edge

Drinks are on the field now. A good first hour of play for Sri Lanka. Dhammika removed Rahul in the very first over, before Pradeep trapped a promising-looking Rahane right in front to reduce India to 14/2 inside 4 overs. Things could have been a lot worse for the visitors had Kusal Perera held on to Kohli's inside edge, but the debutant spilled the catch. Pujara has made a conscious effort to play with soft hands and Kohli is giving him good company as well. It is slightly overcast and Sri Lanka wil fancy their chances to seperate the pair.

Over: 12	1 0 0 0 0 0	IND 40/2
Kohli 9(27)	Pujara 14(31)	Pradeep 6-0-16-1

11.6 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, fullish and on the off stump, Kohli drives off the inside half of the bat towards mid-wicket

11.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, on a length and outside off stump, Kohli defends off the back foot

11.4 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, short of length from Pradeep, Kohli defends it to mid-on

11.3 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, on a length and outside off stump, Kohli lifts his bat and lets it go

11.2 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, back of a length and just outside off stump, Kohli defends off the back foot

11.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, good length delivery outside off stump, Pujara pushes it to cover for a sharp run

Over: 11	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 39/2
Kohli 9(22)	Pujara 13(30)	Mathews 3-2-4-0

10.6 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, full and outside off stump, Kohli drives it to mid-off

10.5 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, yes-no, yes-no, but they don't take the run. Short of a length delivery outside off stump, Kohli defends it to the left of the bowler, who fails to stop the ball, as the ball rolls mid-off, Kohli wanted a run but Pujara was late to react

10.4 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, fullish and on the leg stump, Kohli works it into the on-side

10.3 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, close to the off stump, Kohli defends off the front foot

10.2 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good shape away from the right-hander on this full ball, Kohli leans forward and lets it go

10.1 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, full and swinging away outside off stump, Kohli shoulders arms

Over: 10	0 1 4 0 Wd 0 0	IND 39/2
Pujara 13(30)	Kohli 9(16)	Pradeep 5-0-15-1

9.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off stump, Pujara defends off the back foot

9.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fullish and on the off stump, Pujara looks to defend, the bat turns in his hands and it rolls toward mid-wicket

9.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, wide, short delivery on the stumps, Pujara ducks under it, but it was way too high says the square leg umpire

9.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Pujara defends

9.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, Pujara waits for the ball to come and drives it nicely down the ground, mid-off is very square and he had no chance. Pujara punches gloves with Kohli after seeing the ball race to the boundary

9.2 - Pradeep to Kohli, 1 run, full and outside off stump, Kohli drives it to mid-off, Mathews gets an awkward bounce and it hits the ankle. That must have hurt

9.1 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, full and angling, Kohli defends it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket

Over: 9	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 33/2
Pujara 9(26)	Kohli 8(14)	Mathews 2-1-4-0

8.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fullish and outside off stump, Pujara shoulders arms

8.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, short of length delivery just outside off stump, Pujara defends off the back foot

8.4 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, full and outside off stump, Pujara shoulders arms

8.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fullish and on the off stump, Pujara defends off the front foot

8.2 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, on a length and outside off stump, Pujara defends with an angled bat to gully

8.1 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fullish and outside off stump, Pujara defends with soft hands, the inside edge rolls past the stumps

Over: 8	4 0 0 0 0 0	IND 33/2
Kohli 8(14)	Pujara 9(20)	Pradeep 4-0-9-1

7.6 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, that's a snorter from Pradeep, this pitch is definitely playing some tricks, Pradeep shortens his length a tad and gets it to nip away from off, the ball bounces from a length, draws Kohli forward before zipping well past the outside edge. He looked stunned, wasn't expecting the ball to rear from that length, luckily for him, it wasn't in line with the stumps

7.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, Pradeep keeps it short and just outside off, Kohli gets on top of the bounce and defends it

7.4 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, back of a length and in that channel outside off, Kohli watches it sail through to the keeper

7.3 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Kohli leans forward and defends it towards cover

7.2 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, edgedddd and dropped. And it's five penalty runs as well as the ball hit the helmet, which was placed behind the keeper. Good length delivery outside off stump, Kohli looks to push away from the body, the ball nips back in a takes the inside edge, it came at a very good height for Kusal Perera, who drops the ball despite getting both hands to it. Kohli was quick to point out that the ball hit the helmet. The replay suggests that the ball hit Kusal on the wrist

7.1 - Pradeep to Kohli, FOUR, allows the length ball to come and tucks this past mid-on, oh that's timed sweetly and looks like it's going to beat the fielder's chase, it does

Over: 7	4 0 0 0 0 0	IND 24/2
Pujara 9(20)	Kohli 4(8)	Mathews 1-0-4-0

6.6 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fullish and outside off stump, Pujara defends it into the off-side

6.5 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, full and outside off stump, blocked

6.4 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, good length delivery on the stumps, Pujara defends

6.3 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, big shout for LBW, but umpire Rod Tucker shakes his head. Good call from Tucker as height was an issue there. Good length nipping back in, Pujara looks to defend off the front foot, but leaves a bat-pad gap, the ball sneaks through and hits the thigh pad

Two slips and a gully

6.2 - Mathews to Pujara, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Pujara defends from the crease

6.1 - Mathews to Pujara, FOUR, that's a gift from Mathews and Pujara doesn't miss out. Full and angling in on the pads, Pujara waits for the ball and flicks it through square leg for a boundary

Angelo Mathews, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Over: 6	0 0 0 1 0 0	IND 20/2
Kohli 4(8)	Pujara 5(14)	Pradeep 3-0-5-1

5.6 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, lovely forward defence from Kohli, the ball rolls to mid-off

5.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, bumper on the stumps, Kohli ducks under it

5.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, fullish and angling in, pushed wide of mid-on

5.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off stump, Pujara defends off the back foot

5.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, shortish and outside off stump, Pujara shoulders arms

5.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, edgedddd but just short. Actually that was well played by Pujara. This length ball nipped away off the seam, opened up Pujara, who was looking to defend, because he played with soft hands, the thick edge did not carry to third slip despite the fielder diving forward

Dhammika Prasad is off the field, probably to get some treatment.

Over: 5	0 0 3 1 0 0	IND 19/2
Kohli 4(6)	Pujara 4(10)	Dhammika 3-0-15-1

4.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, length ball wide outside off stump, ignored

4.5 - Dhammika to Kohli no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Kohli defends off the front foot

4.4 - Dhammika to Pujara, 1 run, good length delivery on the off stump, Pujara defends it off the inside half of the bat to mid-on

4.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, 3 runs, crunchy front foot drive from Kohli, but the man at cover gives chase and hunts it down. Full and outside off stump, Kohli drives well, Kaushal tidies up to save one

4.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, on a length and wide outside off stump, asking Kohli to play away from the body, but the Indian skipper simply shoulders arms

4.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, full and just outside off stump, Kohli leans forward and defends

Over: 4	0 1 0 W 1 0	IND 15/2
Pujara 3(9)	Kohli 1(1)	Pradeep 2-0-4-1

3.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, full and down the leg-side, Pujara tries to help it on its way but misses

3.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, 1 run, off the mark straightaway, fullish and outside off stump, Kohli taps it towards cover for a run

Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease

3.4 - Pradeep to Rahane, out Lbw!! Umpire Nigel Llong raised his finger in a flash. That was plumb in front and Rahane can't believe that he's missed it. He was looking so good, almost getting behind the line and presenting the full face of the bat every ball but he has to go. Full and on the stumps, looks like Rahane was surprised by the length there, he was a little late to react as he tried to drive, the ball nips back in slightly and beat the inside edge, hit the front pad in line with middle and it would have al least crashed into leg stump. Rahane was rooted to the crease and fell over while playing the shot, that is why he could not meet the ball. India under huge pressure now. It's 14/2 inside 4 overs. Rahane lbw b Pradeep 8(13) [4s-2]

Pradeep to Rahane, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

3.3 - Pradeep to Rahane, no run, on a length and just outside off stump, Rahane defends well

3.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, 1 run, fullish and outside off stump, Pujara pushes it softly to cover and sets off

3.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, appeal for LBW, but umpire Nigel Llong is not interested. Good length delivery nipping back in, Pujara fails to defend off the back foot, the ball hits him on the pad, but it was sliding down

Over: 3	4 Nb 0 0 0 0 0	IND 13/1
Rahane 8(11)	Pujara 2(6)	Dhammika 2-0-11-1

2.6 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fullish and drawing Rahane forward, but the batsman is solid in defence again

2.5 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, Rahane makes a conscious effort to cover the off stump line by getting forward, before pushing this back of a length delivery towards mid-on

2.4 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fullish and on the off stump, Rahane drives it to mid-off

2.3 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, this one nips away from the right-hander, but it wasn't close enough to make Rahane play

2.2 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fullish and outside off stump, Rahane looks to push off the front foot, the ball rolls towards mid-on off the inside half of the bat

Oh dear! Looks like he's really struggling with his neck. He's in a lot of discomfort. Hopefully it's not too serious as he is a key bowler for Sri Lanka

2.2 - Dhammika to Rahane, no ball, Rahane offers a compact defence, Dhammika has overstepped the line and he's not happy with himself

2.1 - Dhammika to Rahane, FOUR, that is an excellent straight-drive from Rahane. Overpitched from Dhammika, probably he was looking for some swing, but it went straight and Rahane nailed the drive to perfection, beating Dhammika, who was trying to stop the ball in his followthrough

Over: 2	0 0 0 0 0 2	IND 8/1
Pujara 2(6)	Rahane 4(4)	Pradeep 1-0-2-0

1.6 - Pradeep to Pujara, 2 runs, Pujara plays with an angled bat and opens his account. He played this length ball with soft hands as well and sent it past the diving fielder at gully

1.5 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off stump, Pujara gets behind the line and defends

1.4 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, on a length and outside off stump, ignored

Looks like Dhammika Prasad is having a problem with his neck. He asks for the physio to come out and tend to him.

1.3 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good leave. Covers the off stump line and allows the length ball to go through to the keeper

1.2 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length delivery outside off stump, not much of movement on this one, Pujara plays inside the line and lets it go

1.1 - Pradeep to Pujara, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Pujara defends

Nuwan Pradeep, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

As he was walking back to the dressing room, Rahul was making a gesture as if he didn't know what happened there with that delivery.

Over: 1	2 W 0 4 0 0	IND 6/1
Rahane 4(4)	Pujara 0(0)	Dhammika 1-0-6-1

0.6 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, a solid defence from Rahane once again, a successful over for Sri Lanka

0.5 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fullish and on the off stump, Rahane gets nicely forward and defends it to mid-on

0.4 - Dhammika to Rahane, FOUR, top shot and he's off the mark in style. Fullish and just outside off stump, Rahane leans forward and punches it nicely from the middle of the bat, didn't try to hit it too hard, just placed it wide of mid-off to his left and it ran away for four

Three slips, gully, short leg for Jinks as well

0.3 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, unlike Rahul, Rahane covers the off stump line, presents the full face of the bat and defends the length ball towards mid-on

Ajinkya Rahane, right handed bat, comes to the crease

0.2 - Dhammika to Rahul, out Bowled!! Dhammika is all smiles. This is just the start Sri Lanka wanted after electing to field. Poor judgement from Rahul I must say. Good length delivery just outside off stump, it was bowled with a scrambled seam, without covering the line, Rahul simply shouldered arms, the ball nipped back in off the seam and hit the top of off stump. Rahul looks at the pitch but he has only himself to blame as he never made an attempt to cover the line. Rahul b Dhammika 2(2)

Dhammika to Rahul, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

0.1 - Dhammika to Rahul, 2 runs, runs straightaway for India, but not convincing. Fullish and just outside off stump, Rahul leans forward to push, gets an inside edge that rolls wide of mid-on

Rahul and Pujara are at the crease. Rahul is on strike. Dhammika will open the attack

Just two slips and a gully, Sri Lanka already thinking of containment? Pujara will take first strike, Rahul has struggled against Dhammika in recent times, what better than the first innings centurion to shield his junior partner

Sri Lanka are in the middle of a huddle. The umpires trudge out. Dhammika has had work done on his left-hand, which is heavily strapped. Will it affect his bowling? he will take the new ball though, luckily for him, the damage wasn't on his bowling hand. Pujara walks out once again with Rahul. He has batted on all the three days so far.

Not a bad recovery from the hosts. They were down in the dumps at one stage, having been reduced to 47/6. Kusal Perera hit his way out of trouble, Rangana Herath distracted the Indian bowlers with his own innovations and Dhammika flabbergasted them further with some crude slogging. Five wickets for Ishant, two each for Mishra and Binny, one for Umesh. Not a bad first innings advantage, but with the weather not being India's ally, they will be disappointed at having ceded some of the advantage. There's a dark cloud heading our way, says Ganesh. India will be batting against time, one reckons. How will they respond to the situation? Join us in a while..

52.2 - Mishra to Dhammika, out Stumped!! Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 201. This was a loopy leg-break from Mishra, Dhammika charged down the track, doesn't get to the pitch of the ball and looks to swing across the line, he misses it completely and Ojha does the rest. India have gained a 111-run first innings lead. Dhammika st N Ojha b Mishra 27(23) [4s-4]

Mishra to Dhammika, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

52.1 - Mishra to Pradeep, 1 run, tossed up and just outside off, Pradeep pushes it in front of point, Dhammika calls for a quick single. Pujara was slow to react and allows the run. Kohli isn't one bit pleased

Amit Mishra [7.0-1-24-1] is back into the attack

Over: 52	2 4 0 2 4 0	SL 200/9
Dhammika 27(22)	Pradeep 1(4)	Ishant 15-2-54-5

51.6 - Ishant to Dhammika, no run, Ishant follows Dhammika as he backed away, pushed back towards the bowler

51.5 - Ishant to Dhammika, FOUR, Dhammika brings up Sri Lanka's 200 with another blow, this was very well struck though, length delivery on the stumps, Dhammika makes room and carves it over cover for a boundary

51.4 - Ishant to Dhammika, 2 runs, Ishant isn't looking happy, Kohli doesn't look pleased either, back of a length and on the stumps, Dhammika makes room and mistimes the swat over mid-wicket for a couple of runs

51.3 - Ishant to Dhammika, no run, Ishant slips in the slower ball, Dhammika walks a long way across his stumps, he was looking to work it towards fine leg and missed

Just two slips and a fly slip in place

51.2 - Ishant to Dhammika, FOUR, edged and four, these are frustrating runs given away, Ishant follows Dhammika as he made room outside leg, he swings hard and gets a thick edge, over second slip and into the fence

51.1 - Ishant to Dhammika, 2 runs, short and following Dhammika as he backed away, swatted without any timing, gets it wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs

Over: 51	2 1 0 0 1 1	SL 188/9
Dhammika 15(16)	Pradeep 1(4)	U Yadav 13-2-64-1

50.6 - U Yadav to Dhammika, 1 run, Umesh follows Dhammika with a full ball, chipped in the air towards mid-off for a single. The fielder at mid-off was very square, hence a safe shot

50.5 - U Yadav to Pradeep, 1 run, a direct hit from Mishra and Pradeep might have needed to run all the way to the pavilion. This was a back of a length delivery outside off, Pradeep pushed it in front of point and set-off for a quick single, would have been well short had there been a direct hit

50.4 - U Yadav to Pradeep, no run, well, that has had no effect on his partner, backs away to a short delivery and goes for a wild hoick, misses it by a long way

Dhammika has a word or two to his partner

50.3 - U Yadav to Pradeep, no run, very full and on the off-stump line, Pradeep was making room for the drive, gets a thick inside edge onto his right boot

50.2 - U Yadav to Dhammika, 1 run, tad fuller and on the stumps, pushed in front of mid-on for a single

50.1 - U Yadav to Dhammika, 2 runs, on a good length and well outside off, Dhammika waits on it, plays with an open face and guides it past Mishra at backward point. He gives a good chase and hauls it back in, saves a couple of runs

Umesh Yadav [12.0-2-59-1] is back into the attack

Over: 50	1 0 1Nb 0 0 W 0	SL 183/9
Pradeep 0(1)	Dhammika 11(13)	Ishant 14-2-42-5

49.6 - Ishant to Pradeep, no run, nasty bouncer from Ishant, Pradeep was making room outside leg, does well to move his body away and leave that alone

Nuwan Pradeep, right handed bat, comes to the crease

This is also Ishant's 300th first-class wicket

49.5 - Ishant to Herath, out Caught by N Ojha!! One-handed catch from Ojha! No fifty for Herath, but he has played a big role here. Five wickets for Ishant, his 7th five-wicket haul in Tests. Herath walks off to a warm round of applause. This was pitched in that channel outside off, Herath was perhaps thinking about getting the single to his fifty, pushes away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. It was to the left of the keeper and wasn't carrying to Rohit at first slip, Ojha dives full stretch, he went with both hands but takes the catch with his left glove, gets a warm pat on his back from Rahane. Herath c N Ojha b Ishant 49(84) [4s-8]

Ishant to Herath, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

49.4 - Ishant to Herath, no run, nicely bowled by Ishant, pitched around off, angles it into the left-hander before shaping away, Herath prods forward and is beaten

49.3 - Ishant to Herath, no run, on a good length and just outside off, defended towards the off-side

Ishant switches to round the wicket

49.3 - Ishant to Dhammika, no ball, 1 run, short of a length and angling into Dhammika, pings him on his gloves as he looked to fend at it, gets struck on the bottom hand and rolls away behind square on the on-side. Ishant has overstepped as well

49.2 - Ishant to Dhammika, no run, the bouncer from Ishant, Dhammika ducks under it and lets it go

49.1 - Ishant to Herath, 1 run, fuller length delivery and well outside off, slapped away over backward point for a single

Ishant Sharma [13.0-2-39-4] is back into the attack

Over: 49	1 0 4 0 0 0	SL 180/8
Dhammika 10(11)	Herath 48(80)	Mishra 7-1-24-1

48.6 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, huge shout for a caught behind, Mishra was pleading for the decision, but umpire Llong says NO. This was tossed up on off and drifted away from off, Dhammika was pressing forward on the defensive push, there was a sound there, but the umpire's finger stood down, replays suggest he's right, missed the outside edge by a fair distance

48.5 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, another ripping leg-break from Mishra, pitched on off, drew Dhammika forward and zips past his defensive blade

48.4 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, loud shout for LBW, but there was an inside edge on that, Dhammika was back in his crease to this leg-break, the inside edge saved him there. Mishra can't believe it, but that's a good call

48.3 - Mishra to Dhammika, FOUR, handy runs for Dhammika, saw that Mishra had given this one plenty of air, gets a big stride forward and slogs it over mid-wicket for a single

A slip, FSL and an extra cover in place

48.2 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, tossed up on off, draws Dhammika forward before spinning past the outside edge

48.1 - Mishra to Herath, 1 run, flighted delivery and well outside off, steered away behind square on the off-side for a single

A slip, FSL and a leg slip in place for Mishra..

Welcome back.. How long can Herath and the rest of the batsmen frustrate India? India still lead by 137 runs, but they will need to take the last two wickets, add quick runs and then dismiss Sri Lanka a second time - and keep an eye on the weather as well. "As Dhammika was walking out, Ishant was the first to greet him and ask if he's okay," reports Ganesh

India will look to strike right after tea and skittle out the opposition ranks. For the hosts, it is all about whittling away at the lead as much as they possibly can.

