Sri Lanka Vs India 1st Test, Day 3: Twitter Reacts As India Strengthens Grip On Match 1

Half-centuries from Virat Kohli (76*) & Abhinav Mukund (81) cemented India’s strong position in the first Test at Galle as they pressed for taking the lead in the three-match series. India finished the day on 189/3 with their overall lead extended to 498 runs.

Even with a massive 309 runs at disposal, India captain Virat Kohli decided against enforcing follow-on but with still 2 more days to go and the wicket likely to deteriorate, it did not look a very surprising decision.

India, nevertheless, were deprived of yet another solid start as first-innings’ centurion Shikhar Dhawan departed after scoring run-a-ball 14. Another first-innings’ centurion Cheteshwar Pujara and Abhinav Mukund then built a steady partnership, fully capitalizing on the loose deliveries from the Sri Lankan bowlers. Nuwan Pradeep, who took 6 wickets in the first innings, was the most undisciplined bowler as he conceded 24 runs from his five overs.

With the bowlers hardly causing any trouble, Pujara and Mukund were looking set to play big knocks before the former flicked a Lahiru Kumara delivery straight to short fine-leg which ended the 37-run stand.

And as soon as Pujara was dismissed, the play was halted due to rain.

Mukund and Kohli then batted India to a position of strength by adding _________ runs for the third wicket.

Earlier, barring Dilruwan Perera and Angelo Mathews none of the Sri Lanka batsmen could put up a good resistance against the Indian bowlers on day 3 as the hosts were restricted to only 291. Angelo Mathews and Perera began the day with the scorecard reading 154 for 5 and were looking comfortable, mixing caution with aggression before the former skipper was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 83. With very little support from the other end, Perera began playing the aerial shots but eventually ran out of partners and was the last man standing on 92.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the day’s play: