Sri Lanka v India, 1st Test, Day 2, CT Player of the Day – Mohammed Shami

The 2nd day of the first Sri Lanka v India Test at the Galle International Stadium was yet another superb day at the office for the visitors after a high flying start on Day 1. India seemed to have started the day right where they ended it yesterday. Shikhar Dhawan already laid the foundation stone of the humongous first innings total. He was supported well by Cheteshwar Pujara.

But the beginning of the day was not quite smooth for the visitors. Two of India’s classiest players, Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara were out in a span of 9 runs. It was the No.3’s turn first who became the victim of Nuwan Pradeep. It was a fantastic good length delivery pitching outside off from the Lankan seamer. The ball lured Pujara to offering a shot and hence kissed the edge of the bat as it went past it and rested only after reaching the keeper’s gloves.

The second dismissal of the day was written in the name of Lahiru Kumara. Another outside off delivery, this time a full length one, tempted Rahane to play his signature shot, the cover drive. It is a pleasure to watch Rahane’s cover drives when they come off well. When they don’t, he often ends up losing his wicket, as he did today. He edged the ball which was then caught by first slip Dimuth Karunaratne.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Hardik Pandy made some much-needed contributions at the fag end of the inning. Ashwin fell just three runs short of half-century while the debutant Pandya achieved his first half a ton in his maiden Test match facing just 49 deliveries. From Hardik to Umesh, all the lower-order batters chipped in with crucial contributions. But the CT Player of the Day honour goes to pacer Mohammed Shami.

Shami’s quick-fire 30

Shami made some contribution with the bat, scoring 30 runs in as many balls. He was in the mood to swing the bat hard as he launched the attack against veteran Rangana Herath minutes after entering the ground. Shami deposited the stop-gap Lankan captain in the stands three times but was finally undone by Lahiru Kumara. Kumara offered Shami a short length delivery and the batter decided to go for the pull. He ended up hitting the ball in the air, which then went into the secured hands of Upul Tharanga, who was standing at deep square leg.

Two wickets with the ball

Coming out to bowl, the 27-year-old had a tough time initially in finding his usual rhythm. His partner in crime Umesh Yadav obliged and decided to start the show himself. In due course of time, Shami regained his shape and composure and was hitting the right areas outside the off stump. His first prey was Danushka Gunathilaka. Again, this was an outside off bowl which did the trick.

Danushka went after the ball and ended up offering just the edge and not the meat of the bat. The ball went towards the first slip. Dhawan was standing there and judging by his form in this match, one would dare bet against him for taking the catch.

Kusal Mendis was Shami’s second victim. The batsman failed to make a good connection with the bat, as the bat once again kissed the edge. It had his priorities sorted, pitched with a good seam, just met the outside part of the bat and once again went towards the first slip. Our man of the moment, the Gabbar of Indian cricket team was ready to oblige again. A smooth catch meant return tickets were booked for Mendis and the second wicket besides Shami’s name.

Sri Lanka was in deep waters at the end of the day as the scoreboard has only 154 runs to show against 5. Angelo Mathews and Dilruwan Perera must now show some mountain-like resilience to make the game even stevens. If they fail to do that, I am afraid Sri Lankan fans must be ready to deal with another drubbing.