If Ishant dismissed Tharanga and Mathews before lunch, then in the second session, he sent Thirimanne and Perera back to the pavilion. India's progress though, was stalled by Perera's whirlwind innings. With a compendium of eye-catching shots, he counterattacked the Indian bowlers. He took his chances by playing across the line. But one has to give credit to Perera for playing with a touch of fearlessness in his first Test. Even after he was dismissed, Herath collected runs at a brisk pace. India would rue the fact that KL Rahul dropped Perera early on in his innings off Umesh Yadav.

Ishant Sharma took a four-for and blew away Sri Lanka's batting line-up. However, Kusal Perera's thrill-a-minute fifty helped the hosts to avoid the follow-on mark and reach a score of some respectability. Rangana Herath too played his part with a gritty innings. Earlier, Ishant ran to the crease with fluid strides and waltzed through his followthrough to bowl with a good burst of pace and extract disconcerting bounce. He also hit an upright seam and created that awkward angle across left-handed batsmen.

Over: 48	0 0 0 0 4 1	SL 175/8
Herath 47(79)	Dhammika 6(6)	U Yadav 12-2-59-1

47.6 - U Yadav to Herath, 1 run, half shout for LBW from first slip as Herath gets hit on the pad before this length ball hit the bat, but the impact was well outside off stump. Herath guides this to third man and that will be Tea on Day 3

47.5 - U Yadav to Herath, FOUR, edgeddddd and dropped, but this is a very tough chance. Full and outside off stump, Herath pushes hard at it and gets a thick edge, Rahul was very wide at second slip, he dives full length to his right but can only get his fingertips to it

47.4 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, he lets this go as Umesh bowls this back of a length delivery well outside off stump

47.3 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, beaten for the third time in a row. Back of a length delivery outside off stump, Herath tries to cut late but is too late on the shot

47.2 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, full and outside off stump, Herath goes for the drive and is beaten again

47.1 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, short of length delivery angling away from the left-hander, Herath pokes at it and gets beaten

Umesh Yadav [11.0-2-54-1] is back into the attack

Dhammika gets a chest guard as Umesh comes on

Over: 47	1 0 0 1 4 0	SL 170/8
Dhammika 6(6)	Herath 42(73)	Mishra 6-1-19-1

46.6 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, opts to stay back to this flighted delivery and defends it towards point, looks for a run but Herath sends him back

46.5 - Mishra to Dhammika, FOUR, overpitched and that's a crisp drive from Dhammika. The length was too full, Dhammika drove it with the spin and split mid-off and cover to perfection

46.4 - Mishra to Herath, 1 run, the normal sweep now as Mishra bowls this down the leg-side, long leg tidies up

46.3 - Mishra to Herath, no run, another reverse sweep from Herath but straight to Ashwin at backward point

46.2 - Mishra to Herath, no run, keeps it tight just outside off stump, Herath defends

46.1 - Mishra to Dhammika, 1 run, this googly is short enough for Dhammika to hang back and tuck to mid-wicket

Over: 46	0 0 4 4 0 0	SL 164/8
Herath 41(70)	Dhammika 1(3)	Ashwin 8-1-33-0

45.6 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, on the stumps again from Ashwin, blocked

45.5 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, flighted delivery from Ashwin goes for the sweep, gets an inside edge onto pad

45.4 - Ashwin to Herath, FOUR, now the coventional sweep on the on-side and it beats short fine leg. Flighted delivery from Ashwin, the length was full enough to sweep and Herath didn't miss out

45.3 - Ashwin to Herath, FOUR, the fancy looking reverse-sweep from Herath and it's effective. The pace on the ball helped Herath there as Ash pushed this through, the ball ran away to the right of backward point

45.2 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, appeal for LBW but not given and rightly so. It was sliding down. Very full slider, Herath misses the flick and gets hit on the pad

45.1 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, brilliant delivery from Ash. Slower through the air from round the wicket, pitching on off and then turning a long way to beat Herath's forward defence

Over: 45	2Nb 0 0 4 W 0 0	SL 156/8
Dhammika 1(3)	Herath 33(64)	Mishra 5-1-13-1

44.6 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, slower through air, Dhammika defends

44.5 - Mishra to Dhammika, no run, very full from Mishra, Dhammika manages to keep it out

Dhammika Prasad, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Dhammika Prasad, who retired hurt after being hit on the left hand, returns.

44.4 - Mishra to Kaushal, out Lbw!! Even before Mishy turned back in his appeal, umpire Nigel Llong put his finger up. Oh dear! Looks like there was an inside edge and Kaushal is unlucky here. Flighted delivery from wide of the crease, bowled at 81kph, Kaushal leans forward to defend, gets an inside edge onto the front pad and then the back thigh, but the umpire didn't spot it. Impact was not a problem as he was hit in line with middle. Mishra breaks a stubborn 29-run stand. Kaushal lbw b Mishra 16(39) [4s-3]

Mishra to Kaushal, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

44.3 - Mishra to Kaushal, FOUR, way too short from Mishra, Kaushal rocks back and pulls it powerfully through square leg for four. That was a poor ball from the leg-spinner

44.2 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, tucked away to the right of mid-on

44.1 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Kaushal looks to defend, the ball hits Kaushal high on the bat and rolls past gully

44.1 - Mishra to Kaushal, no ball, 2 runs, googly from Mishra and he has overstepped. Kaushal picked that one from Mishy's hand, got into position early to loft it inside-out over extra-cover but it stops in the deep

Over: 44	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 149/7
Herath 33(64)	Kaushal 10(34)	Ashwin 7-1-25-0

43.6 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, arm-ball to finish the over, Herath defends well

43.5 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, turn for Ashwin there, was looking to tuck it off the back foot, was surprised a bit by the turn and he played with soft hands in the end

43.4 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, quicker and fuller in length, Herath looks to defend, gets an inside edge that rolls to backward square leg

43.3 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, half-shout for LBW from Ojha but Herath missed the reverse-sweep and was hit on the glove

43.2 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, off stump line from Ashwin, Herath defends

43.1 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, the slider goes short, Herath goes for the sweep, but toe-ends it to the right of the man at short mid-wicket

Over: 43	1 0 0 0 0 0	SL 149/7
Kaushal 10(34)	Herath 33(58)	Mishra 4-1-6-0

42.6 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, tossed up from wide of the crease, ends just outside off stump, but Kaushal has no problems in defending this off the front foot

42.5 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, very full, defended to the left of the bowler

42.4 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, once again Kaushal is solid in his defence

42.3 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, on the stumps, defended

Slip, gully and short leg in for Kaushal

42.2 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, once again extra bounce for Mishra and Kaushal is beaten on the outside edge. Flighted delivery just outside off stump, Kaushal leans forward to defend but gets beaten

42.1 - Mishra to Herath, 1 run, swept nicely, all along the ground as well, but there is a man at deep mid-wicket

Over: 42	0 0 0 0 1 0	SL 148/7
Kaushal 10(29)	Herath 32(57)	Ashwin 6-0-25-0

41.6 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, a big stride forward from Kaushal before defending this flighted delivery into the off-side

41.5 - Ashwin to Herath, 1 run, too short, easily tucked off the back foot to backward square leg

41.4 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, blocked

41.3 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, bit of drift for Ashwin on this one, it turns away and ends around off stump line, Herath defends off the front foot

41.2 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, slider on the off stump, Herath under-edges the sweep to short fine leg

41.1 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, defended

Over: 41	4 0 0 0 0 0	SL 147/7
Kaushal 10(28)	Herath 31(52)	Mishra 3-1-5-0

40.6 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, on the off stump, this skidded onto Kaushal, who manages to bring his bat down just in time

40.5 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, shortish and outside off stump, Kaushal defended off the back foot

40.4 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, sharp turn and bounce and Kaushal had no clue about it. Kaushal leans forward to defend, the ball turned square and bounced alarmingly as well, beat the edge and Ojha did well to collect

40.3 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, pushed through on the off stump, Kaushal is solid in defence

40.2 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, the conventional leg-spinner from Mishra, Kaushal defends off the back foot

40.1 - Mishra to Kaushal, FOUR, Mishy opts for the googly but it was way too short, Kaushal had enough time to rock back and pull, he sends it through square leg. These are handy runs for Sri Lanka

Over: 40	3 4 0 0 0 1	SL 143/7
Kaushal 6(22)	Herath 31(52)	Ashwin 5-0-24-0

39.6 - Ashwin to Kaushal, 1 run, goes back in the crease and tucks this to mid-wicket

39.5 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, turning back into the right-hander, Kaushal defends

39.4 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Kaushal defends with an angled bat and sends it past slip to short third man

39.3 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, almost a yorker, India appeal for LBW but there was an inside edge before the ball hit the pad, umpire Rod Tucker was quick to shake his head

39.2 - Ashwin to Kaushal, FOUR, nicely floated up by Ashwin, bowled at 74.9kph, Kaushal waits for the ball to come and plays a good inside-out drive over the infield and it runs away to the deep cover boundary

39.1 - Ashwin to Herath, 3 runs, flighted delivery down the leg-side, Herath sends it fine off the under edge as he tries to sweep with one hand, Mishra gives chase, slides and pulls it back just inside the fine leg fence

Over: 39	0 1 0 0 0 0	SL 135/7
Kaushal 1(17)	Herath 28(51)	Mishra 2-1-1-0

38.6 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, appeal for LBW, but it was going down. Googly to round off the over, Kaushal fails to read it as he tries to defend off the front foot, hit on the front pad, but the turn was taking it past the leg stump. Kaushal had a long stride as well

Karun Nair is on the field for Ishant Sharma

38.5 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, too full to trouble the batsman, Kaushal happily defends off the front foot

38.4 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, straying down the leg-side, easily defended

38.3 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, flighted delivery outside off stump, Kaushal leans forward, covers the stumps and lets it go

38.2 - Mishra to Herath, 1 run, very full from Mishra, Herath sweeps it to deep backward square leg

Slip and leg slip for Herath now

38.1 - Mishra to Herath, no run, Herath plays the reverse-sweep but picks out the man at backward point

Over: 38	0 0 1 0 0 0	SL 134/7
Kaushal 1(13)	Herath 27(49)	Ashwin 4-0-16-0

37.6 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, arm-ball on the stumps, watchfully defended into the on-side

37.5 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, nice and full from Ashwin, Kaushal keeps it out

37.4 - Ashwin to Kaushal, no run, flighted delivery just outside off stump, Kaushal defends

37.3 - Ashwin to Herath, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Herath defends it towards short mid wicket, there was a slight hesitation but they go through and get the run, there was an overthrow at the bowler's end but Kaushal backed up too much

Silly-point moves to short leg

37.2 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, down the leg-side, Herath tries to sweep it fine, but gets the under edge, Ojha moves to his right and stop it with his pad

Slip and silly-point in

37.1 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, defended into the on-side

Ravichandran Ashwin [3.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

Over: 37	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 133/7
Kaushal 1(10)	Herath 26(46)	Mishra 1-1-0-0

36.6 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, the googly from Mishra, Kaushal wasn't fully sure about his defence, just hung his bat out and played it off the inside half

36.5 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, tossed up just outside off stump, Kaushal defends

Short leg moves to silly-point

36.4 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, just around off stump line, Kaushal leans forward and keeps it out

36.3 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, this is even slower from Mishra, Kaushal smothers the turn and defends

36.2 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, nice and straight, slower through the air as well, Kaushal blocks

36.1 - Mishra to Kaushal, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Kaushal defends off the front foot

Amit Mishra, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

Mishy comes on after 36 overs with a slip and short leg

Over: 36	0 1 0 0 4 Wd 0	SL 133/7
Herath 26(46)	Kaushal 1(4)	Ishant 13-2-39-4

35.6 - Ishant to Herath, no run, back of a length and just outside off stump, blocked off the back foot

35.6 - Ishant to Herath, wide, bangs this short, Herath lets it go but the umpire doesn't like the height on that one, Ishant has to rebowl it

35.5 - Ishant to Herath, FOUR, oh the inside edge is found but it runs away past the sticks. Ishant shouts "Mishyyy" in anger, asking the leg-spinner to move swiftly and stop the boundary but he loses the race. Good length delivery from Ishant, Herath goes for the drive and gets a thick edge, Mishra ran to his left from long leg but he wasn't quick enough

35.4 - Ishant to Herath, no run, full and outside off stump, defended to cover

35.3 - Ishant to Herath, no run, round the wicket, shortish and outside off stump, the ball bounces a bit extra and beats Herath's attempted cut

35.2 - Ishant to Kaushal, 1 run, full and angling in, flicked to the left of the man at long leg

35.1 - Ishant to Kaushal, no run, back of a length and just outside off stump, Kaushal shoulders arms

Over: 35	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 127/7
Herath 22(42)	Kaushal 0(2)	Binny 9-3-24-2

34.6 - Binny to Herath, no run, slower delivery to end the over, Herath defends

34.5 - Binny to Herath, no run, in the airrrrr and just short of the diving Umesh Yadav. The back of the length slower ball, Herath goes for a pull, but doesn't get hold of it, mid-on runs forward and dives but it falls just in front of him

34.4 - Binny to Herath, no run, yorker outside off stump, Herath tries to force it through the off-side, gets an inside edge that rolls towards the bowler

34.3 - Binny to Herath, no run, right on the stumps, Herath defends

34.2 - Binny to Herath, no run, full and outside off stump, Herath goes for a booming drive and gets beaten

34.1 - Binny to Herath, no run, full length delivery on the stumps, Herath defends

Stuart Binny [8.0-2-24-2] is back into the attack

The replay isn't conclusive to tell if Ishant said anything to Kusal before the batsman reacted strongly. Rahane then intervened and calmed things down.

Over: 34	0 4 0 W 0 0	SL 127/7
Kaushal 0(2)	Herath 22(36)	Ishant 12-2-33-4

33.6 - Ishant to Kaushal, no run, good length delivery this time, Kaushal defends

33.5 - Ishant to Kaushal, no run, bouncer from Ishant, Kaushal ducks under it

T Kaushal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

There is some good news for Sri Lanka. Dhammika Prasad is available to bat again.

33.4 - Ishant to K Perera, out Caught by Kohli!! The change of ball has worked for India. Kohli takes the catch and kicks the ball away in anger. Oh Kusal Perera has a heated chat with Ishant Sharma before walking away. Need a replay to confirm why though. End of an excellent 79-run stand. Length delivery outside off stump, Perera goes for the lofted hit, looked like it went off the bottom of the bat, it went high up in the air, Kohli called for it, settled under it nicely at mid-off and reverse-cupped it. Excellent knock from Perera under pressure. Sri Lanka were 47/6 but he counterattacked the bowlers and ensured that the follow-on was avoided. K Perera c Kohli b Ishant 55(56) [4s-9]

Ishant to K Perera, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

33.3 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, on a length and on the off stump, Perera defends

Looks like there is a problem with the ball again. We've seen the ball being changed so many times in this game. Umpire Rod Tucker puts it through the hoops, but it does not go through. Must have lost its shape and they are getting a replacement from the fourth umpire. Bhuvi gets a drink for Kohli and we are good to continue again.

33.2 - Ishant to K Perera, FOUR, smacked back over the bowler's head. The length is nice and full this time, Perera waits for the ball to come and lofts it over Ishant Sharma to pick up a boundary

33.1 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, pacy length ball on the off stump from Ishant, in fact it's 140kph, Perera defends

Over: 33	2 2 0 0 1 0	SL 123/6
Herath 22(36)	K Perera 51(52)	U Yadav 11-2-54-1

32.6 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, short delivery on the leg stump, Herath sinks under it

32.5 - U Yadav to K Perera, 1 run, fullish delivery around off stump line, Perera pushes it to deep backward point off the front foot

32.4 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, Perera plays across the line once again, the ball rolls towards square leg off the inside edge

32.3 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, back of a length on the stumps, Perera defends

32.2 - U Yadav to K Perera, 2 runs, fifty on Test debut for Kusal Perera, what a timely knock under pressure and the dressing room stand and applaud. Perera gets a handshake from his partner as well. On a length and on the stumps, Perera mistimes the slog off the inside half of the bat, the ball goes to deep mid-wicket, where Pujara tidies up

32.1 - U Yadav to K Perera, 2 runs, the slog across the line from Perera again, this length ball goes wide of mid-on, the timing wasn't good enough to get a boundary

Over: 32	1 0 0 0 0 0	SL 118/6
Herath 22(35)	K Perera 46(47)	Ishant 11-2-29-3

31.6 - Ishant to Herath, no run, on the stumps now from Ishant, Herath blocks

31.5 - Ishant to Herath, no run, short of length delivery just outside off stump, Herath defends

Oh Ishant and Herath have a heated exchange. Not sure why though! Virat steps in. Herath stares at Ishant and then complains to the umpire. After bowling that bumper, Ishant just looked at the batsman but didn't say anything. Anyway, we are good to continue

31.4 - Ishant to Herath, no run, bumper on the stumps, Herath sits under it and lets it go through to the keeper

31.3 - Ishant to Herath, no run, angling into the left-hander from round the wicket, Herath keeps it out

When will Virat turn to Mishra?

31.2 - Ishant to Herath, no run, full and outside off stump, driven straight to mid-off

31.1 - Ishant to K Perera, 1 run, plays with an open face as he guides this length ball through backward point

Over: 31	4 4 2 0 1 2	SL 117/6
Herath 22(30)	K Perera 45(46)	U Yadav 10-2-49-1

30.6 - U Yadav to Herath, 2 runs, guided past the diving gully fielder, Rahane it was, the length was short enough for Herath to hang back and play it to the left of Rahane

30.5 - U Yadav to K Perera, 1 run, easily done, lots of open spaces on the off-side, Perera taps it softly through point for a run

30.4 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, driven very hard as Umesh bowls this much fuller, but it goes straight to mid-off, Perera then shadow-practices a lofted hit

30.3 - U Yadav to K Perera, 2 runs, Sri Lanka have avoided the follow-on. On a length and down the leg-side, Perera tickles it fine to fine leg

30.2 - U Yadav to K Perera, FOUR, thwacked! What a shot that is. Not all that a bad ball from Umesh, on a length and just outside off stump, Perera waits for the ball and slogs hard, sends it through mid-wicket and it rockets to the fence

India struck early after lunch - dismissing Thirimanne for a duck. Dhammika then got a stinging blow on his left hand and had to retire hurt. Kusal has led the counter punch and has found an able ally in Herath. He was lucky to be dropped by KL Rahul at second slip and is making the Indians pay for it. India are still on top, but would love to wrap this innings up soon..

