Indian batsmen dominate Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test. Shikhar Dhawan made the most of the opportunity as he made a blistering 190 off 168 balls scoring at a strike rate of 113.10. Though he missed out on his maiden double century and many other records as he got out on the brink of the second session. On the other hand, Abhinav Mukund could not do much as he got out for 12. Cheteswar Pujara continued his form and scored his 12th Test hundred.
Skipper Virat Kohli got out in a controversial way as it was quite unclear in the review whether the ball had hit the bat or not. After three wickets, Ajinkya Rahane came in to bat and put on over 100-run partnership scoring 39 runs. Only Nuwan Pradeep could be influential taking three wickets.
This is India’s second highest score on Day 1 of the first Test.
Brief Scores at Day 1, Stumps
India 399/3 in 90 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 190, Cheteswar Pujara 144; Nuwan Pradeep 3 for 64) vs Sri Lanka
Day 1, Stumps
17:30 IST Herath continues, Pujara takes a single off the first ball of the over. Rahane is looking to defend the ball in the last over. He takes a single off the fourth ball of the over towards fine leg. Pujara plays the next one towards point, a dot ball. A dot ball to end the Day 1. IND 399/3 in 90 overs.
17:27 IST Perera continues, Rahane takes a single. Pujara flicks the ball towards midwicket, takes a single. Rahane plays the ball towards deep midwicket, takes a single. Pujara defends the ball on the front foot with a straight bat, a dot ball. He tries to flick the ball but fielded by short midwicket fielder, a dot ball. He takes a single off the last ball of the over, one more over to go. IND 397/3 in 89 overs.
17:23 IST Herath continues, a dot ball to start with to Rahane who is following Pujara’s footsteps. He takes a single towards point. Pujara comes down the wicket, a single off that ball as the fielder does well to stop it. Rahane defends the next ball on the front foot. Rahane rotates the strike, moves to 36. A dot ball to end the over. IND 393/3 in 88 overs.
17:19 IST Kumara comes back into the attack, hoping to get a wicket. Rahane plays the first ball cautiously, a dot ball. That was outside the offstump line, Rahane lets it go, a dot ball. Rahane pushes the ball through covers, gets a single. A dot ball to follow as Pujara defends the short ball behind the wicket. A single off the next ball towards covers, 100 run partnership between Rahane-Pujara. Last ball of the over, FOUR! Pujara punches it off the back foot and goes for a boundary. IND 390/3 in 87 overs.
17:14 IST Herath continues, Pujara takes a single off the first ball of the over. Rahane defends the ball on the front foot. He drives the next ball towards covers, a single for him there. Pujara defends the last ball of the over. IND 383/3 in 86 overs.
17:11 IST Pradeep continues, FOUR! Pujara gets the boundary towards the square, the boundary came after a long spell. A single off the second ball off the over. Two dot balls to continue. FOUR! Another boundary of the over, this time from Rahane, the Umpire signals leg byes. A dot ball to end the over. IND 381/3 in 85 overs.
17:07 IST Herath continues, Pujara defends the ball in his own style. A single off the next ball. Two more singles from the over. IND 372/2 in 84 overs.
17:04 IST Pradeep continues, Rahane and Pujara pick up singles of the first two balls. Pujara guides the ball towards square leg, takes a single. Rahane plays the ball towards square leg. A dot ball to end the over. IND 369/3 in 83 overs.
17:00 IST Herath comes into the attack, he has taken up the mantle to bowl with the new ball. Pujara takes a single off the second ball. Rahane is trying to defend the ball Herath is bowling by coming round the wicket. IND 364/3 in 82 overs.
16:56 IST Pradeep is back into the attack, the new ball has been taken. A single taken on the second ball of the over. A dot ball to follow as Pujara looks to give respect to the new ball. He lets the next ball go to Dickwella. A single off the next ball of the over towards mid on. Last ball of the over, Rahane defends it on the back foot. IND 363/3 in 81 overs.
16:52 IST Perera continues, a dot ball from him to Rahane. A single off the second ball. Pujara plays it towards midwicket, a dot ball. He plays the ball with soft hands, gets a single towards fine leg. Rahane defends the ball on the front foot. A single towards long on off the last ball, the new ball is due now. IND 361/3 in 80 overs.
16:48 IST Gunathalika continues, Rahane takes a single off the first ball. Two dot balls to Pujara. He flicks the ball towards midwicket, gets a single. Rahane gets a single off the next ball towards long on. A block to end the over. IND 358/3 in 79 overs.
16:45 IST Perera continues, Pujara takes a single first ball. Rahane plays the next ball back to the bowler. He cuts the next ball towards point, gets a couple of runs. He plays the next one towards midwicket, takes a single. Pujara defends the last two balls. IND 355/3 in 78 overs.
