Sri Lanka v India 1st Test day 3 - 5 Talking Points

Sri Lanka v India 1st Test day 3 – 5 Talking Points: At the end of day 2 in Galle, Sri Lanka’s ship was about to sink, but good knocks from Mathews and Thirimanne along with a superb anchoring innings from Chandimal meant the hosts had a defendable total at the end of day 3. Dinesh Chandimal produced a brilliant counter-attacking knock to lead a spirited fightback for the Lankan’s. He remained unbeaten on 162 to give the hosts a good lead of 175 runs. India ended the day at a shaky 1-23 after Lokesh Rahul was trapped leg-before by Rangana Herath. India will now have to play sensibly as the target could be a tricky one on the 4^th day pitch.

Here are the 5 talking points from an entertaining 3^rd day’s play:

1. Chandimal’s knock:

Lankan’s were tottering at a precarious 95 for 5 at one stage after conceding a 192-run first innings lead. From there on Dinesh Chandimal staged a remarkable recovery as he notched up a career-best knock to help Sri Lanka score 367 in the second innings. Chandimal’s effort not only helped the Lankan’s avoid an innings defeat but gave them enough lead to throw open the match on a track, providing considerable turn for the slow bowlers. He scored 162 of the 275 runs that came while he was at the wicket. The 25-year also hit 4 sixes – one of them being a spectacular reverse sweep off Harbhajan Singh over the midwicket boundary.

2. DRS:

BCCIs controversial stand on the Decision Review System again came into focus. The two decisions that went against them with Chandimal and Thirimanne, both in single figures, did not involve any technology that the BCCI is suspicious of. They were clear edges missed by the umpires and would have been easily overturned without looking at any projections of the ball path. Replays showed both the catches were clean, but the absence of DRS meant India could not ask for reviews from the television umpire.

Also Read – Sri Lanka v India 1st Test day 3 review: Outstanding Chandimal leaves India with difficult chase

3. Crucial Partnerships and the Lankan fightback:

It was a commendable fightback from the Sri Lankan’s, who counter-attacked the Indian spinners and completely destroyed their rhythm. Chandimal put on 125 for the 6th wicket with Lahiru Thirimanne and 82 for the 7th with Jehan Mubarak to frustrate India’s bid to force an early win. The Indians also have to take blame in allowing the hosts to come out of a tight position but apart from the umpiring blunders the Lankan’s played with exemplary determination to help the home team claw their way back into the match.

4. Bhajji failing to make any impact:

Harbhajan Singh didn’t look even a shadow of himself as the Lankans played him comfortably. He failed to get the spin and bite off the Galle track and was economical at best. Considering the performance of fellow spinner R Ashwin this was a disappointing display by the experienced customer. Given that India were playing 3 spinners Harbhajan was expected to play a vital part, but got his first wicket in the match as late as the 3^rd day. Going into the 2^nd test the visitors might have to think about his place in the side.

5. Rahane’s world record:

Rahane set a new world record for most catches by a fielder other than a wicket-keeper when he caught Rangana Herath off the bowling of Amit Mishra. He claimed 8 catches in the Test – 3 in the first innings and 5 in the second. He had earlier equalled the record held by Greg Chappell and Yajurvindra Singh for taking 7 catches when he caught Jehan Mubarak off the bowling of Harbhajan Singh. This also comes as welcome relief for India who have had trouble getting good slip fielders and Rahane doing well in such conditions augurs well for Indian cricket.