IND vs SL, 1st Test, Day 3: Twitter Reacts As Visitors Strengthen Grip On Match
Nov 18, 2017 at 4:23 PM
Riding on dodgy fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka have taken the driver’s seat in the first Test as they finished the third day’s proceedings at the Eden Gardens on 165 for 4, trailing India’s first-innings total by just seven runs.
After the bowlers did their work by making light work of India’s formidable batting lineup, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne came out all guns blazing, adding 29 runs off just 28 balls before Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed the former for 22-ball 23. Five runs later, Bhuvneshwar struck again to remove the in-form Karunaratne.
However, the hosts could not make the most of two breakthroughs as Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne defied the Indian attack throughout the second session as the duo shared an unbeaten partnership of 79 runs in testing conditions to help the Islanders reach Tea at 113 for 2.
The duo began the proceedings after the team in fine fashion too, adding 20 runs before Umesh Yadav dismissed both of them in quick succession to help the hosts claw their way back into the game. Thirimanne was the first to go after edging a rising delivery to the slips for 51 before Mathews’ (52) uppish drive was caught at covers by KL Rahul.
Captain Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella then took the innings forward and could add only 27 runs before the game was interrupted by bad light and the day’s action was called off.
Earlier, India’s hopes of putting up a big score took a big blow very soon after Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha resumed the third day’s proceedings on 74 for 5. The duo could add only five runs to the overnight score before Lahiru Gamage castled Pujara for 52. A 48-run stand between Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja helped the hosts to cross the 100-run mark before an entertaining knock from Mohammed Shami (24 off 22) saw them finishing their innings on 172.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the day’s play:
Only trailing by 7, Sri Lanka will be very happy with where they find themselves. Have hung in there while India haven't had their best day with the ball
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/931816550117531648
Dinesh Chandimal knows how to celebrate his birthday, by dancing to the tunes of Indian bowlers. #INDvSL
— 𝗚𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗱𝗵𝗶 (@GautamSodhi1) November 18, 2017
Shikhar Dhawan doing his best to bring Murali Vijay back in the side before India's tour of South Africa. Respect! #IndvSL
— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) November 18, 2017
India's slip catching? They perhaps need some specialist coaching. With away tours coming up, they can't continue to be poor.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) November 18, 2017
Witchcraft working for Sri Lanka.. #INDvSL
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 18, 2017
My 1st experience with Eden Gardens was back in 1999 (Ind-Pak Test). Entered a full-house colosseum. It's disappointing to see the current turnout. The great ground doesn't deserve Tests! #INDvSL
— Suvajit Mustafi (@RibsGully) November 18, 2017
During Champions Trophy, media talked about treating the game against SL as practice, we know how that ended. Before the start of this test, we heard a lot of noise about this series being practise for South Africa. SL is threatening again. #IndvSL
— cricBC (@cricBC) November 18, 2017
With his high arm action and past record @ImIshant should have been playing would have been lethal in these conditions #INDvSL
— Vipin Bajaj (@iamvipin44) November 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/931754024658919426
I'd like to see what a full strength @OfficialSLC attack would have done on this surface in Kolkata! Out side Suranga Lakmal there is very little to fear! I'm sure @BhuviOfficial & Co will have a field day! #INDvSL
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 18, 2017
It is not always that 150 draws a cheer and you can genuinely say it is a fightback!!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 18, 2017
Shami playing in the inverted 'V'.
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) November 18, 2017
79/6 to 172. Considering the conditions Indian tail has scripted a stellar comeback. #IndvSL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 18, 2017
Mohammed Shami scored more runs than Rahul, Dhawan, Kohli, Rahane and Ashwin put together. #INDvSL
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 18, 2017