18:43 IST Gunathalika continues, Pujara on strike. He takes a single towards midwicket. Rahane is still not looking to attack, gets a single on the fourth ball. Pujara defends the ball with a straight bat. Last ball of the over, he flicks it towards deep midwicket, picks up a couple of runs. IND 351/3 in 77 overs.
16:39 IST Perera continues, a dot ball to start the over with. Pujara takes a single towards midwicket. Rahane defends the rest of the deliveries. IND 348/3 in 76 overs.
16:36 IST Danushka Gunathilaka comes back into the attack, Rahane on strike, a dot ball to start with. Another dot ball to follow, nudged towards leg side. Rahane gets bat on a misdirected delivery, gets a single off that one. Pujara on strike, he takes a single off the last ball of the over. IND 346/3 in 75 overs.
16:33 IST Rahane on strike, Perera continues. Rahane takes a single off the first delivery. Pujara on strike, two dot balls to him. He takes a single towards long on. Rahane takes a single as well, seems like another Sri Lanka fielder has gotten injured. The physio is out there and it looks a bit serious. Dhananjaya de Silva might be walking off the field now. He has decided to stay back, rubbing his shoulder. Pujara plays the last ball with his pad. IND 345/3 in 74 overs.
16:26 IST Kumara continues, Pujara on strike, short balls from him. Three dot balls to start with as Pujara looks to defend on the back foot. WIDE! That one was way above his head. FOUR! Pujara pounces on the loose delivery, gets a boundary through covers. He finds the gap towards midwicket, gets a couple of runs. Last ball of the over, he defends it towards the offside. IND 342/3 in 73 overs.
16:18 IST Perera continues, three dot balls to Pujara. He takes a single off the next ball. FOUR! Rahane comes down the track and takes an aerial route, first boundary for him. A couple of runs off the last ball of the over. IND 335/3 in 72 overs.
16:14 IST Kumara continues, banging the ball short from round the wicket. Pujara defends the first three balls. Pujara flicks the ball for a single towards on side. Rahane flicks the ball as well but towards the fielder on the onside, half-hearted pull shot. Another pull shot, a dot ball to end the over. IND 328/3 in 71 overs.
16:09 IST Perera continues, Rahane on strike, an lbw shout on that one but the Umpire says no. He takes a single off the third ball of the over. Pujara is in defending mode with an odd boundary. A single off the last ball of the over. IND 327/3 in 70 overs.
16:06 IST Kumara continues, a single off the first ball taken by Rahane. Pujara takes a single off the second ball, he is set for a big inning now. A dot ball to follow. Rahane takes a single, gets Pujara on strike. Kumara comes round the wicket to him, Pujara ducks it, a dot ball. He defends the next ball on the back foot. IND 325/3 in 69 overs.
16:00 IST Perera comes back into the attack, replacing Kumara. Rahane takes a single towards long on. Two dot balls to Pujara. Good bowling from Perera coming round the wicket, another dot ball. Pujara comes down the wicket and takes a single towards long on. Last ball of the over, Rahane takes a single, retains strike. IND 321/3 in 68 overs.
15:57 IST Kumara continues, Pujara lets the first ball go to the wicketkeeper, he is on 98 now. Pujara defends the next ball in his typical fashion. Another dot ball to follow. Pujara ducks on the next one, another dot ball. Pujara works the ball into the gap and gets a couple of runs, 100 for Pujara! his 12th Test hundred. FOUR! Hits that one on the full, driven past the covers fielder for a boundary. IND 319/3 in 67 overs.
15:52 IST Herath continues, two dot balls to Pujara. FOUR! Pujara comes down the track and hits it through the gap towards deep covers. Pujara moves into nervous nineties. A dot ball to follow. FOUR! Pujara hits that one down the ground, gets another boundary as it goes past Herath’s hands, moves to 97. He takes a single off the last ball of the over. IND 313/3 in 66 overs.
15:48 IST Kumara continues, Rahane plays a dot ball to start with. The third session of the day has been the slowest one. Rahane takes a single off the second ball, a quick one. Pujara defends the ball staying in his crease, he is cruising towards his century, on 88 at this moment. He takes a single off the next ball towards point. A bouncer from Pradeep, WIDE! That was beyond the batsman’s reach. Next ball, that one goes down the leg side, a dot ball. Rahane plays a wonderful shot but it gets fielded at the covers. IND 304/3 in 65 overs.
15:43 IST Herath continues, Pujara is not giving any chance to Sri Lanka. Plays a maiden over. IND 301/3 in 64 overs..