Looks like Kusal has damaged his bat, the ball hit the very bottom and still had enough power to race away to the ropes. He wants a replacement and the umpires have called for drinks

30.1 - U Yadav to K Perera, FOUR, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Perera uses his bottom hand to good effect, closes the bat face and drills it through mid-on for a boundary. This partnership is putting the pressure back on the Indians

Umesh Yadav [9.0-2-36-1] is back into the attack

Umesh replaces Binny, he's coming from round the wicket

Over: 30	0 1 0 1 1 0	SL 104/6
Herath 20(29)	K Perera 34(41)	Ishant 10-2-28-3

29.6 - Ishant to Herath, no run, another bouncer from Ishant, Herath safely ducks underneath it

29.5 - Ishant to K Perera, 1 run, tad fuller and just outside off, Perera plays with an open face and guides it square on the off-side for a single

29.4 - Ishant to Herath, 1 run, short and angling into Herath's hips, he swivels across and helps it along towards long leg for a single

29.3 - Ishant to Herath, no run, the bouncer from Ishant, Herath watches it all along and ducks under it

29.2 - Ishant to K Perera, 1 run, short and angling back into Perera, he was looking to pull, doesn't get hold of the shot, good for him that he didn't, bounced in front of deep mid-wicket

Ishant changes to round the wicket

29.1 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and on Perera's pads, flicked in front of square on the on-side, refuses the single though

Ishant Sharma [9.0-2-25-3] is back into the attack

Over: 29	Wd 0 4 0 4 0 0	SL 101/6
Herath 19(26)	K Perera 32(38)	Binny 8-2-24-2

28.6 - Binny to Herath, no run, appeal for LBW, but there were two noises there, must have been bat and pad, else Herath was right in front. This was the indipper from Binny, caught Herath shuffling in his crease, the bat and pad were close together though, that saved the batsman

28.5 - Binny to Herath, no run, on a good length and angling into Herath's pads, he looks to flick and is struck on the pads

28.4 - Binny to Herath, FOUR, Herath is gaining confidence, short of a length and angling into Herath, he swivels across, uses the line to his advantage and pulls it past square leg for a boundary, brings up the 50-run stand as well

Round the wicket

28.3 - Binny to Herath, no run, Binny keeps it full and outside off, driven straight to the fielder at cover

28.2 - Binny to Herath, FOUR, that's very well played by Herath, fraction fuller and just outside off, Herath leans forward and chips it wide of mid-off. Ishant gives the chase but can't pull it back in, another boundary in this partnership

28.1 - Binny to Herath, no run, lovely delivery from Binny, the ball didn't carry to the keeper, on a good length and some gentle nip away from off, Herath is lured into pushing at that, did he get an edge?

28.1 - Binny to Herath, wide, banged in short and on the stumps, went sailing over Herath's head, called as a wide

Over: 28	0 0 0 2 0 4	SL 92/6
K Perera 32(38)	Herath 11(20)	Ashwin 3-0-15-0

27.6 - Ashwin to K Perera, FOUR, beautifully played, fraction too short and wide from Ashwin, Perera gets on top of the bounce and caresses it square past point for a boundary, he's looking in reasonably good touch now

27.5 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Perera gets half forward and defends it

27.4 - Ashwin to K Perera, 2 runs, Ashwin slows down the pace and gets it to spin away from Perera, he watches it all along and chops it square on the off-side for a couple of runs

Mid-on and mid-off are in now

27.3 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Perera presses forward and blocks

27.2 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, Ashwin shortened the length as Perera lined up for the reverse sweep, misses it completely

27.1 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Perera gets across and defends it

Over: 27	0 0 0 1 0 0	SL 86/6
Herath 11(20)	K Perera 26(32)	Binny 7-2-15-2

26.6 - Binny to Herath, no run, loud shout for a caught behind, but umpire Llong says NO. There was a sound and a deflection as the ball passed Herath's outside edge. This was a very full ball from Binny, Herath was looking for the drive, did the bat hit the ground? That might be the only reason for the appeal to be negated

26.5 - Binny to Herath, no run, on a good length and a hint of shape back into Herath, gets some extra bounce as well, Herath awkwardly jams it down

Back to over the wicket

26.4 - Binny to K Perera, 1 run, fuller length delivery and well outside off, thumped towards long-off for a single, takes the single now

26.3 - Binny to K Perera, no run, banged in short and on the stumps, Perera swivels across on the pull, is late on the shot and is beaten

Back to over the wicket

26.2 - Binny to K Perera, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Perera goes hard at the ball and gets a bottom edge - back towards the bowler

In and Out field for Binny, he has four men patrolling the boundaries, two slips and a gully as well

26.1 - Binny to K Perera, no run, short of a length and just outside off, pushed towards extra cover

Over: 26	4 1 0 0 0 0	SL 85/6
Herath 11(18)	K Perera 25(28)	Ashwin 2-0-9-0

25.6 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, pushed through with the angle, Herath spots it early, gets his bat in front of the pads and blocks

25.5 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Herath gets well forward and defends it

25.4 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, slower and on the off-stump line, Herath presses forward and defends it

25.3 - Ashwin to Herath, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Herath goes back and defends it

25.2 - Ashwin to K Perera, 1 run, Ashwin finds Perera's edge with some lovely drift, but it goes down quickly and to Rahane's left at first slip

25.1 - Ashwin to K Perera, FOUR, reverse sweep and four, tossed up and on the off-stump line, Perera gets down on his knees, reverses his stance and sweeps it behind square on the off-side for a boundary

Over: 25	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 80/6
Herath 11(14)	K Perera 20(26)	Binny 6-2-14-2

24.6 - Binny to Herath, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Herath prods forward and defends it towards cover

24.5 - Binny to Herath, no run, that was close! This was full and kept coming back with the angle, Herath was in two minds, finally makes a late call to defend, the ball beats his outside edge, didn't miss the off-stump by much either

Binny changes to round the wicket

24.4 - Binny to Herath, no run, width on offer from Binny, Herath cuts it straight to Ashwin at cover-point

24.3 - Binny to Herath, no run, tad fuller and on the off-stump line, Herath gets half forward and defends it

24.2 - Binny to Herath, no run, the inswinger now, nipped back in after pitching around off, Herath gets his bat in front of the pads and defends it

24.1 - Binny to Herath, no run, another tempting fuller length from Binny, full and wide outside off, Herath went hard at the drive and is beaten

Stuart Binny [5.0-1-14-2] is back into the attack

Harbhajan is signing a few autographs as Binny comes in

Over: 24	0 4 0 0 0 0	SL 80/6
K Perera 20(26)	Herath 11(8)	Ashwin 1-0-4-0

23.6 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, the slider from Ashwin, went straight through after pitching, Perera just about gets his bat down in time and manages an inside edge towards the on-side

23.5 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, pushed through flatter and spinning back in, Perera made room for the cut, the ball rushed onto him and he just about pushes it towards the off-side

A silly point is in, he got across from FSL

23.4 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, slower from Ashwin, a hint of spin as well, Perera watches it all along and defends it

23.3 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, Ashwin gives this one more air, Perera prods forward and defends it

23.2 - Ashwin to K Perera, FOUR, this is good aggressive batting from Perera, gets down low, rolls his wrists across and sweeps it behind square on the on-side for a boundary

A slip and a FSL in place

23.1 - Ashwin to K Perera, no run, tossed up and from round the wicket, Perera gets half forward and defends it

Ravichandran Ashwin, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Ashwin is in for the first time, spin on for the first time as well

Over: 23	4 1Nb 0 0 0 0 1	SL 76/6
K Perera 16(20)	Herath 11(8)	Ishant 9-2-25-3

22.6 - Ishant to K Perera, 1 run, Perera gets the single he wanted, helped by Ishant's poor line, short and well outside off, punched square on the off-side for a single

22.5 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and just outside off, punched towards Binny at mid-off. He immediately set-off, then realizes it was suicidal to do so, asks his partner to rush back. Binny has a shy at the stumps, but Herath was well in

22.4 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, banged in short and on the stumps, Perera swivels across, rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep square leg, declines the single

22.3 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, good leave from Perera, short and rearing onto him from a length, he gets inside the line, gets his bat and gloves out of harm's way and lets it go

22.2 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and on Perera's body, he was in no position to play any shot, limply offers his gloves as the first line of defence, it hits his gloves and rolls away towards the on-side

22.2 - Ishant to Herath, no ball, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, dabbed wide of cover for a single. Ishant has overstepped though

22.1 - Ishant to Herath, FOUR, runs are flowing for Sri Lanka, tad fuller and wider outside off, Herath leans forward, hits it on the top and punches it through extra cover, no need to run for those

Over: 22	4 0 0 0 2 4	SL 69/6
K Perera 15(15)	Herath 6(6)	U Yadav 9-2-36-1

21.6 - U Yadav to K Perera, FOUR, more insult to injury for Umesh, on a good length and holding its line outside off, Perera waits on it, opens the face of the bat and steers it past gully for a boundary

21.5 - U Yadav to K Perera, 2 runs, short and on the stumps, Perera swivels across, rolls his wrists and pulls it past square leg, the fielder at deep mid-wicket, Ashwin, gets across, puts in the dive and saves a couple of runs

21.4 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, edged and dropped, Rahul is the culprit, could have let it go through to Rohit at first slip. A cracker of a delivery from Umesh, back of a length and a hint of shape away from Perera, he pushes forward, gets a thick outside edge that flew towards first slip. Rahul moves across, the ball hits his palms and popped out, Rohit attempted to grab it on the rebound, but can't do so

21.3 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, short of a length and coming back with the angle, cramped Perera for room, he looks to cut and is beaten on the inside edge

21.2 - U Yadav to K Perera, no run, on a good length and angling back into Perera, defended with a straight bat

Umesh changes to round the wicket

21.1 - U Yadav to K Perera, FOUR, Perera finally gets the slug right, on a length and just outside off, Perera prods across and drills it over mid-on, one bounce and the ball hits the ropes

Over: 21	0 0 0 0 0 1	SL 59/6
K Perera 5(9)	Herath 6(6)	Ishant 8-2-18-3

20.6 - Ishant to K Perera, 1 run, he looks much better when playing authentic shots, this was full and just outside off, Perera brings his wrists into play as he flicks it in front of square on the on-side, could have got two, but he wants strike and is happy with a single

20.5 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, another swing and a miss! This was fuller and just outside off, held its line after pitching, Perera swipes across the line, played against the angle and is beaten on the outside edge

20.4 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, fraction fuller and on the off-stump line, Perera shuffles across and defends it towards the off-side

20.3 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Perera prefers to stay back and defends it back towards the bowler

20.2 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and on the stumps, Perera looked awkward as he pushes it towards mid-wicket, could have easily popped it in the air

Three slips and a gully in place, there's a man at deep backward square leg for the pull

20.1 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and on the off-stump line, punched off the back foot towards mid-off

Over: 20	0 0 0 2 0 4	SL 58/6
Herath 6(6)	K Perera 4(3)	U Yadav 8-2-26-1

19.6 - U Yadav to Herath, FOUR, too straight from Umesh, ends up drifting onto Herath's pads, he gets inside the line and neatly glances it past leg gully, the man in the deep is very square and it's yet another boundary

19.5 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, Herath takes a blow on his shoulder, this was banged in short and on the stumps, Herath was ducking into it, it doesn't rise as much as he expected, hits him on the shoulder and pops behind the stumps

19.4 - U Yadav to Herath, 2 runs, short of a length and just outside off, Herath stays back and pushes it past Kohli at mid-off, comes back for the second run

19.3 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, the bouncer from Umesh, Herath watches it all along and ducks under it

19.2 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, muted appeal for LBW, but it looked like the ball pitched outside leg, it was definitely crashing into the stumps, Herath was prodding across as he looked to nudge a length ball towards the on-side, missed it completely

19.1 - U Yadav to Herath, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Herath hops across and defends it towards the off-side

Umesh Yadav [7.0-2-20-1] is back into the attack

Over: 19	0 W 1 0 0 4	SL 52/6
K Perera 4(3)	Herath 0(0)	Ishant 7-2-17-3

18.6 - Ishant to K Perera, FOUR, that's much better from Perera, short of a length and in that channel outside off, he stays behind the line, presents the full face of the bat and punches it through the vacant mid-off region. Umesh gives chase, but the ball wins the race

18.5 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, that's an atrocious mow across the line from Perera, that's how he plays in the shorter formats. Can't blame him, he's left with just the tail. On a good length and angling across the left-hander, he swings across the line and misses

18.4 - Ishant to K Perera, no run, short of a length and on the off-stump line, Perera presses across and defends it towards the on-side

Dhammika is still in a lot of pain, the physio is out for some treatment. Remember, he's already struggling with a stiff neck, he's going off. Dhammika retires hurt, will he come back to bat? He's battled bravely while bowling, but this was the last straw. Herath will replace him in the middle..

18.3 - Ishant to Dhammika, 1 run, nasty delivery from Ishant! Dhammika is in obvious discomfort, he threw his bat away, Perera was looking for a single and he jogs across for a quick single. This was banged in short by Ishant, reared onto Dhammika from a length, he took his eyes off as he fended, gets hit high on the gloves, on his left hand and the ball rolls away behind square on the on-side

Three slips, a gully, FSL and a leg gully in place

Dhammika Prasad, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.2 - Ishant to Thirimanne, out Caught by Rahul!! Rahul is having a great day in the slip cordon. This is the best of the lot, Thirimanne falls for a duck, Sri Lanka's free fall continues. Lovely delivery first-up from Ishant, tad fuller and a hint of shape away from off, Thirimanne is induced into flirting at that, pushes forward and gets a healthy edge, the ball was dying and it was to Rahul's right. He dived across from second slip, got both hands underneath and clings onto the chance. Third wicket for Ishant, Sri Lanka are in dire straits at the moment. Thirimanne c Rahul b Ishant 0(7)

Ishant to Thirimanne, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.1 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, short of a good length and shaping away from outside off, Thirimanne covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

Ishant Sharma to resume after lunch..

Welcome back.. India have nipped out five Sri Lankan wickets. The ball is only 18 overs old, can they run through the rest of the Sri Lankan line-up? The hosts haven't had to face Ashwin and Mishra, their chief tormentors in this series so far, but Ishant, Umesh and Binny have given them a good working over.

Earlier, Pujara became the fourth Indian to carry his bat through a completed innings. He essayed a brilliant ton. He was a personification of calmness at the crease. Undoubtedly, the essence of building an innings has been ingrained into his system. However, Ishant and Umesh didn't last long and soon India ended up with a competitive total on a wicket that is offering assistance to the seamers. Dhammika Prasad picked up four scalps for Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Rangana Herath took three wickets.

The wickets continued to tumble as Kaushal Silva edged one onto the stumps off Umesh Yadav. Stuart Binny then sent the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal back to the pavilion by dismissing him lbw. Replays though, showed that Chandimal might have been a trifle unlucky as it seemed to be going over the stumps. To make it a great session for the visitors, Ishant induced Angelo Mathews to edge one to the wicket-keeper. The hosts soon found themselves in dire straits when Dimuth Karunaratne lost his wicket to Binny just before lunch.

After putting up a good score on the board, the tourists made inroads into Sri Lanka's batting line-up and now find themselves on top. It was Ishant Sharma who struck for India by snaring Upul Tharanga's wicket. However, when the third umpire checked for the no-ball, it looked like there was nothing behind the line. But the benefit of doubt went in the bowler's favour.

And with that wicket the players take lunch. They could've played another over as there were a couple of minutes left but off go the players. All smiles in the Indian camp. The groundstaff are covering the pitch (Ganesh our man at the venue - clarifies that the pitch hasn't been covered but they have kept the covers ready just in case). It is bright and sunny though. It is more of a precautionary measure rather than anything else

Over: 18	0 2 0 0 0 W	SL 47/5
Karunaratne 11(37)	Thirimanne 0(5)	Binny 5-1-14-2

17.6 - Binny to Karunaratne, out Caught by Rahul!! Binny gets his second. Another catch for Rahul at 2nd slip. Poor batting from Karunaratne. He saw the full delivery outside off and went for a big drive, the feet didn't get across to the pitch of the ball, the thick edge was found and landed safely in Rahul's hands. Binny celebrates. Karunaratne showed admirable restraint outside off but has thrown it away just at the stroke of lunch. Karunaratne c Rahul b Binny 11(37)

Binny to Karunaratne, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

17.5 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, length outside off, Karunaratne gets back and pushes it to mid-off

17.4 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, full outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and defends with an open face to point

17.3 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and punches it to mid-off

17.2 - Binny to Karunaratne, 2 runs, inswinging and Karunaratne drives with a closed bat face through mid-wicket for a couple

17.1 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, left alone

All of a sudden the sun is out and it is bright

Over: 17	W 0 0 0 0 0	SL 45/4
Thirimanne 0(5)	Karunaratne 9(31)	Ishant 6-2-12-2

16.6 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, bouncer, too high, Thirimanne ducks under that

16.5 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, good length on the stumps, defended

16.4 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, just short and to the right of Che at short leg. Short delivery on the stumps, Thirimanne was fending out and it popped in the air, Pujara under the helmet was diving to his right and trying to catch that but the ball was short of his hand. Is he standing too deep? Looks like it

16.3 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, another fine short delivery, on the stumps, Thirimanne had to be quick to get out of the way and he does so, sways away from the line of the delivery, kept his eyes and left it alone, Ishant has a stare at Thirimanne while Rohit applauds that delivery from the bowler

Drizzling and getting heavier now. The groundstaff are ready to bring in the covers if needed. They are going to play for the moment

16.2 - Ishant to Thirimanne, no run, short down leg, Thirimanne gets inside the line and then leaves. That was well left by Thirimanne as the ball was near the rib-cage

Lahiru Thirimanne, left handed bat, comes to the crease

16.1 - Ishant to Mathews, out Caught by N Ojha!! Maiden catch for Ojha in Tests. Regulation back of a length delivery outside off, Mathews hung his bat out and got an edge. He is generally very good in leaving balls outside off but this time he plays at it and is gone. Llong immediately checked with the third umpire to see whether Ishant's front foot was fine and it was. Well behind the line in fact. Mathews c N Ojha b Ishant 1(9)

Ishant to Mathews, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Ishant Sharma [5.0-1-12-1] is back into the attack

Ishant has got Mathews out. But they are checking for the no-ball. Ishant is fine and that's a big wicket

"It could be just a brief shower even if it comes. blue skies visible behind the grey clouds," adds Ganesh.

Over: 16	1 0 0 0 2 0	SL 45/3
Karunaratne 9(31)	Mathews 1(8)	Binny 4-1-12-1

15.6 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and blocks solidly off the front foot back to the bowler

15.5 - Binny to Karunaratne, 2 runs, fullish delivery on the stumps, turned wide of Ishant at mid-on for a couple of runs

15.4 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, full outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and drives to mid-off

Back over the wicket

15.3 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, Karunaratne goes for a big drive and inside-edges it onto the pad

15.2 - Binny to Karunaratne, no run, Binny appeals for lbw but that was going down. Inswinger from Binny and Karunaratne falls over on the flick, the ball strikes the batsman low on the pad and with the angle would've gone down. Tucker got that right

Now round the wicket to Karunaratne

"Ground staff are coming out again, dark clouds blowing in," updates Ganesh.

