SLvIND: Dominant India stretch lead to 365 before rain forces early Tea on Day 3

Dominant India spared Sri Lanka the ignominy of a follow-on but stretched their overall lead to 365 runs to tighten their grip on the first test on Friday. The tourists shot out their depleted hosts for 291 in the second over after lunch to take a 309-run first innings lead and were 56-2 when rain forced early tea on day three at the Galle International Stadium.

Abhinav Mukund was batting on 27 at the break with Sri Lanka, a batsman short following Asela Gunaratne’s series-ending thumb injury on Wednesday, staring at a huge defeat. Things could have been even worse for them but for Dilruwan Perera’s gutsy 92 not out after they resumed the day on 154-5.

Angelo Mathews held the key to Sri Lanka’s survival and the former captain made 83 before Ravindra Jadeja (3-67) sent him back. The spinner sent down a flighted delivery and Mathews moved towards leg and slapped it straight to India captain Virat Kohli at short cover. Mathews hit 11 boundaries and a six in his knock. Perera enjoyed an eventful stay.

Two balls after India’s appeal for a catch off his boot was turned down, Perera was adjudged leg-before to Jadeja. The decision was subsequently overturned …read more