15:40 IST Kumara continues, Pujara defends the first ball. He plays the next one towards mid wicket, good running between the wickets, a couple of runs for him. A fuller delivery from Pradeep, a single taken by Pujara. A dot ball to follow after that. Two more dot balls to follow. IND 301/3 in 63 overs.
15:35 IST Herath continues, Rahane is trying to play himself in. Herath is putting pressure on the batsmen. Another maiden for the Sri Lankan skipper. IND 298/3 in 62 overs.
15:32 IST Pradeep continues, Pujara takes a single off the first ball. Dot balls after dot balls to Rahane, he is yet to get off strike. Last ball of the over, Rahane punches the ball off the back foot, 3 runs off that one. IND 298/3 in 61 overs.
15:27 IST Herath continues, Rahane on strike, he is yet to get off the mark. A maiden over for Herath. IND 294/3 in 60 overs.
15:25 IST Pradeep continues and Pujara defends the first ball. He flicks the next one but fielded well at leg slip, good field placement from Herath. Next ball, a bouncer down the leg side, that was a waste of a delivery. Pujara plays the next one towards cover-point, the Sri Lankan bowlers are trying to dominate now. Another waste of a bouncer from Pradeep, a dot ball as Pujara did not play much heed to it. He flicks the ball towards deep midwicket, gets a couple of runs there. IND 294/3 in 59 overs.
15:21 IST Herath continues, Pujara on strike, he defends the first ball. Pujara comes down the track and hits it towards covers, the short cover fielder puts in a dive and saves it, good fielding. FOUR! Pujara comes down the track and flicks it towards the wide on for a boundary. A quick single to follow, good running between the wickets. A dot ball to follow as Rahane plays it towards midwicket. He defends the last ball of the over. IND 292/2 in 58 overs.
15:17 IST Ajinkya Rahane comes to bat, Pradeep bowls him a no ball to start with. Rahane defends the next ball towards short covers. He defends the ball on the back foot. IND 287/3 in 57 overs.
15:15 IST WICKET! Kohli c Dickwella b Pradeep 3(8)
15:13 IST Pradeep continues, Pujara takes a single hitting it towards mid wicket. Kohli plays a dot ball. He hits the ball through the gap, gets a couple of runs. A big appeal from Herath & Co. They have taken the review on this one, Kohli is unmoved. Will this decision be reversed? This is a close one. Kohli might get the benefit of doubt for that one. IND 286/3 in 56.4 overs.
15:06 IST Herath continues, Pujara on strike, he is looking to defend, not willing to give Sri Lanka an edge in the initial stages of the third session. Next ball, a quick single, direct hit but Pujara was home. Kohli drives the ball but fielded just outside the circle, a dot ball. He defends the next ball towards offside. IND 283/2 in 56 overs.
15:02 IST The players are back into the field for the last session of play of Day 1.
TEA BREAK!
14:43 IST Virat Kohli comes to bat after a splendid inning from Shikhar Dhawan, he missed out on many records with that shot. Kohli defends the first ball. A bouncer from Pradeep, Kohli ducks that one. A single to follow, gets off the mark. Pujara defends the ball back to the bowler, a dot ball. A single off the last ball of the over. IND 282/2 in 55 overs
14:37 IST WICKET! Dhawan c Mathews b Pradeep 190 (168)
14:36 IST Herath continues, a single off the first ball from Dhawan. Pujara defends and gets a quick single in front of the covers. Dhawan plays the next ball towards midwicket, a dot ball. Dhawan finds the gap, takes a couple of runs towards deep cover. FOUR! Paddle sweep to the rescue again, another boundary for him. Dhawan gets past his highest score in Tests. A single to end the over. IND 280/1 in 54 overs.
14:32 IST Nuwan Pradeep is back into the attack, Pradeep takes a single off the first ball. Pujara takes a single as well, his job is to that as long as Dhawan is out there. Dhawan takes another single, he might be able to break Virender Sehwag’s record. Three dot balls to follow. IND 271/1 in 53 overs.
14:26 IST Herath continues, Pujara is not looking to attack him, dot balls after dot balls. It seems like a different game altogether. A maiden over for him. IND 268/1 in 52 overs.
14:22 IST Gunathilaka continues, Pujara takes a single off the first ball, gets Dhawan on strike. FOUR! That was an advanced paddle shot from Dhawan, gets yet another boundary, 29th one for him of the day. More like an ODI field for Dhawan now. He played the next one towards point, misfield ensured he gets a single. Pujara takes a couple of runs, he is looking to play the role of an anchor. A single off the next ball. FOUR! Dhawan gets another boundary, he has moved to 180. IND 268 in 51 overs.
