After winning the first two Tests comprehensively, India is all set to create history at Pallekele in the ongoing final Test against Sri Lanka. If India does manage to win, it will be their first series whitewash in the island nation and also the first for Sri Lanka in their den after Australia whitewashed them way back in 2003-04.
In the first two Tests, India managed to score more than 600 runs in their 1st innings which almost batted Sri Lanka out of the match and it was a mere formality from there on. The hosts haven’t been able to compete and have only played to save the match. On the very first day, they have been batted out of the match which hasn’t allowed them to make a comeback.
So when Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss for the third time in the series and decided to bat first, former Indian opener and a popular face in the commentary circuit nowadays Aakash Chopra took to his twitter handle and wrote, “I hear that Kohli has won the toss and duly informed the Sri Lankan captain that India would like to score 600.”
I hear that Kohli has won the toss and duly informed the Sri Lankan captain that India would like to score 600. ?
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 12, 2017
Go ahead. Say it…that Sri Lanka is the best team in the world. Don't forget to add..that pigs can fly. See a doctor brother..Get Well Soon https://t.co/W5ZOTu6Ryc
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 12, 2017
His statement was in a sarcastic way but was actually meant in a literal sense. The batsmen have batted exceptionally and never allowed the Sri Lankan bowlers to make a comeback in the match. Yet again openers Shikhar Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul got India off to a brilliant start and shared a 188 runs partnership before Rahul fell on 85.
Dhawan went on to complete his sixth century and second of the series which came at an impressive strike rate. Cheteshwar Pujara has joined Dhawan in the middle and the duo will look to consolidate their position of strength and take the visitors to a commendable position till the end of the day. If Dhawan is in the crease then it can rest assured that the scoring rate will be brisk and there won’t be a chance for Sri Lanka to make a comeback just like the previous two Tests.
Meanwhile, the hosts will definitely look to break the partnership and restrict India to a manageable score. So if everything falls in place India is going strong to score 600 for the 3rd time in the series.