15.1 - Binny to Mathews, 1 run, good length on the middle and leg line, clipped through mid-wicket for a single

Over: 15	0 2 0 0 0 0	SL 42/3
Karunaratne 7(26)	Mathews 0(7)	U Yadav 7-2-20-1

14.6 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, outside off, Karunaratne thinks about having a flirt and then lets it go

Round the wicket for the last ball

14.5 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, short of length on the stumps, Karunaratne defends off the back foot to the bowler

14.4 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, full and on off and middle, Karunaratne is rock-solid in his front foot defence

14.3 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, short of length outside off, Karunaratne defends off the back foot to the right of mid-off

14.2 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, 2 runs, very full on the stumps, Karunaratne drives it hard straight into the ground, it bounces over the leaping Yadav and the ball trickles away, for a couple of runs

14.1 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, full on the stumps, pushed to mid-on

Over: 14	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 40/3
Mathews 0(7)	Karunaratne 5(20)	Binny 3-1-9-1

13.6 - Binny to Mathews, no run, Binny probes away in the corridor of uncertainty, Mathews sees it early and then leaves

13.5 - Binny to Mathews, no run, back of a length outside off, Mathews pushes it to the right of Binny

13.4 - Binny to Mathews, no run, full outside off, Mathews gets forward and dead-bats it solidly

13.3 - Binny to Mathews, no run, good length outside off, Mathews shoulders arms

13.2 - Binny to Mathews, no run, Binny went for the yorker there, Mathews flicks and finds mid-wicket

13.1 - Binny to Mathews, no run, good length outside off, Mathews shuffles across and defends to mid-off

Over: 13	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 40/3
Karunaratne 5(20)	Mathews 0(1)	U Yadav 6-2-18-1

12.6 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, beautiful set-up from Yadav and he nearly gets Karunaratne out. Full and the sucker delivery from over the wicket, Karunaratne fell for it, drove at it and missed

Back over the wicket

12.5 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and defends to mid-off

12.4 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, 142kph short delivery, quick ball too, Karunaratne ducks under that. That was a quick ball

12.3 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, length delivery outside off, Karunaratne gets forward and pushes with a straight bat to mid-on

12.2 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, good length outside off, Karunaratne pushes it off the back foot to mid-off

12.1 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, round the wicket and full outside off, driven to mid-off

Over: 12	0 4 0 0 W 0	SL 40/3
Mathews 0(1)	Karunaratne 5(14)	Binny 2-0-9-1

11.6 - Binny to Mathews, no run, good length outside off, Mathews gets forward and defends solidly to the left of Binny

Angelo Mathews, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.5 - Binny to Chandimal, out Lbw!! Binny has struck. Tucker has the finger up in a flash. Struck on the back leg and Chandimal isn't happy with the decision. It nipped back in and missed the inside edge, strikes Chandimal on the back leg, was it adjacent enough? Will have another look and confirm. Chandimal walks back shaking his head. Did Chandimal get outside the line? Was a tricky decision for Tucker but he had no doubts. Good ball from Binny and replays show that he was struck in-line. Height may have been an issue there but since he was struck on the back leg, Tucker could've felt that it wasn't that high to go over. Side-on replays show that Chandimal was well forward and would've carried over. Must say Chandimal is a trifle unlucky. But that's how the game goes. He was looking so good and he has to depart now. Chandimal lbw b Binny 23(27) [4s-5]

Binny to Chandimal, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

11.4 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, short of length outside off, Chandimal is back and across and he defends to cover

11.3 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, outswinger outside off, left alone

11.2 - Binny to Chandimal, FOUR, that is a fine shot. Wide of mid-off. Binny overpitches looking for outswing, Chandimal gets forward and drives with a high elbow wide of the fielder. Then he goes up to Karunaratne and punches gloves once he got the boundary

11.1 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, good outswinger, Chandimal pushes with an open face and gets an edge, but doesn't carry to Rahul at 2nd slip. Soft hands ensured that it didn't go to the fielder

Over: 11	2 0 0 0 0 0	SL 36/2
Karunaratne 5(14)	Chandimal 19(22)	U Yadav 5-1-18-1

10.6 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, short of length on the stumps, defeded off the back foot to point

10.5 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, inside edge onto the pad but doesn't carry back to Yadav. Karunaratne gets lucky. He came half-forward to drive and the ball lobbed off the pad via an edge but was well in front of the bowler. No short leg as well

10.4 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, back of a length on the stumps, turned to mid-wicket

10.3 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, short of length on the stumps, Karunaratne looks to defend and gets a thick outside edge to gully. On the bounce to the fielder

10.2 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, no run, back of a length outside off, pushed to mid-off

10.1 - U Yadav to Karunaratne, 2 runs, length outside off, Karunaratne pushes it in the gap at cover for a couple of runs

Umesh Yadav [4.0-1-16-1] is back into the attack

Over: 10	1 0 0 0 0 4	SL 34/2
Chandimal 19(22)	Karunaratne 3(8)	Binny 1-0-5-0

9.6 - Binny to Chandimal, FOUR, a bit of width and Chandimal latches on. Short and wide outside off, Chandimal cuts hard and to the right of point, the fielder didn't dive and the ball raced away. Chandimal is counter-attacking and doing it in style

9.5 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, extra bounce from a short of length, Chandimal is alarmed by the bounce, the ball hits the splice of the bat and drops to the off-side. Chandimal took his bottom hand off after playing the shot

Two slips and a gully

9.4 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, good length outside off, punched to point

9.3 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, another outswinger on a fuller length, Chandimal gets forward to drive and gets an inside edge onto pad

9.2 - Binny to Chandimal, no run, outswinger, on a fuller length, outside off, left alone

9.1 - Binny to Karunaratne, 1 run, length delivery angled in, tucked to deep backward square leg, for a single

Stuart Binny, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

Over: 9	0 1 0 0 Nb 4 0	SL 29/2
Chandimal 15(17)	Karunaratne 2(7)	Ishant 5-1-12-1

8.6 - Ishant to Chandimal, no run, Ishant turns back to appeal but the ball hits Chandimal on the body rather than the pad, Ishant realised that and that's why stopped his appeal midway/ The batsman was well forward and missed the forward defence. It nipped back in to hit him on the stomach

8.5 - Ishant to Chandimal, FOUR, good thinking from Chandimal. He arches back and upper cuts the short ball over the slips. Saw the short delivery and reckoned that he could play the shot because there was no third man. Safe shot and one bounce over the ropes boundary

8.5 - Ishant to Chandimal, no ball, another short delivery, outside off, left alone and Ishant has overstepped

8.4 - Ishant to Chandimal, no run, now Ishant brings the batsman forward with a length ball, pushed to mid-off

8.3 - Ishant to Chandimal, no run, nice short delivery and well played by Chandimal. Bouncer and well-directed towards Chandimal's face, he sways away and drops his wrists. Allows the ball to go through. The back bent as far back as possible. The ball whizzed past his face but he handled it well

8.2 - Ishant to Karunaratne, 1 run, good single taken, pushed off the front foot in front of cover and off go the batsmen

Llong has a look at the ball. The fourth umpire is out with a bag of balls. And the players take drinks as well. The Indians have bowled well with the new ball and despite Ishant's poor first over where he bowled three no-balls, he got Tharanga out. Umesh followed it up with Kaushal Silva's wicket. Umesh has been more impressive as he has hit the deck hard and made batsmen's life uncomfortable. Kohli too has backed his bowlers by giving aggressive fields as well

8.1 - Ishant to Karunaratne, no run, full on off stump, Karunaratne gets forward and defends solidly to the right of the bowler

Over: 8	0 0 4 2 0 4	SL 23/2
Chandimal 11(12)	Karunaratne 1(5)	U Yadav 4-1-16-1

7.6 - U Yadav to Chandimal, FOUR, fraction short outside off, Chandimal is quick to latch on and cuts hard and to the right of point, once it beat the fielder it was always four

7.5 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, short of length on the stumps, defended

7.4 - U Yadav to Chandimal, 2 runs, this one is angled in and towards off and middle, Chandimal gets his front foot far too across but manages to flick it through mid-wicket for a couple. Had he missed that, there would've been a loud appeal for lbw

7.3 - U Yadav to Chandimal, FOUR, that's a nice shot. Full and outside off, Chandimal gets forward and drives handsomely through the vacant cover region. Raced away along the ground

7.2 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, short of length outside off, Chandimal shoulders arms

7.1 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, back of a length outside off, Chandimal defends off the back foot to point

Over: 7	0 0 0 1 0 1	SL 13/2
Chandimal 1(6)	Karunaratne 1(5)	Ishant 4-1-6-1

6.6 - Ishant to Chandimal, 1 run, Chandimal gets off the mark but in an unconvincing manner. Full outside off, he gets forward to drive and the ball takes a thick inside edge and rolls to fine leg

6.5 - Ishant to Chandimal, no run, full and on the off stump line, Chandimal defends solidly to mid-off

6.4 - Ishant to Karunaratne, 1 run, length on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it to fine leg, and gets off the mark

Three slips and two gullies in now

6.3 - Ishant to Karunaratne, no run, full on the stumps, Karunaratne gets forward and defends it back to Ishant

6.2 - Ishant to Karunaratne, no run, pitched up outside off, Karunaratne leaves

6.1 - Ishant to Karunaratne, no run, full outside off, Karunaratne shoulders arms

Over: 6	0 W 0 0 0 0	SL 11/2
Chandimal 0(4)	Karunaratne 0(1)	U Yadav 3-1-6-1

5.6 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, brilliant delivery to end the over. It was angled in full and towards off, Chandimal had to play at that because of the angle in, it brings the batsman forward and then the ball moves away late to beat the bat. Chandimal was lunging to defend but had no clue to that beauty. Was squared up by the late movement. Almost nicked the off stump too. Superb delivery. Yadav ends a fine over

5.5 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, full outside off, Chandimal gets forward and shoulders arms

5.4 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, again down leg, ill-directed from Yadav

5.3 - U Yadav to Chandimal, no run, down leg, wasted delivery, Chandimal flicks and misses

Dinesh Chandimal, right handed bat, comes to the crease

"Ground staff getting ready, lot of blue skies in the background but seems like a big, dark cloud is moving in towards the ground. Precaution more than anything, doesn't look too threatening," reports Ganesh.

5.2 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, out Bowled!! Umesh is all smiles. He pumps his fist. Rising back of a length delivery outside off, Kaushal Silva was shaping to shoulder arms but was late in doing so, the ball takes the inside edge of the hanging bat and falls on the stumps. The batsman is startled as to what happened but he has to go. Two quick wickets and both the openers are gone. Kaushal Silva b U Yadav 3(11)

U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

5.1 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, good length on off, Kaushal Silva defends with soft hands to gully

Over: 5	0 1 0 0 W 0	SL 11/1
Karunaratne 0(1)	Kaushal Silva 3(9)	Ishant 3-1-4-1

4.6 - Ishant to Karunaratne, no run, bouncer to end, Karunaratne sits under that

Dimuth Karunaratne, left handed bat, comes to the crease

4.5 - Ishant to Tharanga, out Caught by Rahul!! Caught at second slip. Rahul making no mistake this time. They are checking for the no-ball though. It is tight. Has Ishant got anything behind the line? The third umpire called into action. Looks like Ishant is on the line. On the line means Tharanga will get a reprieve. And he has been given out. The third umpire reckons that Ishant had something behind the line. I'm not so sure. He was on the line to me. Touch and go though. Tharanga falls after nicking off. Length delivery angled across, around the fourth stump line, Tharanga edged the defence and a good low catch at 2nd slip by Rahul. Neat hands and that's the first wicket. Tharanga c Rahul b Ishant 4(23) [4s-1]

Ishant to Tharanga, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

4.4 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, full on the stumps, flicked to mid-wicket

4.3 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, bouncer, Tharanga ducks under that

4.2 - Ishant to Kaushal Silva, 1 run, comedy of errors. It was defended to the right of gully, Rahane went and made a half-stop with a dive. The ball rolled away towards point and on seeing that Kaushal Silva set off, was sent back and the throw came in at the striker's end. Hits the stumps and deflects away, then the batsmen take the run

4.1 - Ishant to Kaushal Silva, no run, full outside off, Kaushal Silva gets forward and defends solidly to point

Over: 4	0 1 0 4 0 0	SL 10/0
Tharanga 4(20)	Kaushal Silva 2(7)	U Yadav 2-0-6-0

3.6 - U Yadav to Tharanga, no run, that's a solid front foot block though. Right forward and to mid-off

3.5 - U Yadav to Tharanga, no run, full and outside off, Tharanga plays a loose drive and is beaten. The ball bounced nicely through to the keeper. Shouldn't play at those ones

3.4 - U Yadav to Tharanga, FOUR, Tharanga is off the mark with a streaky outside edge wide of third slip. It went down and quickly too as he played with soft hands on the defensive shot, dribbled past Kohli at third slip and ran away to the vacant third man region

3.3 - U Yadav to Tharanga, no run, down leg, Tharanga for the third time in two overs fails to get bat on the flick, the ball thuds into the thigh pad

3.2 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, 1 run, just wide of short leg. Pujara under the helmet there. Again extra bounce from a back of a length, Silva fends and is lucky that the ball dropped in front and wide of the short leg fielder. Yadav hitting the bat hard

3.1 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, back of a length on the stumps, extra bounce and Kaushal Silva defends it after taking the bottom hand off the bat handle

Over: 3	0 0 0 0 0 0	SL 5/0
Tharanga 0(16)	Kaushal Silva 1(5)	Ishant 2-1-3-0

2.6 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, short of length on the middle and leg line, turned to mid-wicket

2.5 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, this time shoulders arms to another length ball angled across

2.4 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, brilliant line and length. Ishant beats Tharanga on the back foot defence. Angled across on a fifth stump line, extra bounce and the angle beats Tharanga

2.3 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, down leg, Tharanga flicks and misses, off the pad and behind square

2.2 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, outside edge and doesn't carry to Kohli at third slip. On the off stump, Tharanga in trying to defend gets a thick outside edge but the ball bounces in front of Kohli at third slip who is standing in front of the first two slips

2.1 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, short of length on off, Tharanga defends to short cover

Over: 2	0 0 0 0 1 1L	SL 5/0
Tharanga 0(10)	Kaushal Silva 1(5)	U Yadav 1-0-1-0

1.6 - U Yadav to Tharanga, leg byes, 1 run, down leg, the ball brushed the thigh pad as Tharanga missed the flick and went down to fine leg

1.5 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, 1 run, Kaushal Silva is off the mark with a pushed single to cover, was in the gap and he takes an easy run

1.4 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, now Yadav beats Kaushal Silva. Around the fifth stump line, on a back of a length, the ball holds its line to go past the tentative back foot defence of the batsman

Three slips, a gully and a short leg in

1.3 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, back of a length outside off, Kaushal Silva pulls the bat inside the line and lets it go

Coming back to the dropped catch, Rahul did the right thing by diving across as it wouldn't have carried to Rohit at first slip. Did everything right but couldn't hold on. He was a disappointed man after dropping it

1.2 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, outswinger, moves away and Kaushal Silva again leaves

1.1 - U Yadav to Kaushal Silva, no run, short of length outside off, Kaushal Silva shoulders arms

Umesh Yadav, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Over: 1	Nb Nb 0 0 0 Nb 0 0 0	SL 3/0
Tharanga 0(9)	Kaushal Silva 0(0)	Ishant 1-0-3-0

0.6 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, down leg and that's a wasted delivery. End of a very long over but an eventful one nonetheless

0.5 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, pushes at a length ball that is angled across and is beaten by a long way. Good delivery from Ishant as he used the angle from over the wicket to beat the bat

0.4 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, dropped by KL Rahul at 2nd slip. Poor shot from Tharanga. It was full and wide outside off, Tharanga is forward to drive and gets a thick outside edge, Rahul went for the catch to his right as he felt it may have not carried to first slip. Dived and got both hands but grassed it. Ishant isn't happy while Rahul shakes his head. Kohli and Rahane go up to Rahul and pat him. Replays show that it popped out after Rahul's elbows hit the ground. Till then he had control of the catch

0.4 - Ishant to Tharanga, no ball, third no-ball of the over and sweat is dripping off Ishant's forehead. Length on the stumps, comfortably defended off the back foot

0.3 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, length delivery on middle and leg, turned to mid-wicket where Pujara is standing helmeted and wearing shin pads

0.2 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, on the stumps and Tharanga turns it to mid-wicket

0.1 - Ishant to Tharanga, no run, sprays it down leg and Ojha dives to his right to make a half-stop, deflects the ball away and Kaushal Silva sends Tharanga back as the latter looked for a run

0.1 - Ishant to Tharanga, no ball, and again. Two in a row. Again full outside off, Tharanga shoulders arms

0.1 - Ishant to Tharanga, no ball, Ishant starts with a no-ball, full and outside off, left alone

Tharanga and Kaushal Silva are at the crease. Tharanga is on strike. Ishant will open the attack

The two umpires have a long chat with Kohli, perhaps asking him to cool his bowler down. Ishant was fined 65% of his match fee for abusive behaviour in the second Test. He's ready to bowl now..

India are back on the ground and in a huddle. Ishant strides out, he was involved in all the fracas with Dhammika. Will he let the ball do the talking now? Kohli is the man doing all the talking. They are showing the replays of both Ishant and Dhammika running towards the dressing room after the innings ended, there's another round of words between the two there as well. Not sure as to what was said.

Umpire Llong has another long chat with Mathews. Tucker does the same with Herath. They have done pretty well to keep the situation under control. India end up with a lead of 385 runs. It was all Ashwin after the tea break. India needed quick runs and the off-spinner opened up to play some lovely shots. Having been asked to bat after Mishra might have well stoked the competitive spirit in him. He went on to compile his fifth Test fifty. Pradeep and Dhammika were outstanding, the heat of the battle led to verbal volleys, by Dhammika towards Ishant. The batsman replied in kind and that set off a chain of altercations between players of both teams. The umpires were at hand though, bringing the fight to a halt. Having been at 7/3 at one stage, India will be happy with their final score. Sri Lanka have never chased down more than 352, can they create a record? Or will India take the 10 wickets and canter home? Or will rain spoil everyone's party? Join us in a while..

Over: 76	0 0 Nb 1 1 Nb 1 W	IND 274/10
Ashwin 58(87)	Ishant 2(6)	Dhammika 19-3-69-4

75.6 - Dhammika to Ashwin, out Caught by K Perera!! Edged and caught! Dhammika collects his cap and runs away to the hut. Ishant also does the same and is well ahead of the bowler, but that was all in jest. Coming back to the wicket, this was a short of a length delivery outside off, Ashwin was looking to run it down towards third man, gets a thick edge and it's safely snaffled by the keeper. India have been bowled out for 274. Ashwin c K Perera b Dhammika 58(87) [4s-7]

Dhammika to Ashwin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Mathews has another chat with umpire Llong. Ganesh further adds, "Chandimal got into a bit of a shoulder barge with Ishant. That's what was the whole talking point. He got involved in between and then Ashwin had to talk and so did the umpires. Llong seemed to be making that point to Mathews."

75.5 - Dhammika to Ishant, 1 run, length delivery on Ishant's pads, flicked away behind square on the on-side for a single

Dhammika has been warned by the umpire for his barrage of bouncers

75.5 - Dhammika to Ishant, no ball, another bouncer from Dhammika, his fourth of the over and it's called as a no-ball, he has overstepped as well. Ishant dropped his wrists and lets it go

75.4 - Dhammika to Ashwin, 1 run, fuller length delivery and on Ashwin's pads, flicked away behind square on the on-side for a single

Umpire Llong has a long chat with skippper, Angelo Mathews. Dhammika definitely lost his cool there, what did Ishant tell to make the bowler to lose his cool?

75.3 - Dhammika to Ishant, 1 run, this is turning ugly now, back of a length and just outside off, steered away behind square on the off-side for a single. As he was running past the bowler, he indicated that Dhammika should bowl one on his helmet, tapping his helmet as he ran past Prasad. Prasad isn't happy at all. Now Chandimal has a few words to say as well. The umpires rush in between and defuse the situation. Ashwin joins in as well.