14:18 IST Dhawan on strike, he tries to come down the wicket again but Herath changes the length, a dot ball. He takes a single off the next ball. Pujara defends the ball on the front foot, a dot ball. He works the next one for a single towards onside. FOUR! Dhawan hits that with raw power, another boundary for him. FOUR! Dhawan is not giving any respect to Herath, hits that one over the onside for second boundary of the over. IND 255/1 in 50 overs.
14:14 IST Gunathilaka continues, a dot ball to start the over with. He gets a single off the next. Dhawan mistimes the next ball, it was in the air for a while, gets a single towards deep cover. Pujara defends the next ball, gets a single towards long on off the fifth ball of the over. A single off the last ball of the over for Dhawan. IND 245/1 in 49 overs.
14:10 IST Herath continues, Dhawan on strike, FOUR! Cheeky shot from Dhawan but he is not doing anything wrong, is he? FOUR! Here’s another one, that one went like a rocket towards the boundary. He takes a single off the next, moves to 160. Pujara plays the ball towards midwicket, a dot ball as fielder puts in a dive. A single off the last ball of the over. IND 241/1 in 48 overs.
14:07 IST Gunathilaka continues, starts off with a dot ball to Dhawan. FOUR! Dhawan gets on the back foot and cuts the ball past backward point, another boundary for him, gets to 149. Dhawan gets down the track, gets a single, 150 for Shikhar Dhawan! it took him only 147 balls to reach there. Pujara takes a single off the fifth ball. Last ball of the over, Dhawan takes a single and keeps the strike. IND 229/1 in 47 overs.
14:03 IST Herath continues, a single off the first ball for Dhawan, he is inching closer to 150. Pujara on strike, he defends the first two balls. He plays the next one with his front pad, a dot ball. Herath is creating pressure on Herath, two more dot balls. IND 222/1 in 46 overs.
14:01 IST Danushka Gunathilaka comes into bowl, Dhawan on strike, FOUR! Dhawan picks the short ball and hits it for a boundary over mid wicket. He has moved to 141, a single off the next ball, moves to 142. He has a strike rate of more than 100. Pujara flicks the ball for a single towards square leg. Dhawan gets down the track, gets a single towards long on. Three more singles off the over. IND 221/1 in 45 overs.
13:57 IST Herath continues, Dhawan defends the first ball. He takes a single off the next. Pujara defends off the front foot again and the next on the back foot. He plays the next one to short cover, a dot ball, just one run off the over. IND 212/1 in 44 overs.
13:54 IST Perera continues, Dhawan on strike, FOUR! He is manhandling this spinner, that ball was asking to be hit pitched on the leg side. A dot ball to follow. FOUR! Once again, he is not sparing Perera, every opportunity he gets, he pounces on it. A dot ball to follow. Dhawan takes a single off the next ball. Pujara blocks the last ball. IND 211/1 in 43 overs.
13:50 IST Rangana Herath comes into the attack, Dhawan defends the first ball, he pushes the next one towards deep mid on for a single. Pujara defends the ball on the front foot. He works the next one towards short third man, a dot ball. He plays the next ball towards point, another dot ball. A front foot block to end the over. IND 202/1 in 42 overs.
13:43 IST Perera continues, Pujara on strike, he comes down the track, a dot ball as mid on fielder fields it. He tries to flick the ball coming down the track finds the fielder again. One more dot ball to follow. Pujara works the next ball towards backward square leg, takes a single. 200 up for India! Dhawan plays the ball towards long on for a single. IND 201/1 in 41 overs.
13:40 IST Kumara continues, Dhawan on strike, FOUR! Gets on the back foot and dispatches it for a boundary towards the offside. This time he pulls the ball for a single towards fine leg. Pujara glances the ball off his hips, gets a single. FOUR! Dhawan gets a full toss and he gives it the treatment it deserved. FOUR! Dhawan is butchering the ball now, gets third boundary in the over. A dot ball to end the over. IND 199/1 in 40 overs.
13:35 IST Perera back into the attack, Dhawan sweeps the ball but could not get it past the fielder. A faint stumping shout from Dickwella but the Umpire says no. Negative bowling from Perera, Dhawan plays it with his front leg. A quick single off the next ball towards square leg. Pujara plays the ball towards deep mid on. IND 185/1 in 39 overs.
13:31 IST Kumara continues, Pujara defends the first ball of the over. FOUR! Pujara drives and gets to his 16th half century in Tests. Another fifty for Pujara! He flicks the ball towards deep midwicket, FOUR! That was dispatched off the bat with disdain, he has been hitting the ball well today, with precision. A dot ball to follow after that. A bouncer from Kumara, posed no threat to Pujara, WIDE! One dot ball to follow as Pujara pushes it towards offside. Last ball of the over, lets the ball go to the wicketkeeper. IND 182/1 in 38 overs.
