Finally, India were bowled out for 193 in their second innings, and tea was taken on Day 4. With a lead of 371 runs, they have taken the game away from Sri Lanka. It is an improbable fourth-innings chase for the hosts on this Galle pitch.
As the players walked off the field, the covers were brought on. Soon afterwards, it started raining. The forecast for Day 5 is good, but the weather is fickle enough in this part of the world to make a mockery of Met Office predictions. If rain plays spoilsport on the final day of the first Test, the tourists might be left to rue unnecessarily stretching their second innings.
India’s innings ended around 2.35pm, with another 47 overs scheduled to be played on the day. That’s pretty unlikely. Shubman Gill probably missed a trick by not declaring the innings at the fall of Rishabh Pant’s wicket. Eventually, it might not matter much, given the way the ball is turning on this surface. Also, Sri Lanka of the current vintage do not boast a world-class batsman. But then, why take chances? Already, so many hours of play have been lost in this game.
By the time Pant got out, India’s lead had gone past the 350-run mark. The wicketkeeper-batter’s 66 off 69 balls slammed the door shut on the hosts. With wickets falling at the other end, it was an enterprising knock. A lead of 350 should have been enough.
Anyway, India’s decision to continue with their innings allowed the fans to witness a stunning catch from P Sooriyabandara to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja. He came in as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal and immediately made his mark.
Tea scores: India 462 and 193 (Rishabh Pant 66; Asitha Fernando 4/31, Prabath Jayasuriya 3/43) vs Sri Lanka 284
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