The last time India visited Sri Lanka, the results were highly humiliating for the hosts as India dominated across all formats. Sri Lanka did not even manage a single win across all formats which left their fans devastated.
But Dinesh Chandimal’s side looks determined and confident this time around to rattle India at their home, and they have made a pretty strong start which is sure to help their cause. The Sri Lankan bowlers were at their very best from the start as they managed to send back the two Indian openers quickly back to the pavilion.
After the openers were dismissed the Indian middle order failed to steady the ship as most of them fell cheaply including skipper Virat Kohli. The only notable mention as far as the Indian batting is concerned was Cheteshwar Pujara who battled his way to a crucial fifty. There were late contributions from Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami lower down the order which helped India add 122 runs on the third day of the test.
Suranga Lakmal was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he bagged four wickets which helped the visitors bundle the hosts at a low score of 172. Lahiru Gamage, Dilruwan Perera and Dasun Shanaka picked up two wickets each putting Sri Lanka in a position of real strength.
Another incident which has been a talking point in the game was Dinesh Chandimal’s fake throw on day three. The Sri Lankan skipper faked a throw for which India should have got five penalty runs according to the ICC rule. Virat Kohli even signalled about the same from the dugout, but the umpires chose not to pay attention to it. On the whole Sri Lanka has the upper hand in the game and would look to utilise this opportunity by scoring big leaving India in a spot of bother.
Here are the tweets:
Dont see why they think its a stupid rule, no need for fake fielding
— Steptoe (@Steptoesyard) November 18, 2017
The fake fielding law is a rubbish one, but once the law is there, India should have got five runs for what Chandimal did there I think. #INDvSL
— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) November 18, 2017
Would be fun if batting team is allowed to appeal for fake fielding. Just like bowling team is allowed to appeal for handling the ball/obstructing with field. #IndvSL
— cricBC (@cricBC) November 18, 2017
Playing on tough pitch with dhawan it means playing with 10 man ??#INDvSL
— Naharrrrrrrrrrrrrrr (@AvishNahar1) 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
https://twitter.com/ChirathV/status/931782300664176640
https://twitter.com/akshaypasu/status/931766672196636673
https://twitter.com/AnandParandkar/status/931763515144126470
India should appeal to the third umpire for that fake fielding(for as much a stupid rule it is) to get that 5 runs added as penalty. #INDvsSL
— KASHISH (@crickashish217) November 18, 2017
The so called “fake fielding rule” in cricket is absolutely stupid! Next what… penalize for the“doosra”, ban the “switch-hit”…
Batsman should keep an eye on the ball.. while batting and while running.@Sdoull @bhogleharsha @sanjaymanjrekar
— Shri Javadekar (@shrinandj) November 18, 2017