13:24 IST Perera to Dhawan, once again he welcomes the bowler with a boundary. A dot ball to follow. Dhawan plays the next one towards long on. A dot ball to follow. Pujara is in his own zone. He comes down the track and flicks the ball in his own typical fashion, gets a couple of runs. IND 174/1 in 37 overs.
13:20 IST Kumara is back into the attack, Dhawan takes a single off the first ball, he is not troubled by that one. Pujara takes a single off the next ball towards deep backward point. Dhawan punches the ball again, but this time will get just a single. A dot ball to follow. One more single to end the over. IND 166/1 in 36 overs.
13:15 IST Perera to bowl his 13th over of the day, Dhawan on strike, he is on 97. FOUR! Dhawan gets to his 100, what an innings upon comeback to Test cricket, he is in fine form since Champions Trophy 2017. Three more singles from the over. IND 161/1 in 35 overs.
13:12 IST Pradeep continues, Dhawan on strike, FOUR! He is on a rampage here, who knew that Murali Vijay’s injury will work as a blessing in disguise for him. He takes a single off the third ball. Pujara plays the ball into the gap, gets three runs off that one. Dhawan takes another single, moves to 97. A dot ball to end the over. IND 154/1 in 34 overs.
13:06 IST Perera continues, Dhawan sweeps it hard in front of the square, gets another boundary, he moves to 86 with that shot. A dot ball to follow. FOUR! Dhawan gets another boundary, he is toying with the bowlers now, moves to 90s. Two dot balls, Perera is coming over the wicket. He takes a single off the last ball, retains strike. IND 145/1 in 33 overs.
13:04 IST Some problem with the sight screen again, Pujara waited a while for that to get back to normal. He defends the first ball of Pradeep’s over. He shoulders arms off the next one. He defends the next one as well. Pujara is playing himself in once again post-lunch. No runs scored off the first four balls. A maiden over from Pradeep. IND 136/1 in 32 overs.
12:58 IST Asela Gunaratne has a fractured thumb, he is on his way to Columbo. Major blow for Sri Lanka, their debutant is gone. Dilruwan Perera is back into the attack, Pujara on strike, he takes a single. Dhawan on strike, he plays two dot balls but not worried, he came make up for them later. FOUR! Dhawan pierces the field, shimmies down the wicket and gets a boundary. A dot ball to follow as it goes towards the point fielder. He comes down the track, a dot ball to end the over. IND 136/1 in 31 overs.
12:54 IST Pradeep continues, he pulls off at the last minute because of the sight screen. FOUR! Dhawan pulls the ball, Mathews could not have cut that off, another boundary for him. Dhawan watches the ball closely, lets it go to Dickwella. Another one left alone, Dhawan is scoring at a strike rate of almost 85 which is really good. Two more dot balls to follow. IND 131/1 in 30 overs.
12:49 IST Herath continues, Pujara on strike, an attacking field for him. Pujara comes down the track, takes a single as short covers misfields. Dhawan defends the next ball comfortably. A dot ball to follow as Dhawan plays the ball back to Herath. FOUR! Dhawan succeeds this time, gets down the track and hits it towards covers for a boundary. FOUR! Dhawan once again dances down the wicket, hits it past Herath, another boundary. IND 127/1 in 29 overs.
12:45 IST Nuwan Pradeep is back into the attack post injury scare. Dhawan on strike, he defends the first ball, a dot one. Next ball, a huge lbw shout but the Umpire says no. That seemed to miss the stumps. Dhawan plays the next ball towards short covers, a dot ball. Dhawan watches the ball closely travelling past him, another dot ball. He takes a single off the next ball towards backward point. Pujara on strike, he flicks the ball for a single. IND 117/1 in 28 overs.
12:39 IST The players are in the field for the second session of play.
12:35 IST The second session of the match will begin shortly. Stay tuned for live updates.
12:29 IST Rangana Herath will be having a talk with Lahiru Kumara after a disappointing show in the first session.
12:17 IST The big question is whether Asela Gunaratne and Nuwan Pradeep return to the field or not?
12:12 IST Shikhar Dhawan (67) and Cheteshwar Pujara (37) ensured that India came out top post-first session.
LUNCH BREAK
12:01 IST Herath continues, Pujara comes down the track and works the ball to deep midwicket, gets three runs, good running between the wickets. Dhawan flicks the ball on the onside but fielded inside the circle, a dot ball. He takes a single off the next towards point. Pujara takes another single. Dhawan goes back into the crease, gets an easy single. A dot ball to finish off the over. IND 115/1 in 27 overs.
11:58 IST Perera continues, Dhawan takes a single off the first ball towards sweeper cover. A dot ball to follow. Pujara takes a single towards fine leg after two more dot balls. Last ball of the over, Dhawan defends it on the front foot. IND 109/1 in 26 overs.