More glares from the bowler. Ashwin goes up and has a word with Ishant

75.3 - Dhammika to Ishant, no ball, third successive bouncer from Dhammika, Sharma drops his gloves and sways away from the line. Dhammika has overstepped as well

75.2 - Dhammika to Ishant, no run, another bouncer from Dhammika, Sharma does well to drop his wrists and sways away from the line. Dhammika has a glare at the batsman

75.1 - Dhammika to Ishant, no run, the bouncer first up for Ishant, he watches it all along and ducks underneath

Dhammika Prasad [18.0-3-64-3] is back into the attack

Ishant Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Over: 75	0 1 0 0 0 W	IND 269/9
U Yadav 4(19)	Ashwin 57(85)	Pradeep 17-2-62-4

74.6 - Pradeep to U Yadav, out Caught by Herath!! Herath holds onto a steepler! Pradeep is happy, the elder statesman does exceedingly well to hold on, then he turns back, checks if he's well in, he is and the rest of the fielders come towards him to exchange pleasantaries. This was another short delivery from Pradeep, didn't bounce as much as Umesh expected, he was shuffling across on the pull, gets a thick top-edge - high and towards long leg. Herath had plenty of time to settle underneath at long leg, he watches it all the way and holds onto his chest, even as he fell backwards. Fourth wicket for Pradeep, India haven't declared either. U Yadav c Herath b Pradeep 4(19)

Pradeep to U Yadav, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

74.5 - Pradeep to U Yadav, no run, another short delivery from Pradeep, once again, Umesh is in no position as he jabbed at that awkwardly, the ball lobs away towards the off-side

74.4 - Pradeep to U Yadav, no run, banged in short and angling down the leg-side, Umesh looks to pull and misses

74.3 - Pradeep to U Yadav, no run, short and following Umesh with the angle, he was hopping across as he looked to get on top of the bounce, he can't do so, in panic, he pushes the bat in front, it hits pretty high and pops back towards the bowler. Luckily, dropped well in front

74.2 - Pradeep to Ashwin, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, dabbed down towards third man for a single. Umesh will have four balls to face, Ashwin has a word or two with him

74.1 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, length delivery on Ashwin's pads, he looks to flick and misses, decides against exposing Umesh to Pradeep, refuses the leg-bye

Over: 74	0 0 4 0 1 0	IND 268/8
U Yadav 4(15)	Ashwin 56(83)	Kaushal 12-2-41-0

73.6 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, pushed through flatter and wider outside off, Umesh was lunging forward in defence, gets an inside edge towards FSL

73.5 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, this one is given more air, Ashwin comes down the track and works it in front of square on the on-side for a single

73.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Ashwin comes down the track and nudges it towards mid-wicket, Umesh wanted a single and is sent back

73.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, FOUR, Ashwin is giving an exhibition of classy batting! This was flighted and just outside off, Ashwin prods forward, plays with an open face and beats the fielder at extra cover, races away to the fence in a hurry. Reminded one of a certain VVS Laxman there

73.2 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, tossed up and well outside off, Ashwin leans forward and drives it crisply towards cover

73.1 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Ashwin gets well forward and turns it towards mid-wicket

Over: 73	0 4 4 1 1 1B	IND 263/8
Ashwin 51(78)	U Yadav 4(14)	Pradeep 16-2-61-3

72.6 - Pradeep to Ashwin, byes, 1 run, Ashwin gets the single to retain strike, this was banged in short and on the stumps, Ashwin was late on the pull and is beaten. Perera can't stop it cleanly and allows the batsmen to pinch a single

72.5 - Pradeep to U Yadav, 1 run, back of a length and well outside off, Umesh hops across, rides with the bounce and steers it down towards third man for a single

72.4 - Pradeep to Ashwin, 1 run, short and wide from Pradeep, slapped away square behind point, the fielder at third man gets across and keeps them down to a single

72.3 - Pradeep to Ashwin, FOUR, fifty for Ashwin, he was demoted to number nine and he's answered in style, raises his bat towards the dressing room. There's plenty of claps from that direction as well, short and just outside off, Ashwin swivelled across, rolls his wrists and pulls it in front of square on the on-side for another boundary

72.2 - Pradeep to Ashwin, FOUR, cracking shot, Ashwin is playing some delightful shots here, back of a length and on the stumps, Ashwin stands tall, uses his wrists to good effect and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary

72.1 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, excellent start from Pradeep, shortens his length by a fraction and gets this one to shape away slightly, Ashwin was looking to force it away off the back foot and is beaten

Nuwan Pradeep [15.0-2-51-3] is back into the attack

Over: 72	0 0 2 4 1 0	IND 252/8
U Yadav 3(13)	Ashwin 42(73)	Kaushal 11-2-36-0

71.6 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, this one is given more air, pushed towards mid-off

71.5 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, driven down towards long-on for a single

71.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, FOUR, nicely played by Ashwin, the doosra from Kaushal, Ashwin spots it early, waits on it, opens the face of the bat at the last moment, uses Kaushal's pace and steers it behind square on the off-side for a boundary

71.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 2 runs, Kaushal tosses one on Ashwin's pads, he presses forward, closes the face of the bat and tickles it fine. The fielder at long leg gets across, sticks his boot and saves a couple of runs

71.2 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery and on off, defended back towards the bowler

71.1 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, tossed up and on the off-stump line, Ashwin lunges forward and blocks

Over: 71	0 4 1 1 0 1	IND 245/8
Ashwin 35(68)	U Yadav 3(12)	Herath 22-0-89-1

70.6 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, good use of the feet from Ashwin, comes down the track, makes room and drives a well flighted delivery towards long-off for a single

70.5 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin comes down the track to a well flighted delivery and pushes it back at the bowler

70.4 - Herath to U Yadav, 1 run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Umesh was looking to heave it towards mid-wicket, gets an inside edge towards mid-on for a single

70.3 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, slower and wider from Herath, nudged wide of point for a single

70.2 - Herath to Ashwin, FOUR, lovely shot, Herath dropped one short and wide outside off, Ashwin waits on it, plays it late, uses Herath's pace and cuts it behind backward point for a boundary

70.1 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, flatter and well outside off, Ashwin dabs it to the left of backward point

Over: 70	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 238/8
U Yadav 2(11)	Ashwin 29(63)	Kaushal 10-2-29-0

69.6 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, Kaushal drifts one well outside leg, Umesh looks to work it behind square on the on-side, is beaten by the sharp turn. Perera gets across quickly and saves some runs

69.5 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, flighted delivery and on Umesh's pads, he looks to tuck it towards the on-side and is beaten

69.4 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, this one went with the angle, Umesh lunges forward in defence and plays down the wrong line, once again beaten

69.3 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, the doosra from Kaushal, Umesh had no clue about it, turn and fizz as well, he plays down the wrong line and is beaten on the outside edge, didn't miss the off-stump by much

69.2 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, fraction short and just outside off, punched towards mid-off

69.1 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, flighted delivery and on off, pushed back towards the bowler

Over: 69	0 0 0 1 0 1	IND 238/8
U Yadav 2(5)	Ashwin 29(63)	Herath 21-0-82-1

68.6 - Herath to U Yadav, 1 run, this one is given more air, driven down towards long-off for a single

68.5 - Herath to U Yadav, no run, did it carry to Silva at FSL? No, there's no excitement amongst the Sri Lankan fielders. This was tossed up and on the stumps, Umesh pushed it straight towards FSL, went off the face of the bat, but bounced in front of the fielder

A slip and a FSL in place

68.4 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin shimmies down the track and works a well flighted delivery towards mid-wicket for a single

68.3 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, flighted and just outside off, Ashwin lunges forward and defends it

68.2 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin comes down the track to a well flighted delivery and defends it

68.1 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Ashwin shuffles across and defends it

Looks like India aren't going to declare. I can spot Ishant padded up in the dressing room

Over: 68	0 W 0 0 1 1	IND 236/8
Ashwin 28(59)	U Yadav 1(3)	Kaushal 9-1-29-0

67.6 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, tossed up and on the stumps, worked away behind square on the on-side for a single

67.5 - Kaushal to U Yadav, 1 run, flighted delivery and going with the angle, Umesh looks to drive and gets a thick edge behind square on the on-side for a single

67.4 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, the doosra from Kaushal, Umesh didn't spot it, pushed forward and is beaten on the outside edge

67.3 - Kaushal to U Yadav, no run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Umesh prods forward and defends it

Umesh Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Welcome back.. No tea time declaration. How many more runs would India want? There's always the threat of rain around. The lead is 345, Sri Lanka haven't chased anything more than 352 in a fourth innings chase. As of now, we have 137.4 overs remaining.

Sri Lanka certainly have an uphill task on their hands. If and when, Sri Lanka come out to bat, they need their batsmen to show unyielding concentration prowess to get a positive result out of this game. As far as the tourists are concerned, it would be interesting to see whether Virat Kohli goes ahead and declares the innings right after tea.

It has been a day of frustration and agony for Sri Lanka's footsore bowlers and fielders. A couple of chances were created, but they weren't taken. In particular, Angelo Mathews dropped a sitter to give Mishra a reprieve. Tharindu Kaushal was the unlucky bowler. Nuwan Pradeep bowled with a great heart for the hosts. Dhammika Prasad, too, bowled with purpose. Other than their able pace duo, rest of them put up a limp performance. Even Mathews, known for his tactical nous, set rather defensive fields.

Tea, Day 4: India piled on the runs in the second session to stretch the lead to sizeable proportions. Despite losing Stuart Binny early on in the session, the likes of Naman Ojha, Amit Mishra and Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with useful knocks. In fact, Ojha looked in fine touch during his stay at the crease. However, just like in the first innings, he threw his wicket away on a platter. The spin twins, Mishra and Ashwin then strung together a handy stand.

67.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, out Mishra Run Out!! Brilliant piece of fielding from Kaushal Silva. Flighted delivery on the leg stump, Mishra was on the move as he flicked this, he hit it well but straight to the man at short leg, as Mishy was outside the crease, Silva quickly under-armed the ball and effected a direct-hit. Mishra tried to dive back into the crease but he was well short. That ends a vital 55-run stand as well. Mishra run out (Kaushal Silva) 39(62) [4s-4]

Kaushal to Mishra, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Run-out check has been sent upstairs. Looks like Mishy is in trouble and he's well short. OUT flashes on the big screen.

67.1 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery from Kaushal, Mishra misses the flick and gets hit on the thigh pad, half-shout from Kaushal but not given, the ball might have pitched just outside leg

Last over before Tea coming up

Over: 67	4 1 4 0 0 0	IND 234/7
Ashwin 27(58)	Mishra 39(60)	Herath 20-0-80-1

66.6 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, goes back and cuts once again, this time picks out backward point

66.5 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Ashwin steps out and defends

66.4 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, advances and almost yorks himself up, digs it out to the right of the bowler

66.3 - Herath to Ashwin, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, Ashwin cuts well, to the right of the man at backward point and there is no protection in the deep

66.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, on the off stump, Mishra gets down on one knee and paddles it to fine leg

66.1 - Herath to Mishra, FOUR, oh! Short sir! Flatter delivery from round the wicket, Mishra went deep in the crease and late-cut it very late, sent it fine past the man at slip and it ran away for four. Fifty partnership comes up as well

Over: 66	1 0 0 0 1 0	IND 225/7
Ashwin 23(54)	Mishra 34(58)	Kaushal 8-1-27-0

65.6 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, flatter in trajectory and just outside off stump, Ashwin looks to defend off the front foot and gets an inside edge onto pad

65.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, on the leg stump, Mishra works it behind square on the on-side

65.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, Mishra jumps out of the crease and tries to drive through the off-side, but gets an inside edge that rolls into the on-side

65.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, on the stumps, turned into the on-side

65.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, good ball from Kaushal. Finally gets the doosra in the right spot, pitches around middle and turns away, Mishra opts to stay back when he should have been forward, tries to defend but gets beaten

65.1 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, Ashwin drives it to long-on

Over: 65	1 0 1 1 1 0	IND 223/7
Mishra 33(54)	Ashwin 22(52)	Herath 19-0-71-1

64.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery to round off the over, blocked

64.5 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, very full and on the leg stump, Ashwin easily works it to short mid-wicket

64.4 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, slower through the air, Mishra had a lot of time to adjust and dab it to the left of backward point

64.3 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin gives the charge and drives, waits for the ball to pass the bowler and then takes the run as it goes to mid-on

64.2 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, tossed up and just outside off stump, Ashwin defends off the front foot

64.1 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, flighted delivery on the leg stump, Mishra works it through backward square leg

Back over the wicket

Over: 64	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 219/7
Ashwin 20(49)	Mishra 31(51)	Kaushal 7-1-25-0

63.6 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, first maiden over for Kaushal. Fullish and on the stumps, blocked into the on-side

63.5 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, on the off stump, Ashwin works it to mid-wicket

63.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, tossed up on the off stump, Ashwin gets a big stride forward as he defends

63.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, on the leg stump, tucked to short leg

63.2 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, nice and full from Kaushal, Ashwin defends

63.1 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Ashwin turns it into the on-side

This will be a record chase for Sri Lanka if they cross the line. The highest successul run chase in a 4th innings at the SSC in 326 - by Sri Lanka themselves in 1998 against Zimbabwe. India's lead now is 330.

Over: 63	1 1 2 1 0 2	IND 219/7
Mishra 31(51)	Ashwin 20(43)	Herath 18-0-67-1

62.6 - Herath to Mishra, 2 runs, that's paddled fine, Mathews moved quickly to his left from slip as he saw Mishra going down on one knee, but it beat him comfortably, fine leg tidies up

62.5 - Herath to Mishra, no run, slower through the air and on the off stump, Mishra defends

62.4 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, tossed up just outside off stump, Ashwin uses his feet and drives this to long-on

62.3 - Herath to Ashwin, 2 runs, good looking front foot drive, Ashwin leans nicely forward and plays it through cover, long-off runs to his left and tidies up

62.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, goes on the back foot and works it to backward square leg

62.1 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off stump, Ashwin races down the pitch and drives it to long-off

Rangana Herath [17.0-0-60-1] is back into the attack

Over: 62	1 1 0 1 0 0	IND 212/7
Mishra 28(48)	Ashwin 16(40)	Kaushal 6-0-25-0

61.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, doosra and just outside off stump, Mishra defends easily

61.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, turned to the right of Kaushal

61.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin gets a stride forward before nudging this flighted delivery through mid-wicket

61.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, full and outside off stump, Ashwin leans forward and drives it to cover

61.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, low full toss on the off stump, Mishra drives it to long-on

61.1 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 1 run, very full and on the stumps, Ashwin worked past short mid-wicket to long-on

Over: 61	1 0 0 0 1 0	IND 209/7
Mishra 27(45)	Ashwin 14(37)	Dhammika 18-3-64-3

60.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, on a length and well outside off stump, ignored

60.5 - Dhammika to Ashwin, 1 run, fullish and outside off stump, Ashwin drives it to the left of cover-point, there is protection in the deep this time

60.4 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, a crisp drive from the middle of the bat but straight to the man at cover. A couple of yards either side of the fielder would have been a boundary

60.3 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, fullish and angling in, Ashwin works it to the right of mid-on

60.2 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, back of a length and just outside off stump, Ashwin mistimes the back foot punch to the left of cover

60.1 - Dhammika to Mishra, 1 run, slightly squared up was Mishy on that occasion, Mishra looks to defend from the crease, the ball holds its line and takes a thick outside edge, rolls wide of gully

Over: 60	1 0 0 0 0 2	IND 207/7
Ashwin 13(33)	Mishra 26(43)	Kaushal 5-0-22-0

59.6 - Kaushal to Ashwin, 2 runs, on the leg stump, worked away fine, Dhammika tidies up running to his right at fine leg

59.5 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, nice and full, Ashwin defends off the front foot and it rolls to the right of the bowler

59.4 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, works this towards short mid-wicket

59.3 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Ashwin defends

59.2 - Kaushal to Ashwin, no run, appeal for LBW, not out was the quick call from umpire Nigel Llong. Probably height was an issue. Flighted delivery on the stumps, pitched in line and beats Ashwin on the flick, Ashwin had a big stride forward, hit around the kneeroll, it was a strong appeal but Llong shook his head. The replay shows that the umpire was suggesting to the bowler that it was going over

59.1 - Kaushal to Mishra, 1 run, short enough for Mishra to hang back and turn this flighted delivery to fine leg

Over: 59	0 1 4 1 0 0	IND 204/7
Ashwin 11(28)	Mishra 25(42)	Dhammika 17-3-62-3

58.6 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, much better short ball, in terms of height, but Ashwin drops his wrists and lets it go

58.5 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, short and outside off stump, Ashwin was just ball-watching on that occasion

58.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, 1 run, the shuffle across the stumps and then a tuck through square leg as Dhammika bowls this in the short of length region

58.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, overpitched and driven nicely. Full and outside off stump, Mishra didn't go hard at it, just placed it perfectly to the left of cover and the timing was very good

58.2 - Dhammika to Ashwin, 1 run, good length delivery outside off stump, Ashwin opens the face of the bat and dabs it to deep backward point

58.1 - Dhammika to Ashwin, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, keeps low but Ashwin manages to bring his bat down in time to keep it out

Dhammika Prasad [16.0-3-56-3] is back into the attack

Over: 58	0 0 2 0 0 0	IND 198/7
Mishra 20(40)	Ashwin 10(24)	Kaushal 4-0-19-0

57.6 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery outside off stump, Mishra defends it to cover

57.5 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, very full from Kaushal, Mishra goes for a drive and gets an inside edge onto boot, the ball rolls to the right of the bowler

57.4 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Mishra defends off the front foot

57.3 - Kaushal to Mishra, 2 runs, huuugeeee mix-up but both Mishra and Ashwin get away with it. Shortish and spinning back in, Mishra gets inside the line and paddles it fine to fine leg, there was an easy second run but for some reason both batsmen hesitated for a moment, thinking that Mishra wouldn't come, Ashwin turned back but Mishra then responded, Ashwin rushed to the bowler's end, the throw came to the keeper's end and it was very high as well, Kusal jumped and grabbed it with both hands but failed to hit the stumps on the first attempt, he then disturbed them on the second attempt but by then Mishy made his ground

57.2 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, full toss and dropped. It's the skipper himself. Freebie from Kaushal, Mishra punches it hard, Mathews was at short cover and it was a straightforward chance, it came around chest height to the Sri Lankan skipper and he put it down trying to reverse-cup it

Round the wicket with slip and short leg

57.1 - Kaushal to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, driven back to the bowler

T Kaushal [3.0-0-17-0] is back into the attack

Second drinks break of the session. India are going along nicely. They lost Naman Ojha, who was out trying a big hit. Since then Mishra and Ashwin have treated the bowling on merit and the duo have looked fairly comfortable at the crease. Are India looking for a declaration around tea time? If yes, what will be the score? 330-350? We'll find out...

