Sri Lanka vs India, 3rd Test Match, Day 1: 5 Talking Points

5. Sri Lanka pulling it back/ Lankan spin web

The match was fast going out of grasp for Sri Lanka with Dhawan and Rahul toying with the Lankan bowlers. However, the turning point in the day was the wicket of Rahul, which led to a mini batting collapse for India. From 188-0, India was reduced to 329-6 by the end of the day, with all the important batsmen back in the pavilion. They also stemmed the flow of runs as the final session of the day saw India making runs at 2.7 runs per over. It was the spin web of Pushpakumara and Sandakan in which the Indians got entangled in.

The Sri Lankans held on to their catches and provided able support to their spinner. Pushpakumara removed Rahul, Dhawan and Rahane while Sandakan saw the back of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. With the second new ball, Fernando also chipped in with a wicket, thanks to a brilliant catch from Dickwella. By the end of the day, Sri Lanka held the upper hand as they pulled it back for themselves post Lunch.