11:54 IST Herath continues, Pujara flicks the ball towards square leg for a single. Dhawan has not been able to attack Dhawan, two dot balls. FOUR! Dhawan comes down the track and hits it past Herath, a boundary for him. 100 up for India. FOUR! Dhawan sweeps the ball and gets the same result, he is taking the session away from Sri Lanka. A quick single off the next ball. IND 107/1 in 25 overs.
11:51 IST Perera to Dhawan, a dot ball, he takes a single off the next. Pujara approaches him the same way, a dot ball and a single off the next. Dhawan comes down the track but could not time the ball, a dot one. Another dot ball to end the over. IND 97/1 in 24 overs.
11:48 IST Herath continues, Dhawan gets off the strike on the first ball. Pujara is just smothering the spin, two dot balls followed by a couple of runs. Pujara plays the next one towards the fielder. IND 95/1 in 23 overs.
11:45 IST Dhawan is wearing a cap now. He takes a single off the first ball, gets to 49. Perera to Pujara, two dot balls as he comes down the wicket. Pujara comes down the wicket on the fifth ball and flicks it towards deep midwicket for a single. Dhawan is on 49. He gets a single and gets to his 50, makes a comeback and makes a statement straight away. IND 92/1 in 22 overs.
11:42 IST Herath continues, he is bowling a tight line to Pujara, three dot balls to start with. Pujara plays the ball into the gap, picks up a couple of runs. Two more dot balls to follow. IND 87/1 in 21 overs.
11:39 IST Perera changes his end. Dhawan takes a single off the second ball. Pujara plays the next one towards point, a dot ball. He takes a single off the next ball. Dhawan plays the next one to point, a dot ball. IND 85/1 in 20 overs.
11:35 IST The skipper Rangana Herath has introduced himself into the attack, just a single from his over. IND 83/1 in 19 overs.
11: 31 IST Kumara continues, a single off the first ball for Dhawan. Pujara on strike, he is not happy with the sight screen, Kumara gives him a stare. Pujara flicks the next ball towards midwicket, takes a single. FOUR! Dhawan jumps in the air and pulls the ball for a boundary, an awkward shot but lethal. He plays the next ball towards mid on, a dot ball. Dhawan plays the next one back to the bowler, Kumara throws it back at the stumps, aggression from the fast bowler. Last ball of the over, Dhawan pulls the ball for a single. IND 82/1 in 18 overs.
11:25 IST Perera continues, Pujara on strike, he comes down the wicket, a dot ball as it goes straight to the fielder. Pujara inside edges the next ball, takes a single. Dhawan on strike, he goes on the back foot and plays it towards point, a dot ball. He takes an easy single off the next. FOUR! Pujara pulls the next ball, it was a poor one, a boundary in front of the square. Last ball of the over, Pujara comes down the wicket, a dot ball to end the over. IND 75/1 in 17 overs.
11:22 IST Kumara continues, Dhawan scores no run of the first two balls, he will be extra conscious now. Dhawan pushes the ball down the ground but could not time it, another dot ball. Meanwhile, the Umpire warns him about running over the pitch. Next ball, Dhawan gets on the back foot and cuts it away for a couple of runs. A dot ball to follow. Dhawan flicks the next ball towards deep square leg, picks up a couple of runs. IND 69/1 in 16 overs.
11:17 IST Perera continues, Dhawan takes a single and gets off the strike. Pujara flicks the ball towards backward point, takes a single. Dhawan takes another single, he has a lot of luck riding on him. Pujara returns the favour, takes a single. A dot ball to follow. Dhawan sweeps the ball for a single, retains strike. IND 65/1 in 15 overs.
11:13 IST Meanwhile, Asela Gunaratne is in pain and has decided to walk off the field. He dropped the catch and is walking back to the pavilion. Problems for skipper Herath.
11:08 IST Lahiru Kumara back into the attack, Pujara on strike, he pushes the ball through Herath who misfields it, three runs off that ball. FOUR! Dhawan picks the short ball early and plays it towards the fine leg boundary for a four. A dot ball to follow. FOUR! Dhawan flicks the ball, the fielder could not judge the speed of the ball and makes a mess of it. Dhawan plays the next ball awkwardly towards covers, a dot ball. Last ball of the over, NO BALL! That was a beamer from Kumara attacking Dhawan’s body. The Umpire gave him a warning. Edged and dropped! Dhawan edged the ball to the second slip and it has been dropped. IND 60/1 in 14 overs.
11:02 IST Perera continues, Dhawan comes down the track and plays it towards covers, a dot ball. Two more dot balls to follow, this time Perera is not letting him get off the hook. Dhawan plays the next one towards point, there is a mix-up between Dhawan-Pujara, the latter is safe in the end, puts in a dive to save his wicket. Once again, a mix-up but safe. First maiden over of the day. IND 47/1 in 13 overs.