Over: 57	0 1 0 0 0 4	IND 196/7
Ashwin 10(24)	Mishra 18(34)	Pradeep 15-2-51-3

56.6 - Pradeep to Ashwin, FOUR, shortish and on the leg stump, Ashwin stands tall and punches it through wide mid-on, there is no one there in front of square on the on-side, the bowler himself chased the ball but realised that timing was good enough and gave up

56.5 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, bumper on the stumps, Ashwin goes for the pull, gets an under-edge that rolls towards backward point off the forearm. No harm done though

56.4 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, shortish but not high enough to trouble the batsman, Ashwin stands tall and defends

Pradeep is round the wicket to Ashwin as well

56.3 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, short and angling across the right-hander, Ashwin plays inside the line and lets it go

56.2 - Pradeep to Mishra, 1 run, not all that short enough, Mishra gets inside the line and tickles it to fine leg

56.1 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, expectedly, Pradeep bangs it short, but Mishra sits under it and lets it go

Round the wicket now with short leg, square leg who is slightly deep and a man at deepish backward square as well

Over: 56	0 1 0 0 0 2	IND 191/7
Ashwin 6(20)	Mishra 17(32)	Herath 17-0-60-1

55.6 - Herath to Ashwin, 2 runs, on the leg stump, tucked away through square leg, easy two runs

55.5 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, a big stride forward again from Ashwin as he keeps this flighted delivery out

55.4 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, tossed up on the off stump, Ashwin blocks off the front foot

55.3 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin advances and looks to drive through the off-side, gets too close to the pitch of the ball and the inside edge rolls towards mid-wicket

55.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, swept away as Herath bowls leg-stump line, but straight to the man at deep backward square leg. India's lead is now 300

55.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, Mishra is solid in his front foot defence

Over: 55	4 0 0 1 0 0	IND 188/7
Ashwin 4(16)	Mishra 16(30)	Pradeep 14-2-46-3

54.6 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, wide of the crease and angled in on a length, Ashwin mistimes the drive towards mid-on off the inside half of the bat

Mathews is seen stretching

54.5 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, fullish and just outside off stump, Ashwin leans forward and defends to cover

54.4 - Pradeep to Mishra, 1 run, short of length delivery outside off stump, Mishra dabs it wide of gully, who dives in vain

54.3 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, short of length and angling in, Mishra looks to play on the on-side, misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad

54.2 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Mishra hops and defends

54.1 - Pradeep to Mishra, FOUR, edgeddd and over first slip. These are handy runs for India. Short and outside off stump, Mishra goes for the cut, the ball bounces a bit extra and takes the edge, the fielder at first slip jumped high but the ball comfortably cleared him

Over: 54	0 0 2 0 0 0	IND 183/7
Ashwin 4(14)	Mishra 11(26)	Herath 16-0-57-1

53.6 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, on the off stump, Ashwin steps out and works this to short mid-wicket

53.5 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin gives the charge to the bowler, Herath drags his length back and forces the batsman to take the defensive line, defended with a lunge forward

53.4 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, right on the stumps, Ashwin goes back and defends

53.3 - Herath to Ashwin, 2 runs, good looking drive off the front foot, but Mubarak runs to his left from long-off and tidies up

53.2 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, spinning away outside off stump, Ashwin pushes it with the spin towards point

53.1 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Ashwin defends

Over: 53	0 0 0 0 1 0	IND 181/7
Mishra 11(26)	Ashwin 2(8)	Pradeep 13-2-41-3

52.6 - Pradeep to Mishra, no run, oh no! Mishy is hit on the helmet. The Sri Lankan players ask him if he's okay and Mishra signals thumbs up. Short and angling in, Mishra moved across the sticks a bit and had nowhere to go, Mishra tried to leave and turned his head away, the ball hits the left shoulder and then crashes into the helmet grille near the left ear

52.5 - Pradeep to Ashwin, 1 run, short and wide outside off stump, Ashwin mistimes the cut, goes almost off the toe-end of the bat to deep backward point

52.4 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, on the stumps, Ashwin flicks it to mid-wicket

52.3 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, short of length outside off stump, pushed softly off the back foot to cover

52.2 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, short enough for Ashwin to hang back and defend it back to the bowler

52.1 - Pradeep to Ashwin, no run, length ball outside off stump, ignored

Two slips and a gully in

Nuwan Pradeep [12.0-2-40-3] is back into the attack

Over: 52	1 1 W 0 0 1	IND 180/7
Ashwin 1(3)	Mishra 11(25)	Herath 15-0-55-1

51.6 - Herath to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin comes down the track and drives the flighted delivery to mid-off, they take on the fielder and eventually get the run

51.5 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, slower from Herath, Ashwin goes back and defends

51.4 - Herath to Ashwin, no run, lot of excitement from the Sri Lankan players as Ashwin came down the track and failed to defend, the ball lobbed off the pad, the keeper and silly-point ran towards short leg to catch it but there was no bat involved

Ravichandran Ashwin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Slip and silly-point for Ashwin

51.3 - Herath to N Ojha, out Caught by Karunaratne!! In the airrrrr and gone! For the second time in this Test match, Ojha throws his wicket away going for a big shot. He was looking good for a fifty, but has to walk back. Flighted delivery very full from Herath, Ojha clears his front leg out of the way and goes for a slog across the line, the ball turns and catches the leading edge, goes high up in the air and extra-cover didn't have to move an inch. Karunaratne was steady under it and he reverse-cupped it easily. First wicket of the innings for Herath. N Ojha c Karunaratne b Herath 35(63) [4s-4]

Herath to N Ojha, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

51.2 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, goes deep in the crease and turns this one behind square on the on-side

51.1 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, flighted delivery from Herath, Ojha advances and drives it down to long-off

Over: 51	4 0 0 0 0 0	IND 177/6
Mishra 10(24)	N Ojha 34(61)	Dhammika 16-3-56-3

50.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, wasted effort from Dhammika, banged it short and way down the leg-side, sign of a bowler tiring. Perera went sprawling to his left, dives and saves some byes

50.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, the bouncer from Dhammika, Mishra was looking to avoid it, ends up getting hit on the shoulder. The ball rolls away towards long leg and the pair take a run, but it's called as a dead ball by umpire Tucker

50.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Mishra shuffles across and nudges it in front of mid-wicket, the bowler gets across and prevents any chance of a single

50.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, that's a poke and a miss! On a good length and holding its line outside off, Mishra pushed forward and is beaten on the outside edge

50.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of a good length and holding its line outside off, Mishra covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

50.1 - Dhammika to Mishra, FOUR, that's nicely played by Mishra, this was short and wide from Dhammika, he was up on his toes and goes over the slip cordon with the cut, no one in the deep and the ball races away to the fence

Over: 50	0 0 0 1 0 0	IND 173/6
N Ojha 34(61)	Mishra 6(18)	Herath 14-0-52-0

49.6 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, this one is given more air, Ojha gets a big stride forward and blocks

49.5 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, flighted delivery and on Ojha's pads, tucked away towards the on-side

49.4 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, Mishra shimies down the track, makes room and was looking to go over extra cover, doesn't get to the pitch of the ball and ends up lobbing it towards long-off

49.3 - Herath to Mishra, no run, this one is given more air, Mishra lunges forward and defends it towards silly point

49.2 - Herath to Mishra, no run, pushed through flatter by Herath, Mishra waited on it and dabbed it to the left of backward point

49.1 - Herath to Mishra, no run, flighted delivery and just outside off, Mishra blocks it towards short cover

Over: 49	Wd 0 0 0 2 0 1	IND 172/6
Mishra 5(14)	N Ojha 34(59)	Dhammika 15-3-52-3

48.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, 1 run, too straight from Dhammika, ends up drifting onto Mishra's pads, he looks to flick and gets an inside edge onto the pads, a single to long leg

48.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, the bouncer from Dhammika, Mishra was way too late on the pull and misses. The bowler gives him a nasty looking stare

48.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, 2 runs, that will go down as a chance, Mubarak was the fielder, it was a tough chance, it was to his left and the ball was travelling. Pitched up and well outside off, Mishra went with hard hands, gets a thick edge, well wide of gully, Mubarak dives and gets a hand onto it, but can't latch on

48.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Mishra gets behind the line and defends it

48.2 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, fuller length delivery and shaping away from outside off, Mishra covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

48.1 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of a length and angling down the leg-side, Mishra moves inside the line and looks to help it on its way, misses out

48.1 - Dhammika to Mishra, wide, bouncer from Dhammika, but it's too short and too high, called as a wide

It's a hot afternoon and Llong calls for a drinks break. India lost Binny - out for 49, but have swelled the lead to 279. The pitch looks to be easing out, it's definitely getting slower. What is the target score for Kohli?

Over: 48	0 0 0 0 0 4	IND 168/6
N Ojha 34(59)	Mishra 2(8)	Herath 13-0-51-0

47.6 - Herath to N Ojha, FOUR, Ojha hits his way out of trouble, he was done in by the slowness of this delivery from Herath, it was invitingly tossed up outside off but dipped alarmingly after pitching. Ojha was committed to the inside out drive over extra cover, ends up slicing it over backward point for a boundary

47.5 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Ojha was playing with an angled bat, gets an inside edge onto his pads, didn't look all that comfortable there

47.4 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, pushed through flatter and quicker, Ojha looks to drive and gets a thick outside edge towards backward point

47.3 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, slower and on the off-stump line, Ojha gets half forward and blocks

47.2 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, Herath drifts one just outside off, Ojha gets well forward and defends it

47.1 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and just outside off, Ojha prods forward and defends it

Over: 47	0 0 0 1 0 0	IND 164/6
Mishra 2(8)	N Ojha 30(53)	Dhammika 14-3-48-3

46.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, back of a length and outside off, Mishra dabs it straight to gully

46.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, on a good length and shaping back into Mishra, turned towards the on-side

46.4 - Dhammika to N Ojha, 1 run, Dhammika strays one onto Ojha's pads, flicked away towards long leg for a single

46.3 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and a hint of late shape away from off, Ojha is slightly opened up as he defends it towards gully

46.2 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, that stayed low and Ojha nearly dragged it back onto his stumps, did well to get some bat on that, it went off the bottom of the bat and bounced back towards the stumps. Ojha was alert, but the ball passed harmlessly wide of off-stump

46.1 - Dhammika to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and holding its line outside off, Ojha covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

Over: 46	1 0 0 0 1 0	IND 163/6
Mishra 2(6)	N Ojha 29(49)	Herath 12-0-47-0

45.6 - Herath to Mishra, no run, slower and just outside off, Mishra gets his bat in front of the pads and blocks it towards short cover

45.5 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, pushed through and on Ojha's pads, tucked away behind square on the on-side for a run

45.4 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, flighted and on the stumps, Ojha prods forward and nudges it towards the on-side

45.3 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Ojha gets across and defends it

45.2 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, turn and bounce for Herath, drew Ojha forward after pitching just outside off, he was lunging forward on the defensive push and is beaten by a fair margin

45.1 - Herath to Mishra, 1 run, uppish and safe, just wide of the man at short extra cover, Mishra came down the track, doesn't get to the pitch of the ball, spoons it in the air and wide of the fielder, a single to long-off

Over: 45	2 W 0 0 0 1	IND 161/6
Mishra 1(4)	N Ojha 28(45)	Dhammika 13-3-47-3

44.6 - Dhammika to Mishra, 1 run, Dhammika keeps it full and well outside off, Mishra looks to drive and slices it square on the off-side for a single

44.5 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Mishra stays behind the line and defends it back towards the bowler

44.4 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, fuller length delivery and on the stumps, Mishra moves across and clips it towards mid-wicket

44.3 - Dhammika to Mishra, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Mishra presses across and defends it

Amit Mishra, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Mishra gets a promotion, ahead of Ashwin, can say that he has deserved it, at least for this series.

44.2 - Dhammika to Binny, out Caught by Tharanga!! Edged and caught! Binny looks forlorn but has to walk back to the hut, this was pitched up and nipped away a fraction, Binny is sucked into pushing at that, the outside edge is found, to the left of first slip. Tharanga dives across and comes up with a neat two-handed catch. The umpire checks for a possible no-ball, but Dhammika just had a little bit behind the line, no fifty for Binny and he walks off upset with himself. Binny c Tharanga b Dhammika 49(62) [4s-7]

Dhammika to Binny, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

44.1 - Dhammika to Binny, 2 runs, gentle wide half-volley from Dhammika, Binny leans forward and drives it in front of square on the off-side, comes back for the second run

Dhammika Prasad [12.0-3-44-2] is back into the attack

Over: 44	0 0 1 2 1 0	IND 158/5
N Ojha 28(45)	Binny 47(60)	Herath 11-0-45-0

43.6 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, slower and just outside off, Ojha gets half forward and defends it

A short cover is in place now

43.5 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, Herath tosses one outside leg, Binny gets well forward and works it behind square on the on-side for a single

43.4 - Herath to Binny, 2 runs, tossed up and just outside off, Binny shimmies down the track on the drive - is late on the shot and gets a thick outside edge past short third man for a couple

43.3 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, flighted delivery and on off, driven down towards long-off for a single

43.2 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, slower and on off, Ojha gets a good stride forward and blocks

43.1 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Ojha lunges forward and defends it

Over: 43	0 0 1 0 0 1	IND 154/5
N Ojha 27(41)	Binny 44(58)	Pradeep 12-2-40-3

42.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, 1 run, short of a length and outside off, Ojha dabs it to the left of cover for a quick single

42.5 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and around off, Ojha shuffles across and clips it towards mid-wicket

42.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, fuller length delivery and holding its line outside off, left alone

Back to over the wicket

42.3 - Pradeep to Binny, 1 run, on a good length and angling across the right-hander, Binny pushes it towards the vacant mid-off region and gets across for a single

Pradeep switches to round the wicket

42.2 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, short of a length and on the stumps, Binny hops across and defends it in front of mid-wicket. Pradeep moves across and stops the ball

42.1 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, fuller length delivery and on the stumps, Binny presents the full face of the bat and drives it towards mid-on

Over: 42	1 2 1 0 0 1	IND 152/5
Binny 43(55)	N Ojha 26(38)	Herath 10-0-41-0

41.6 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, neatly played by Binny, waited on the flighted delivery until the last moment, opens the bat face slightly and finds the gap wide of point for a single

41.5 - Herath to Binny, no run, Herath goes wider and drifts one outside off, Binny leans forward and pushes it in front of cover, wants a run but is sent back

41.4 - Herath to Binny, no run, Herath tosses one on the stumps, Binny comes down the track and drives it back at him

41.3 - Herath to N Ojha, 1 run, this one is given more air, driven down towards long-off for a single

41.2 - Herath to N Ojha, 2 runs, flatter and on Ojha's pads, he goes back, closes the face of the bat at the last instant and nudges it past the keeper for a brace

41.1 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, the sweep from Binny, gets down low on his knees, rolls his wrists and sweeps it behind square on the on-side for a single

Over: 41	1 0 0 0 0 0	IND 147/5
N Ojha 23(36)	Binny 41(51)	Pradeep 11-2-38-3

40.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, length delivery on the stumps, Ojha presses across and turns it towards short mid-wicket

40.5 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Ojha pushes it to the left of cover

40.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Ojha rides with the bounce and defends it towards point

40.3 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Ojha gets forward and drives it towards mid-off

40.2 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and well outside off, Ojha gets a good stride forward and drives it towards cover

40.1 - Pradeep to Binny, 1 run, fuller length delivery and a hint of shape back into Binny, he prods across, gets his bat and pad together and works it in front of square on the on-side for a single

Over: 40	0 0 0 1 0 0	IND 146/5
N Ojha 23(31)	Binny 40(50)	Herath 9-0-36-0

39.6 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, slower and just outside off, Ojha leans forward and offers a straight bat in defence

39.5 - Herath to N Ojha, no run, the slider from Herath, came back with the angle, Ojha goes back and pushes it back towards the bowler

A FSL is in place now

39.4 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, fraction short from Herath, Binny goes back and punches it down towards long-off for a single

39.3 - Herath to Binny, no run, flighted and on the off-stump line, Binny gets well forward in defence

39.2 - Herath to Binny, no run, Binny shimmies down the track to a well flighted delivery, plays with the spin and blocks it

39.1 - Herath to Binny, no run, tossed up and on the leg-stump line, Binny prods across and defends it

Rangana Herath [8.0-0-35-0] is back into the attack

One slip in place as Herath comes on

Over: 39	0 0 0 0 0 4	IND 145/5
N Ojha 23(29)	Binny 39(46)	Pradeep 10-2-37-3

38.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, FOUR, lovely shot, overpitched and well outside off, Ojha leans forward, presents the full face of the bat and caresses it square past point, the fast outfield does the rest, he's looking pretty solid and busy

38.5 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, fraction fuller and in that channel outside off, takes off from a length, Ojha plays inside the line and lets it go

38.4 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller in length, but the line is miles outside off, another easy leave for the batsman

38.3 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, short of a length and well outside off, Ojha doesn't need to play at that, left alone

38.2 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Ojha prods forward and defends it

38.1 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ojha presses well forward and defends it towards the off-side

Two slips and a gully for Pradeep

Over: 38	2 4 0 1 1 1	IND 141/5
N Ojha 19(23)	Binny 39(46)	Kaushal 3-0-17-0

37.6 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 1 run, Kaushal has two men in a catching position on the on-side, but he tosses this one wider outside off, nudged behind square on the off-side for a single

A leg slip and a FSL now

37.5 - Kaushal to Binny, 1 run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Binny lunges forward in defence, gets an inside edge behind square on the on-side for a single

37.4 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 1 run, flatter and well outside off, worked away square on the off-side for a single, the lead is now 250

37.3 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, Kaushal drifts one just outside off, Ojha gets a big stride forward and defends it

37.2 - Kaushal to N Ojha, FOUR, that's a poor ball from Kaushal, dropped it short and on Ojha's pads, he goes back, uses the pace on the ball and nudges it very fine for a boundary

37.1 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 2 runs, tossed up and on the stumps, Ojha plays with the spin and tucks it in front of square on the on-side for a couple of runs

A slip and a FSL for Kaushal - starting from round the wicket

Welcome back.. Rohit and Binny have certainly put India ahead in this game. What will be the tactics in the afternoon session? For Sri Lanka, it's all about saving runs at the moment.

For the hosts, Dhammika and Pradeep again impressed, and were rewarded with a wicket each today. Pradeep now has three scalps to his name in this innings. Sri Lanka perhaps missed a trick when Angelo Mathews introduced Herath early into the attack. They surely need a spate of wickets in the next session as it is going to be a daunting task to chase down a target in excess of 300 on this track. On the other hand, the visitors will look to stretch the lead as much as they can.

It has to be also said that Rohit's enterprising stand with Stuart Binny helped India to seize the initiative. After Virat Kohli poked at a delivery outside off to lose his wicket to Pradeep, Binny's bat conjured up a series of shots. He had his fair share of luck, especially when Kusal Perera missed a stumping chance off Rangana Herath. However, the credit has to go to Binny for backing himself and performing well.

Rohit Sharma's unruffled elegance helped the tourists to extend their lead and now they are in a strong position. Rohit played with a stamp of unsullied and effortless batsmanship. On most occasions, he showed solid foundations of batting to handle the pacers. In addition to it, when presented with the opportunity, he burst forth with a wide range of versatile shots. The two drives he essayed off Nuwan Pradeep in the 25th over encapsulated Rohit's fluid run-scoring ability. He also amassed his fourth half-century in Tests. Unfortunately from India's perspective, Rohit fell just before lunch to Dhammika Prasad.

