Sri Lanka v India 3rd Test review: India conquer the Lankan soil after 22 long years

Published - 01 Sept 2015, 17:20 IST | Updated - 01 Sept 2015, 17:20 IST

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Sri Lanka v India 3rd Test review: India conquer the Lankan soil after 22 long years: India are relieved. From now on they won’t have to hear the repeated reminders of not being able to win a series in Sri Lanka for 22 years. They have finally conquered the Lankan challenge and in some style. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Perera tried their best but could only delay an Indian victory which seemed the most likely result when the last day of the series started at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. That means India have come back strongly after a demoralizing defeat in the first Test to take the series 2-1.

It was a poor start to the day for Sri Lanka as Kaushal Siva played an ill-advised pull only to find Pujara at mid wicket. Ashwin dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne for 12, courtesy a good reflex catch from KL Rahul. That ended a resisting 30 run stand between Thirimanne and Mathews. After seeing out a tough morning session that fetched 67 runs for the fall of two wickets, Mathews led Sri Lanka’s fight with great purpose and found an able ally in the debutant Perera. The diminutive left-hander shed his natural instincts of taking regular risks and forged a strong enough partnership to make Kohli sweat.

Perera’s knock was stroke-filled and the deficit was starting to look smaller with every passing hour. He slammed his second consecutive fifty and along with Mathews shared a century-stand to defy the Indians. Ashwin’s late strike to dismiss Perera (70) in the post-lunch session kept India’s hopes of a historic series win alive. He shared a 135 run stand with Mathews. After spending some nervy moments in the 90s, Mathews breached the three-figure mark with a cut behind point for a four to reach his 4th Test ton.

With the new ball due, it was always going to be a challenge for both Mathews and Rangana Herath. And as soon as India took that, Ishant accounted for Mathews in the first over after tea. That marked the end of the Lankan resistance. The tailenders were a no-match for the visitors, who quickly wrapped up proceedings to seal the game a few overs after tea. That ignited off celebrations in the Indian camp which lasted long. They were quick to realize what an amazing achievement it was.

Sri Lanka’s batting order has only performed well in patches in the entire series. They have been prone to collapses, only for the middle and lower orders to stabilize them later. So even if they were not going for a win, holding out for a draw was also going to be a huge ask. Ishant Sharma took eight wickets in the game and also completed 200 wickets in Test cricket with the dismissal Mathews. R Ashwin was simply outstanding in the series and picked up 21 wickets which is the highest by an Indian spinner in a bilateral series against the Lankans.

The new ball was the best weapon on the grassy SSC pitch, and Cheteshwar Pujara realised that and played outstandingly to score a century on comeback which turned out to be the difference between the sides when we look at the game in an overall context.

22 years since they last won a Test series in Sri Lanka, four years since India won an away series and they have done it today. A huge achievement for Virat Kohli. What a fantastic start to his career as a captain. The win will please the team management, and the fans alike, as India have fought well, fought hard and have found ways to win key moments. Sri Lanka will have to reflect on their Test cricket as this is the second consecutive home series loss after Pakistan defeated them earlier. Sri Lankans never looked like a team playing at home and were always playing catch up to India.