10:58 IST Pradeep continues, bends his back and bangs it short, Pujara lets the ball go, a dot ball. Whoa! that one nipped back in, Pujara struggled against that one, another dot ball. Pujara lets the next ball go, he watches the ball closely and identified the line and length early on. Pradeep pulls out of his action at the last minute, twisted his ankle a bit there. FOUR! Pradeep loses his line, that one was flicked by Pujara towards square leg for a boundary. Pujara plays the next one towards the offside, a dot ball. Last ball of the over, another defensive shot and another dot ball. IND 47/1 in 12 overs.
10:52 IST Perera continues, Dhawan once again gets off the strike on the first ball, he has been phenomenal today. Pujara defends the next two balls on the front foot. Pujara gets on the back foot and defends the slightly short ball. Pujara gets down the wicket and plays it towards midwicket and picks up a single, that was a mere flick from him. Dhawan plays the next one on the front foot, a dot ball. IND 43/1 in 11 overs.
10:50 IST Dhawan on strike, Pradeep continues, takes a single off the first ball, he is in fine form. Next ball, Pujara defends it on the front foot in his typical style. Pujara plays the next one towards point, a dot ball. He defends the next ball back to the bowler. Pujara gets in the line of the ball and watches it go to the wicketkeeper, a dot ball. He flicks the next ball towards square leg, gets a couple of runs. IND 41/1 in 10 overs
10:46 IST Perera continues, Dhawan on strike, he comes down the wicket and goes inside out, FOUR! Dhawan is in brilliant form, he needs to stay there and keep striking the ball. Dhawan finds the gap, this time gets a couple of runs. He plays the next one towards deep mid on, picks up a quick single. Pujara comes down the wicket, the flight beats him, a dot ball. Last ball of the over, he defends it on the front foot. IND 38/1 in 9 overs.
10:42 IST Cheteshwar Pujara comes to bat, defends the first ball off the back foot. FOUR! Pujara edged it to the third man boundary, that was a close call for the batsman. A dot ball to finish off the over. IND 31/1 in 8 overs.
10:39 IST WICKET! Abhinav Mukund c Dickwella b Pradeep 12(26)
10:39 IST Pradeep changes his end, Mukund on strike, he lets the ball go, a dot ball. Almost an action replay of the previous ball, a dot one. Edged and taken, Mukund edges it to the wicketkeeper, makes a mess of a golden chance. IND 27/1 in 7.3 overs.
10:36 IST Spinner Dilruwan Perera comes into the attack, replaces Pradeep. FOUR! Dhawan flicks it away towards midwicket for a boundary, that was too full from Perera coming round the wicket. Good comeback from him, makes Dhawan come on the front foot and play, a dot ball. Dhawan cuts the ball towards the point, no run. A harlf-hearted appeal from the fielder, Dhawan plays it towards short cover. He plays the next one towards point, another dot ball. Dhawan defends the last ball of the over. IND 27/0 in 7 overs.
10:31 IST Kumara comes over the wicket to Dhawan again, he takes a single off the first ball. Next one, Mukund mistimes it, wanted to play it towards onside but ends up playing it towards off side, a dot ball. An lbw shout from Kumara but the Umpire says no. It was down the leg side and hit the bat as well, Herath is having a talk with the bowler, calming his nerves. FOUR! Mukund punches it on the back foot and hits it for a boundary, that was not a good delivery from the bowler. Herath is talking to him again, trying to calm his nerves. A dot ball to end the over. IND 23/0 in 6 overs.
10:26 IST Pradeep continues, Dhawan on strike, he goes hard at the ball and ends up inside edging it, a dot ball. That was a dangerous shot from Dhawan. Pradeep comes round the wicket too, Dhawan pushes it off the back foot and picks up a quick single. Pradeep bowls the next one outside the offstump line and Mukund lets it go, a dot ball. Another one left alone, a dot ball. Mukund dabs the next one on the on side, a dot ball. Swing and a miss from Mukund, a dot ball. IND 16/0 in 5 overs.
10:21 IST Kumara once again bowls it wide, not making Mukund play, a dot ball. Herath will not be happy with that. Mukund defends the next ball towards mid on, a dot ball. FOUR! Mukund gets his first boundary, that was an easy picking for him down the leg side. Kumara comes round the wicket, Mukund plays it towards the mid on, a dot ball, much better line and length from him. Another dot ball, a bit shorter from Kumara and Mukund plays it towards short mid on. A short ball from Kumara, Mukund moves away from it. IND 15/0 in 4 overs.