Over: 37	1 0 0 1 0 1	IND 132/5
N Ojha 11(18)	Binny 38(45)	Pradeep 9-2-33-3

36.6 - Pradeep to N Ojha, 1 run, good length outside off, Ojha gets forward and defends wide of the diving second gully, along the ground and they take a single to deep point. That will be lunch on day 4

36.5 - Pradeep to N Ojha, no run, short of length outside off, Ojha defends in front of cover which is vacant but mid-off moves forward and collects

Two slips and two gullies. Cover vacant

36.4 - Pradeep to Binny, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Binny stands tall and punches to deep backward point, for a single

36.3 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, pitched up outside off, moving away, Binny gets forward and lets it go

36.2 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, well wide of off, left alone

This will be the last over before lunch

36.1 - Pradeep to N Ojha, 1 run, Pradeep slips it down leg, Ojha gets a thin inside edge onto the pad, the ball runs away to fine leg

Nuwan Pradeep [8.0-2-30-3] is back into the attack

Over: 36	4 0 0 0 0 1	IND 129/5
N Ojha 9(15)	Binny 37(42)	Kaushal 2-0-8-0

35.6 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 1 run, very full outside off, Ojha opens the face of the bat and squeezes it out to deep backward point, takes the single

35.5 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, a bit flat and Ojha defends off the back foot

35.4 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, on the stumps, again Ojha finds short mid-wicket

35.3 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, on middle, Ojha wrists it to short mid-wicket

35.2 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, tossed up on off stump, Ojha defends it back to Kaushal

35.1 - Kaushal to N Ojha, FOUR, short and spinning back in, Ojha cuts and the ball runs away to third man, no-one there and it raced to the fence. Ojha played that late and got it in the gap

Over: 35	0 0 0 0 1 1	IND 124/5
N Ojha 4(9)	Binny 37(42)	Dhammika 12-3-44-2

34.6 - Dhammika to N Ojha, 1 run, still the line is middle and leg, Ojha shuffles across and works it to deep square leg, to keep strike

34.5 - Dhammika to Binny, 1 run, back of a length and down leg, clipped to deep backward square leg, for a single

34.4 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, good length outside off, Binny gets forward and pushes it to cover

34.3 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, back of a length on the stumps, Binny hops and defends it to the right of the bowler, who runs in and prevents the thought of a quick single. Fires a throw at the stumps and misses. Binny was in anyway

Second slip is now more at a gully position. Third man in

34.2 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, quick bouncer and at Binny, this time he drops his hands and sways out of the line. Dhammika follows through and has a stare at the batsman

34.1 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, Binny attempts the ramp and doesn't make contact. This short delivery came into the batsman and followed Binny who was arching back to help it on its way, didn't lay bat on ball

Over: 34	0 0 Nb 2 0 0 0	IND 122/5
N Ojha 3(8)	Binny 36(37)	Kaushal 1-0-3-0

33.6 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, still the length is short, Ojha shuffles across and defends off the back foot

33.5 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, offie on the stumps, Ojha defends off the back foot

33.4 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, flat and on middle and leg, Ojha defends to short leg

33.3 - Kaushal to N Ojha, 2 runs, flat and shortish, Ojha hangs back and steers it to deep backward point, two taken

33.3 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no ball, Kaushal oversteps as Ojha defends it back to Kaushal

Slip and a short leg

33.2 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, on the stumps, Ojha defends to short leg

33.1 - Kaushal to N Ojha, no run, very full on the stumps from round the wicket, Ojha digs it out back down the track

T Kaushal, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Over: 33	1 2 1 0 1Nb W 1	IND 119/5
N Ojha 1(1)	Binny 36(37)	Dhammika 11-3-42-2

32.6 - Dhammika to N Ojha, 1 run, nipped back in from a good length, Ojha closes the face of the bat and turns it to fine leg, is off the mark first ball

Naman Ojha, right handed bat, comes to the crease

32.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, out Caught by Pradeep!! Rohit can't believe that he has top-edged it straight down fine leg's throat. He stands there in disbelief. Short and down leg, he swivelled on the shot but didn't roll his wrists - that's why it went up in the air. The top edge travelled to fine leg where Pradeep went back and took it over his head. End of a composed innings and deserved wicket for Dhammika who has toiled hard. Rohit c Pradeep b Dhammika 50(72) [4s-4 6s-1]

Dhammika to Rohit, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

32.5 - Dhammika to Binny, no ball, 1 run, back of a length on the hips, Binny works it to deep backward square leg, for a single, Dhammika has overstepped as well

32.4 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, short of length outside off, Binny defends to cover and looks for a quick single, it isn't there as the fielder is in and Rohit sends Binny back

32.3 - Dhammika to Rohit, 1 run, 50 for Rohit. A composed and disciplined innings. On a good length and outside off, Rohit gets forward and defends with an open face in front of point, easy single and that gets him to 50

32.2 - Dhammika to Rohit, 2 runs, back of a length on the hips, Rohit nudges it through mid-wicket and realises that two was on offer and takes it easily

32.1 - Dhammika to Binny, 1 run, short of length outside off, Binny defends in front of point and takes the single

Now a second slip in place for Binny

Over: 32	1 0 4 0 1 0	IND 112/4
Rohit 47(69)	Binny 34(34)	Herath 8-0-35-0

31.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and outside off, pushed to cover

31.5 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, Binny takes a step out and defends to long-off, for a single

Long-on and deep mid-wicket in

31.4 - Herath to Binny, no run, flat and outside off, Binny defends

31.3 - Herath to Binny, FOUR, fine shot. Binny comes down the track and then goes against the spin, over mid-wicket, nearly went all the way, one bounce over the ropes

31.2 - Herath to Binny, no run, tossed up on off stump, Binny gets forward and defends to short cover

31.1 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, Rohit comes down the track and drives to long-on

Mathews is back

Over: 31	1 1L 0 0 1 4	IND 106/4
Binny 29(30)	Rohit 46(67)	Dhammika 10-3-35-1

30.6 - Dhammika to Binny, FOUR, no, instead it's a length ball outside off and the thick outside edge runs wide of first slip. Binny has a wry smile at Dhammika. On a back of a length and outside off, Binny got a thick edge on the defence but luckily found the gap. Third slip would've gobbled it up

Just a slip and a gully. Leg gully in and two men back for the pull/hook. Expect the short ball Binny after being hit on the helmet earlier in the over

30.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, 1 run, short of length on off, nudged to deep backward square leg, for a single

30.4 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full outside off, left alone

30.3 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, on a good length and outside off, Rohit defends to mid-off. Dhammika thought it was pad first and appealed, a wasted one

30.2 - Dhammika to Binny, leg byes, 1 run, that has hit Binny on the helmet. Smack on the top of the helmet. Binny was late on the hook as the short ball rose high. Deflects away into the off-side

Mathews is off. Thiri is the acting captain

30.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, 1 run, short and wide outside off, Rohit cuts to deep backward point, but there is a fielder placed

Over: 30	0 0 1 4 0 0	IND 99/4
Binny 25(28)	Rohit 44(63)	Herath 7-0-29-0

29.6 - Herath to Binny, no run, missed stumping. Binny charged Herath and was beaten in the flight, the ball went past his inside edge and body, but Kusal fumbled and Binny gets back. That was well bowled by Herath, dragging the length back and beating the batsman in the air. Poor from Kusal as Binny was way down the wicket. That's a big opportunity gone

29.5 - Herath to Binny, no run, this one came back with the arm, Binny gets an inside edge onto the pad, that's why the stifled appeal for lbw died down quickly. Binny was looking to get forward but the ball rushed into him

29.4 - Herath to Binny, FOUR, nice paddle from Binny. On middle, Binny kneels down and helps it down to the fine leg fence. Beat the fielder easily

29.3 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, Rohit takes a step out and gets a thick inside edge on the defence behind square, takes the single

29.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, defended to cover, Binny wanted a quick single and sent back by Rohit

29.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, Rohit comes down the track and flicks to short mid-wicket

Over: 29	4 0 2 0 0 4	IND 94/4
Binny 21(25)	Rohit 43(60)	Dhammika 9-3-29-1

28.6 - Dhammika to Binny, FOUR, second streaky boundary by Binny and second four in that area. Throws his bat at a widish length delivery and gets a healthy outside edge. Karunaratne at gully sticks his right-hand out to catch and the ball flew past him. Quickly he has raced to 21

28.5 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, back of a length and angled in, Binny defends to cover

28.4 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, that is a nothing stroke. It was outside off and Binny went for a cross-batted cut, the ball nipped in and missed the inside edge

28.3 - Dhammika to Binny, 2 runs, good length outside off, Binny strides forward and defends with an open face to deep backward point, for a couple of runs

28.2 - Dhammika to Binny, no run, outside off, left alone

28.1 - Dhammika to Binny, FOUR, Dhammika begins with a short and wide delivery outside off, extra bounce too, Binny rocks back and plays a controlled cut wide of the diving point. Handled the bounce well and got a boundary

Dhammika Prasad [8.0-3-19-1] is back into the attack

Over: 28	0 1 0 0 0 0	IND 84/4
Rohit 43(60)	Binny 11(19)	Herath 6-0-24-0

27.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, very full on the stumps, dug out to the right of the bowler

27.5 - Herath to Rohit, no run, good stop by short straight mid-off, went to his right and parried it to Herath

27.4 - Herath to Rohit, no run, stays a bit low on the stumps, Rohit pushes it back to Herath

27.3 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and outside off, Rohit chops it to point

27.2 - Herath to Binny, 1 run, Binny comes down the track and then defends wide of short cover, looks at Rohit and the single is completed with ease

27.1 - Herath to Binny, no run, tossed up outside off, Binny gets forward and drives to extra cover

Rangana Herath [5.0-0-23-0] is back into the attack

Over: 27	1 0 0 4 1 0	IND 83/4
Rohit 43(56)	Binny 10(17)	Pradeep 8-2-30-3

26.6 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, Rohit stays back and defends it down the track

26.5 - Pradeep to Binny, 1 run, back of a length outside off and Binny steers it to deep backward point after staying beside the line

26.4 - Pradeep to Binny, FOUR, Binny throws his bat at a wide delivery and gets lucky. Wanted to square drive and the thick outside edge was found, wide of gully and flew over the man. Went in the air but nowhere near anyone

26.3 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, full and on off stump, Binny gets forward and defends to mid-off

26.2 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, full and angling back in towards off, Binny shows the full face of the bat and drives to mid-on

26.1 - Pradeep to Rohit, 1 run, good length outside off, Rohit gets forward and defends wide of gully for an easy single

Mathews is given an ice-towel which he wraps around his neck. Seems to be struggling a bit with his fitness

Over: 26	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 77/4
Binny 5(13)	Rohit 42(54)	Mathews 6-3-11-0

25.6 - Mathews to Binny, no run, fullish outside off, Binny gets forward and presses it to cover

25.5 - Mathews to Binny, no run, outside off, rising through to Kusal after Binny leaves

25.4 - Mathews to Binny, no run, full and towards off, Binny shuffles across and pushes it to mid-on

25.3 - Mathews to Binny, no run, length delivery on leg stump, Binny defends to mid-wicket

25.2 - Mathews to Binny, no run, good length outside off, Binny gets forward and defends with bat and pad close together

25.1 - Mathews to Binny, no run, full on leg stump, Binny falls over slightly but manages not to close the face of the bat and pushes it back down the track

Over: 25	0 4 1 4 4 0	IND 77/4
Rohit 42(54)	Binny 5(7)	Pradeep 7-2-24-3

24.6 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, full on middle, Rohit pushes it to mid-wicket

24.5 - Pradeep to Rohit, FOUR, this is an even better shot. Arrogance from Rohit and an expression on his face after the stroke suggests the same. He just wore a nonchalant look after timing the pants off that drive. On the rise and wide of short cover. A cover drive of the highest quality and right off the middle of the bat. The short cover fielder was just a spectator. Two boundaries that show why Rohit is rated so highly

24.4 - Pradeep to Rohit, FOUR, that is a fine square drive from Rohit. Full outside off, Rohit bent his back leg and then drove it off the middle of the bat. Not a muscle moved as he got it wide of point. The footwork was key there and a pleasing boundary

24.3 - Pradeep to Binny, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, Binny gets forward and defends into the vacant cover-point region for a single

Three slips and a gully

24.2 - Pradeep to Binny, FOUR, Binny gets off the pair. Full and angled in towards off stump, Binny gets forward and whips it through mid-wicket, nicely timed and it raced away. Binny then goes to Rohit and punches gloves

24.1 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, full outside off and well wide of off, Binny lets it go

Over: 24	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 64/4
Rohit 34(51)	Binny 0(4)	Mathews 5-2-11-0

23.6 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, a little further wide of off, easy leave that time

23.5 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, nice outswinger, on a fullish length, Rohit shoulders arms

23.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, Rohit gets a nice stride forward to block to short cover

23.3 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, full outside off, Rohit isn't tempted into playing at that and leaves

23.2 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, softly dabbed to gully

23.1 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, now Mathews goes up for a loud shout for lbw. Again he thinks it is pad first. Difficult to say from the replays whether it was pad or bat first. Touch and go. On a good length and on off stump, Rohit strode forward to block and up went Mathews in a huge appeal. Llong said no

Angelo Mathews [4.0-1-11-0] is back into the attack

Over: 23	0 W 0 0 0 0	IND 64/4
Binny 0(4)	Rohit 34(45)	Pradeep 6-2-11-3

22.6 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, loud shout for caught behind but Tucker shakes his head. Didn't hear any sound as the ball went past bat. In the corridor of uncertainty, on a back of a length, Binny looks to defend and the extra bounce takes it over the edge. Fine over from Pradeep comes to an end

22.5 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, that has taken off from a good length, since it is outside off, no trouble for Binny as he leaves. Kusal takes it above his head

22.4 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, he has survived the King Pair but still is on a pair. Nearly another wicket. Full outside off, Binny shuffles across and that is dangerous, makes you play at deliveries that you don't need to. The ball holds its line to beat the outside edge. Not far from the taking the feather

22.3 - Pradeep to Binny, no run, Binny survives the King Pair, full outside off, left alone

Stuart Binny, right handed bat, comes to the crease

With that wicket the players have taken drinks. Uninspiring captaincy from Mathews and the same can be said of the Sri Lankan cricket as well in that hour. Mathews brought on Herath when there was no need to but quickly realised his folly and made amends as Pradeep got Kohli out just before drinks. Sri Lanka looked a bit flat during that hour but the wicket of Kohli would boost their spirits. Binny is the next man in and he is on a King Pair

22.2 - Pradeep to Kohli, out Caught by Tharanga!! Nicked and gone. Kohli falls like how he did in the first innings. This was a good length delivery outside off, on the sixth, seventh stump line, Kohli pushes away from the body and a healthy edge goes straight to first slip. Tharanga almost made a mess of it, juggled it and then had the presence of mind to keep his eyes on the ball and snaffle the rebound. Just when things were looking flat, Pradeep comes back and gets the wicket. Kohli c Tharanga b Pradeep 21(63) [4s-2]

Pradeep to Kohli, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

22.1 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, short of length outside off, Kohli defends off the back foot to mid-off

Nuwan Pradeep [5.0-1-11-2] is back into the attack

Over: 22	Nb 0 1 4 0 0 0	IND 64/3
Rohit 34(45)	Kohli 21(61)	Dhammika 8-3-19-1

21.6 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full and towards off stump, Rohit gets forward and pushes it to mid-off

21.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, good length outside off, Rohit gets a full stride forward and defends solidly with bat and pad close together to mid-off

21.4 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full outside off, left alone

Now a man goes out at deep backward square leg

21.3 - Dhammika to Rohit, FOUR, lazy elegance from Rohit. This was a short ball on the hips, Rohit is batting outside the crease and he just swivels on the pull and gets it wide of deep fine leg. Easily done

21.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, 1 run, and again. He should be leaving those. Well wide of off, he wants to drive on the rise, reached out away from the body and the inside edge isn't far from hitting leg stump. Very lucky is Kohli. Mathews is a disappointed man

21.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, Kohli has this tendency to push at balls outside off. With hard hands. He does the same here to a good length delivery outside off, the inside edge is found and rolls to mid-wicket

21.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no ball, Dhammika starts with a no-ball, down leg too. He was well over the front line

Dhammika Prasad [7.0-3-13-1] is back into the attack

Over: 21	0 2 0 0 0 0	IND 58/3
Rohit 30(41)	Kohli 20(58)	Mathews 4-1-11-0

20.6 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, good delivery and a good leave too, full and outside off, shaped back in a tad but Rohit judged it well and left it alone

20.5 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, wide of the crease and bowled full outside off, Rohit pushes it past short cover but mid-off is there

20.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, full on middle, Rohit stays on the crease and pushes it to mid-wicket

The 50-run stand is up and it has settled a few nerves in the Indian dressing room

20.3 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, short of length on off stump, Rohit shuffles across and defends solidly

20.2 - Mathews to Rohit, 2 runs, good length outside off, Rohit gets a thick outside edge on the back foot defence, wide of the diving gully for a couple of runs. The ball went to ground quickly

20.1 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, outswinger on a good length outside off, Rohit again pushes away from the body, but this time he is in control and finds short cover

Over: 20	0 3 3 0 0 0	IND 56/3
Kohli 20(58)	Rohit 28(35)	Herath 5-0-23-0

19.6 - Herath to Kohli, no run, this one drifts in with the arm and towards off, Kohli gets forward to block and the inside edge runs away to short mid-wicket

19.5 - Herath to Kohli, no run, tossed up on off, Kohli presses it to short cover

19.4 - Herath to Kohli, no run, driven hard but short straight mid-off dives and cuts it off

19.3 - Herath to Rohit, 3 runs, again loose from Rohit. A lazy drive away from the body by Rohit, the edge is found but wide of slip. Well wide in fact and again good running gives three

19.2 - Herath to Kohli, 3 runs, good chase by Tharindu Kaushal and he dives to pull it back, saved a run. This was full and wide outside off, Kohli gets forward and opens the face of the bat to drive in the gap at cover, Kaushal put in a sprint and did well

19.1 - Herath to Kohli, no run, full outside off, Kohli gets forward and drives, but picks out extra cover

Over: 19	0 1 0 0 4 0	IND 50/3
Rohit 25(34)	Kohli 17(53)	Mathews 3-1-9-0

18.6 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, similar delivery to the last one, left alone this time

18.5 - Mathews to Rohit, FOUR, now the outside edge is found and it runs just wide of gully. To the fielder's left. Definitely catchable too. Outswinger on a good length, Rohit's old failings came to the fore there as he got forward and pushed out with an open face, healthy edge but he got lucky as he bisected the gap between the two slips and the gully

18.4 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, that was close. Not given by Tucker. Was it too high for an lbw call? Nipped back in from a good length, Rohit's feet were stuck on the crease, missed the nudge and was struck just above the kneeroll, definitely high and would've gone over. Rohit is batting outside the crease too and was a long way down the pitch. Good call by Tucker. Mathews and the others were confident though

18.3 - Mathews to Rohit, no run, the sucker delivery outside off, left alone

18.2 - Mathews to Kohli, 1 run, good length on off stump, Kohli goes back to whip it through mid-wicket for a single

18.1 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, Kohli rocks back to punch to mid-on

Over: 18	0 1 0 0 0 1	IND 45/3
Kohli 16(51)	Rohit 21(30)	Herath 4-0-17-0

17.6 - Herath to Kohli, 1 run, worked off the back foot from the stumps to deep backward square leg, Kohli will retain strike

17.5 - Herath to Kohli, no run, on the off stump line, Kohli works it to mid-wicket

17.4 - Herath to Kohli, no run, slower and outside off, Kohli gets forward to block to short cover

17.3 - Herath to Kohli, no run, the length is short and Kohli goes on the back foot to tuck it to mid-wicket

17.2 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, full on off and middle, Rohit drives powerfully to long-off

17.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat and outside off, dabbed to point

Over: 17	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 43/3
Kohli 15(47)	Rohit 20(28)	Mathews 2-1-4-0