10:16 IST Pradeep continues, Dhawan on strike, he shoulders arms and lets the ball go. A huge lbw shout! the first one of the day but there might have been an inside edge, turned down by the Umpire. Another one defended by Dhawan, that’s good bowling from Pradeep. FOUR! First boundary for Dhawan, lovely straight drive, that’s a copy book shot. Dhawan comes on the front foot and lets the ball go, a dot ball. A miscued shot from Dhawan but the ball goes into the gap, a couple of runs for him. IND 11/0 in 3 overs.
10:11 IST Lahiru Kumara comes to bowl, Mukund on strike, he defends the first ball, no run. Next ball, Mukund lets it go to the wicketkeeper, shoulders arms. Next ball, that was way too wide for Mukund to play, a dot ball. WIDE! Kumara is trying to invite Mukund to chase the ball, this time the Umpire signals it wide. Next ball, better line and length from Kumara but Mukund shoulders arms and lets it go, a dot ball. Another one left alone, Mukund is not hurrying to hit the ball. Last ball of the over, another one left alone. IND 5/0 in 2 overs.
10:06 IST Nuwan Pradeep opens the bowling for Sri Lanka. Dhawan will take the strike, he pushes the first ball down the ground and concedes a quick single. Mukund on strike, he plays the first ball towards gully, a dot ball. He gets on the back foot on the next ball and it plays it towards mid on, a dot ball. Mukund gets his first runs, works the ball into the deep midwicket region and picks up three runs. Fifth ball of the over. Dhawan gets on the front foot and defends it, a dot ball. Last ball of the over, he lets it go to the wicketkeeper. IND 4/0 in 1 over.
09:58 IST Abhinav Mukund and Shikhar Dhawan will be opening the batting for India.
09:55 IST The teams are out there for their respective national anthems.
09:53 IST Cheteshwar Pujara believes that the Galle wicket has changed, it might help the batting for the first two days.
09:50 IST There isn’t just one debutant in the Indian side, Danushka Gunathalika makes his debut for Sri Lanka.
09:45 IST The rain is gone, just like a puff of the air. It’s sunny at Galle. Expect the game to start soon, stay tuned for live updates.
09:41 IST Rain delays play at Galle, let’s hope it’s just a passing shower!
Proud moment for young @hardikpandya7 as he is all set to make his Test debut #TeamIndia #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/YTGTzQ0Z4y
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2017
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath(c), Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami
09:32 IST Hardik Pandya makes his debut!
09:31 IST Virat Kohli wins toss, elects to bat first!
09:31 IST It’s toss time!
09:26 IST Toss will happen in a few minutes, stay tuned, it is a crucial one for both the teams.
09:19 IST It’s Test Match No.50 for Ravichandran Ashwin, will he make it count and bag another 5-wicket haul?
09:15 IST It’s hot and humid at Galle, with sea shore right next to the stadium, Kohli might be tempted to bring in an extra seamer into the fold, maybe Hardik Pandya to bring more balance into the side.
09:12 IST The rain has not played spoilsport yet. The toss will happen soon, stay tuned for IND vs SL live updates.
.#TeamIndia win the toss and have elected to bat first #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/JLMgHHVzjq
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2017
The mighty Indians will be taking on the struggling Sri Lankans at their home, Galle International Stadium, Galle. Welcome to inUth’s ldigital coverage of the first Test of the three-match Test series. Injury and health issues have forced both the teams to make a few changes. Dinesh Chandimal will not be leading the Sri Lankan side due to his injury, in his lieu, Rangana Herath will be leading the home side.
Virat Kohli too had to make a few changes, Shikhar Dhawan made a comeback into the Test side after New Zealand Test series replacing an injured Murali Vijay. With KL Rahul down with fever, Abhinav Mukund has a golden opportunity to prove his worth and make the selectors sweat for selection in the next game.
Test match No.50 for @ashwinravi99. Good luck champ! #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/NOiNVs3Mrj
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2017
Weather Report:
The weather forecast does not look promising at Galle as thunderstorms might play spoilsport in the game. We might see the covers on every now and then if the weather forecast is to be believed.
Will Hardik Pandya play?
Virat Kohli in the press conference hinted that the Indian all-rounder might get a chance in the side seeing the potential he has. He might get his debut Test cap in the first Test.
We are off. Time for the Galle Test #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Eit1l2elAF
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2017
Oh boy! @ImRo45 in full flow at the moment #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/wXh8yAFj4u
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 25, 2017
‘Kit’ting up ahead of the Test series #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/6lgJ6aJr3F
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 25, 2017
Squads:
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Abhinav Mukund, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Dilruwan Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Rangana Herath(c), Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Danushka Gunathilaka, Malinda Pushpakumara, Vishwa Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep
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