16.6 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, Kohli strides forward confidently to defend

Two slips and a gully in for Mathews

16.5 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, probing away in that sixth, seventh stump line is Mathews, Kohli is watchful and leaves

16.4 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, seams away after Kohli lets it go

16.3 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, full and towards off stump, Kohli shuffles across and wrists it to mid-on

16.2 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, Mathews goes up for an lbw but that has hit Kohli on the thigh pad. Nipped back in and Kohli missed the whip off the pads. Would've gone over

16.1 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good length outside off, Kohli looks to punch through cover and mistimes it back to the bowler

Over: 16	0 0 3 0 1 0	IND 43/3
Rohit 20(28)	Kohli 15(41)	Herath 3-0-15-0

15.6 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flat on middle, Rohit lunges out to defend to that short straight mid-off fielder

15.5 - Herath to Kohli, 1 run, very full on the stumps, driven to long-on

15.4 - Herath to Kohli, no run, defended to cover-point, once again Rohit is sent back by Kohli

15.3 - Herath to Rohit, 3 runs, Rohit comes down the track and then chips it over mid-wicket, excellent running too as the batsmen take three

15.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, tossed up on off, Rohit pushes it to short cover

15.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, on off stump, Rohit defends to that man

Short leg has moved to a very short straight mid-off

Over: 15	0 0 4 0 0 0	IND 39/3
Kohli 14(39)	Rohit 17(24)	Mathews 1-0-4-0

14.6 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, Kaushal Silva at mid-wicket does a good job to create confusion amongst Kohli and Rohit. It was worked to his right and he went and dived to stop the ball, Rohit was halfway down but got sent back in time

14.5 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, angled in towards off and middle, Kohli defends to short mid-wicket

14.4 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, outswinger outside off, left alone

14.3 - Mathews to Kohli, FOUR, poor delivery and angled in towards the pads, Kohli flicks past the square leg umpire and since there is no-one in the deep, it is an easy boundary

14.2 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, good line and length outside off, Kohli goes deep in his crease and then shoulders arms

14.1 - Mathews to Kohli, no run, dug in short, Kohli ducks under that

Angelo Mathews, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Over: 14	0 0 1 1 1 1	IND 35/3
Kohli 10(33)	Rohit 17(24)	Herath 2-0-11-0

13.6 - Herath to Kohli, 1 run, now Kohli drives towards long-off, short cover dives to his right and parries it away, that enables the single to be taken

13.5 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, tossed up and Rohit gets forward to drive to long-off

13.4 - Herath to Kohli, 1 run, flat and down leg, Kohli works it off the back foot to deep backward square leg

13.3 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, Rohit gets forward and eases it off the front foot to long-off

13.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flighted on leg, Rohit gets forward to push to short mid-wicket

Herath is coming from round the wicket with a slip and a short leg

13.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, tossed up on middle, Rohit gets forward and defends it back to Herath

Rangana Herath [1.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack

Over: 13	0 0 0 Wd 0 4 0	IND 31/3
Kohli 8(31)	Rohit 15(20)	Dhammika 7-3-13-1

12.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, good length and on off, Kohli wrists it to mid-wicket

12.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, FOUR, first real bad ball from Dhammika today, full and down leg, Kohli had to beat fine leg and did so with a flick

12.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, tight delivery and angled in, Kohli solidly blocks with a straight bat to mid-on

12.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, wide, another very high short delivery, called wide

12.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, full and angled in, Kohli this time gets into position and shows the full face of the bat to push to mid-on

12.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, full around the off stump line, Kohli closes the face of the bat too early on the flick and gets a leading edge that dribbles to short cover. Two false strokes in a row. Kohli isn't happy with himself

12.1 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, a false stroke from Kohli. Length delivery outside off, Kohli came forward to drive on the rise, gets a thick inside half of the bat and the ball rolls to mid-on

Over: 12	0 0 0 0 Wd 1 0	IND 26/3
Rohit 15(20)	Kohli 4(25)	Pradeep 5-1-11-2

11.6 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, full on the pads, nudged to the right of mid-wicket, Rohit says 'no' for the single

11.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, 1 run, nipped back in, Kohli was trying to defend off the back foot and got a thick inside edge to square leg, quick single taken

11.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, wide, very high bouncer, Kohli ducks and a leaping Kusal palms the ball to first slip

11.4 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, still outside off, another leave

11.3 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, full outside off, Kohli gets forward and then his front foot gets across to meet the ball solidly, defended to short cover. The feet are moving nicely from Kohli today

11.2 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, pitched up outside off, Kohli shuffles across again and then sees it is not in his playing range, so shoulders arms

11.1 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, length delivery outside off, Kohli shuffles across and defends solidly to short cover

Over: 11	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 24/3
Rohit 15(19)	Kohli 3(20)	Dhammika 6-3-8-1

10.6 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, angled in on a short of length, Rohit nudges it to mid-wicket off the back foot

10.5 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, loud shout from Dhammika for an lbw. He thinks it hit the pad first. Replays show that it was marginal and anyway Rohit got outside the line of off while playing the stroke. Dhammika belted out a fine appeal but Tucker shook his head

10.4 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, full and angling in, towards off stump, Rohit shows the full face of the bat and defends it to mid-off

10.3 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, lovely full delivery and Rohit is beaten on the drive. Rohit gets forward and then plays a loose drive, the ball held its line to beat the bat. A bit lazy from Rohit, just allowing his hands to go at the ball

10.2 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, Rohit lunges forward to block and the ball seams back in, takes the splice and drops dead to the right of the bowler

10.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, no run, back of a length and nips back in, Rohit defends off the back foot to the bowler

Over: 10	0 0 1 2 0 0	IND 24/3
Kohli 3(20)	Rohit 15(13)	Pradeep 4-1-9-2

9.6 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, Pradeep probes away in the corridor of uncertainty, Kohli shuffles across and then shoulders arms

9.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, nips back in from a back of a length, Kohli covers his off stump and then shoulders arms

9.4 - Pradeep to Kohli, 2 runs, good length outside off, Kohli gets forward and drives on the rise wide of cover, two it is

9.3 - Pradeep to Rohit, 1 run, good thinking by Kohli. He saw that there was a single available and pushed Rohit into completing the single. The ball nipped back in and Rohit inside-edged the defensive stroke, the ball rolled to his left and he didn't know where it went but Kohli was alert enough. In the end an easy single

9.2 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, on a length and outside off, nice carry to the keeper as Rohit leaves

9.1 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, full outside off, Rohit gets forward and shoulders arms

Nuwan Pradeep [3.0-1-6-2] is back into the attack

Over: 9	3 0 0 0 0 0	IND 21/3
Kohli 1(17)	Rohit 14(10)	Dhammika 5-2-8-1

8.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, pitched up outside off, Kohli gets forward and drives to short cover, there is a fumble but the ball rolls to mid-off, so no runs taken

8.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of length and Kohli defends confidently off the back foot to cover

8.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, well wide of off, left alone

8.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, very full on off stump, Kohli gently wrists it to mid-on

8.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, full and outside off, Kohli gets forward and then shoulders arms. The feet moved nicely to the line of the ball there

Dhammika Prasad is ready and so are the batsmen. Two slips and a gully in place and we are ready to go. Kohli will face Prasad

'Bright and sunny day. The forecast is good for today. Rahul who dropped two catches yesterday is involved in fielding drills while Binny and Ashwin batted earlier today', says our man at the ground - Ganesh Chandrasekaran

Pitch report: Live grass still there on the pitch. There was sideways movement yesterday and that's due to the grass present on the pitch. Sri Lanka wouldn't want to chase more than 200 on this reckons Jonty Rhodes. He credits the wicket and in particular the grass present for making this match a lively contest

Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep though, have certainly kept the home team in the game by making crucial breakthroughs. Lest we also forget that Chesteshwar Pujara shone brightly by becoming the 4th Indian to carry his bat through a completed innings in the first essay. Just like the first three days of the Test, it is expected to rain. Fingers crossed that rain won't play spoilsport. Hopefully, it will turn out to be a riveting contest between bat and ball. Stay tuned for all the action coming your way..

On a wicket that offered assistance to the seamers, the tall Indian quick made the ball move off the seam and extracted disconcerting bounce. In particular, the left-handers struggled with deliveries that veered away from them at awkward angles. No wonder, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne and Kusal Perera were some of his victims. For the hosts, Perera, unfurled a series of boundaries to lift his team's spirits to some extent. He also found an able partner in Rangana Herath. Both of them chipped away at India's lead. However, despite their sterling efforts, the tourists ended up with a sizeable lead.

Day 4: In what has turned out to be a Test match full of plots and subplots, twists and turns, it is India, who have their noses in front. Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of day 4 of the final Test. Yesterday, quick bowlers from both sides ruled the roost as wickets fell in a heap. If Ishant Sharma sprinted through the crease with a threatening gait and took his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests, then the Sri Lankans returned the favour by running through India's top-order late in the day.

For the home team, Perera cracked a blistering fifty on his Test debut. He came out all guns blazing and his stand with Herath helped Sri Lanka to cross the 200-run mark. However, at that time, India were still in the ascendancy as they had gained a vital first innings lead. By taking those early wickets though, the seamers have kept the hosts in the match. On the other hand, Indian batsmen showed poor defence by trying to plant their front foot too early, while facing up to even back of a length deliveries. As far as the game is concerned, it should turn out to be a fascinating day tomorrow with both teams having a chance to win the match and the series. Hopefully we will get a full day's play. To make up lost time, the action will begin at 09:45 local time. Looking forward to your company then. Goodbye!

For the visitors, it was Ishant Sharma, who with his heavy artillery, picked up fifer and turned out to be the star performer. It was his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests. Ishant got the ball to skid and dart off the surface, and troubled all the batsmen. He certainly made the ball to leave left-handed batsmen at alarming rates. To make it even better, Ishant hit an upright seam for most part of the innings. Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath were his victims.

On a day when 15 wickets tumbled, the tourists edged ahead. However, by picking up three scalps in the final session, Sri Lanka renewed their hopes of making a comeback into the game. Unfortunately, persistent rain later on in the day made sure that play was called off early.

16:53 Local Time, 11:23 GMT, 16:53 IST: As expected play has been called off for the day.

16:50 Local Time, 11:20 GMT, 16:50 IST: "The rain is still steady and quite heavy, dark clouds all over now. Entire ground is covered. I can't see them having enough time to get the ground ready. It's in fact getting heavier as I type," is the update from Ganesh.

16:38 Local Time, 11:08 GMT, 16:38 IST: It has started to rain and the covers are coming on. Looks to be a sharp shower. The players are rushing off the field. It's quite dark overhead. The rain is quite heavy now. The square has been covered but they are rushing to fetch the remaining covers. They are trying to cover the entire ground. However, I can still see a lot of green grass around, the rain is quite hard and there could be a lot of water there already on the uncovered areas. I am not sure if we will have any more action today. Fingers crossed!

8.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, 3 runs, on a length and on the off stump, tucked through square leg, Pradeep runs to his left and tidies up in the deep

Over: 8	0 0 6 1 0 0	IND 18/3
Kohli 1(12)	Rohit 11(9)	Herath 1-0-7-0

7.6 - Herath to Kohli, no run, tossed up on the stumps, Kohli defends off the front foot

7.5 - Herath to Kohli, no run, flatter and on the leg stump, Kohli tucks it towards short leg

7.4 - Herath to Rohit, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Rohit drives it to long-on

7.3 - Herath to Rohit, SIX, that's one way of dealing with pressure! A little shimmy from Rohit, gets to the pitch of a well flighted delivery and lofts it high and over long-off for a maximum

7.2 - Herath to Rohit, no run, flighted delivery and on the stumps, Rohit presses forward and defends it with an open face

7.1 - Herath to Rohit, no run, tossed up outside off and holding its line, left alone

Rangana Herath, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

Over: 7	1 0 0 0 0 0	IND 11/3
Kohli 1(10)	Rohit 4(5)	Dhammika 4-2-5-1

6.6 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, this one stayed very low and Kohli has a wry smile after he somehow got some bat on it, had he missed, India would have been four down. Tad fuller and a hint of shape back into Kohli, he watches it all along, crouches low and defends it back towards the bowler

6.5 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, that's very loose from Kohli, short of a length and shaping away from outside off, Kohli plays away from his body, his weight wasn't completely on the back foot, beaten comprehensively

Kohli is batting outside his crease

6.4 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, cracker from Dhammika, tad fuller and seaming away after pitching outside off, draws Kohli into the defensive push and beats him on the outside edge

6.3 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of a good length and shaping away from outside off, Kohli doesn't need to play those, left alone

6.2 - Dhammika to Kohli, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Kohli presses across and defends it

6.1 - Dhammika to Rohit, 1 run, back of a length and just outside off, good stride across from Rohit, plays with an angled bat and guides it to the left of backward point. Kaushal tumbles and keeps them down to a single

Over: 6	1 W 0 2 0 1	IND 10/3
Rohit 3(4)	Kohli 1(5)	Pradeep 3-1-6-2

5.6 - Pradeep to Rohit, 1 run, short and on the stumps, Rohit swivels across and pulls it behind square on the on-side. Dhammika moves across quickly to his left from long leg, does well to keep them down to a single

5.5 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, back of a length and holding its line outside off, left alone

5.4 - Pradeep to Rohit, 2 runs, short of a length and on Rohit's hips, tucked away behind square on the on-side for a couple of runs

"Groundsmen hovering around again. Getting darker and ominous looking dark clouds seem to be making their way towards the ground," reports Ganesh.

5.3 - Pradeep to Rohit, no run, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Rohit leans forward and drives it towards mid-off

Rohit Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

5.2 - Pradeep to Rahane, out Lbw!! Pradeep is on fire and India are in serious trouble now! This was pitched up and nipped back in sharply, Rahane went nowhere as he pushed forward, the ball rushes past the inside edge and strikes him on the back thigh, at worst, it would have gone on to hit the top of middle. Simple call for umpire Llong, all of a sudden, 118/3 doesn't look too comforting. Rahane lbw b Pradeep 4(17) [4s-1]

Pradeep to Rahane, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

5.1 - Pradeep to Kohli, 1 run, that's a gift for Kohli to get off the mark, short of a length and on Kohli's hips, tucked away behind square on the on-side for a single

Over: 5	0 0 0 0 0 4	IND 6/2
Rahane 4(16)	Kohli 0(4)	Dhammika 3-2-4-1

4.6 - Dhammika to Rahane, FOUR, much better from Rahane, this wasn't all that short, but he's quick to rock back and pulls it over mid-on, a safe shot in the end, Rahane is off and running with a boundary

4.5 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fraction fuller and a hint of shape back into Rahane, he presses forward and defends it towards mid-on

4.4 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, Dhammika keeps it full and wide outside off, looking to tempt Rahane into the drive, left alone

4.3 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Rahane gets well forward and defends it towards the off-side

4.2 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, loose from Rahane, went flirting after one that nipped away after pitching, might have hit a green patch there, pitched outside off and shaping away, Rahane is drawn forward and is beaten by the away movement, plenty of bounce as well

4.1 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, on a length and shaping away from well outside off, left alone

Over: 4	2 W 0 0 0 0	IND 2/2
Kohli 0(4)	Rahane 0(10)	Pradeep 2-1-2-1

3.6 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Kohli presses across and defends it towards mid-on

3.5 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, Pradeep strays one onto Kohli's pads, he looks to flick and misses, the ball brushes the pads on the way to the keeper

3.4 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, fraction fuller and wider outside off, Kohli covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

3.3 - Pradeep to Kohli, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Kohli gets behind the line and defends it

Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease

3.2 - Pradeep to Rahul, out Bowled!! Carbon copy of his first innings dismissal! Rahul has been castled once again, this was pitched up outside off and nipped back in sharply, Rahul got a big stride forward and let it go, it came back in and hit the off-stump, Rahul hears the death rattle behind him and just walks away. Didn't he have an idea about his off-stump, you can't get cleaned up in the same fashion in consecutive innings. Once again Rahul falls cheaply. Rahul b Pradeep 2(8)

Pradeep to Rahul, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

3.1 - Pradeep to Rahul, 2 runs, short of a length and just outside off, Rahul waits on it, opens the face of the bat at the last moment and steers it square behind point for a couple of runs

Over: 3	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 0/1
Rahane 0(10)	Rahul 0(6)	Dhammika 2-2-0-1

2.6 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, back of a length and well outside off, Rahane stands tall and punches it firmly - straight to the fielder at extra cover

2.5 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fuller length delivery and on the off-stump line, Rahane leans forward, presents the full face of the bat and drives it towards mid-on

2.4 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, fraction fuller and just outside off, Rahane gets well forward and pushes it back towards the bowler. Dhammika threatens to throw the ball back at the batsman, but doesn't do so

2.3 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, back of a length and in that channel outside off, Rahane hops across and defends it with an open face towards cover-point

2.2 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Rahane watches it all along and pushes it back towards the bowler

2.1 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, on a good length and holding its line outside off, Rahul gets a big stride forward, lifts his bat and lets it go

Over: 2	0 0 0 0 0 0	IND 0/1
Rahul 0(6)	Rahane 0(4)	Pradeep 1-1-0-0

1.6 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, fuller length delivery and just outside off, Rahul wasn't fully forward, plays with a closed face of the bat and the ball rolls away towards cover

1.5 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, variable bounce for Pradeep, this one bounced a tad extra on Rahul, took him by surprise as he lunged forward, the ball hits him high on the bat

1.4 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, short and angling back into the right-hander, Rahul gets across and defends it towards the on-side

1.3 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, short of a length and on Rahul's hips, he prods across and nudges it towards mid-wicket

1.2 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, Pradeep shortens his length a tad, Rahul presses across and defends it with an angled bat

1.1 - Pradeep to Rahul, no run, fuller length delivery and a hint of nip back into Rahul, he gets behind the line and defends it towards mid-on

Nuwan Pradeep, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Over: 1	0 W 0 0 0 0	IND 0/1
Rahane 0(4)	Rahul 0(0)	Dhammika 1-1-0-1

0.6 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, on a good length and jagging back from outside off, Rahane covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go, impressive start from Dhammika

0.5 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Rahane gets across and defends it towards the off-side

0.4 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Rahane gets well forward and defends it towards cover

0.3 - Dhammika to Rahane, no run, Rahane is beaten first ball as well, this was pitched up outside off and nips away slightly, draws Rahane into pushing at that and beats his outside edge

This is the fourth time in this series that Dhammika has a wicket in the first over

Ajinkya Rahane, right handed bat, comes to the crease

0.2 - Dhammika to Pujara, out Bowled!! Dhammika is making it a habit of striking in the first over! The first innings centurion has been dismissed for a duck, this was an absolute beauty, no wonder Dhammika ran away in celebrations. This was pitched on middle, Pujara pressed forward on the defensive push, he did nothing wrong as such, the ball just jagged away at the last moment, Pujara ends up getting completely squared up, is beaten on the outside edge, the ball clips his back thigh-pad and crashes onto the middle stump. Unplayable stuff, India's opening woes continue. Pujara b Dhammika 0(2)

Dhammika to Pujara, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

0.1 - Dhammika to Pujara, no run, Pujara is beaten on the outside edge first up, he wasn't playing at these in the first innings, but pushes at one that left him, lucky not to have edged it

Pujara and Rahul are at the crease. Pujara is on strike. Dhammika will open the attack