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Thu, 13 August 2015
LIVE Cricket! India take big lead before spinners strike early

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17:33   India take big lead before spinners strike early

STUMPS - DAY 2

SL 5-2 (4 ovs) & 183 vs Ind 375 | Scorecard


Ashwin gets one to turn square as Prasad has no idea about it but somehow keeps it out using his pads. He has dropped into that unplayable length straightaway and every delivery seems to be doing something. Some tips from Sangakkara helps Prasad somehow see off the over.

Harbhajan Singh comes into the attack in what will be the final over of the day as Mishra is taken off despite taking a wicket in his first and only over.

Sangakkara defends the first ball to the covers before steering the next ball to thirdman for a single to get off the mark.

Six fielders on the leg side with two of them catching as Harbhajan wants Prasad to drive through the off-side.

Prasad drives the fourth ball firmly but hits KL Rahul at silly point to save some runs for the side.

He gets the last ball in the huge gap on the off-side to collect three runs as Sri Lanka finish the day on five for two in four overs. They still need another 187 runs to make India bat again.

Sri Lanka fought back well to restrict India to 375 after they had threatened to post a much bigger score following centuries from Dhawan (134) and Kohli (103).

Off-spinner Kaushal led Sri Lanka's comeback with the ball as he took five for 134 in 32.4 overs.

But two wickets in the first two overs put India back firmly in control, with three more days left in the match.
17:22   Sri Lanka lose both openers after India take big lead

SL 1-2 (2 ovs) & 183 vs Ind 375 | Scorecard


Two right-handers out in the middle and Kohli sensibly introduces leg-spinner Amit Mishra ahead of the experienced Harbhajan Singh.

Kaushal Silva coming forward to defend with a straight bat before he is beaten by the googly but is struck on the pads.

But Mishra gets the next googly to pitch perfectly, beating Silva through the gate to bowl him for a duck.

Both the Sri Lankan openers dismissed for a duck as the hosts are left reeling on one for two in the second over.

Veteran Kumar Sangakkara comes out to bat in his final innings in Galle and again to a huge cheers and firecrackers in the background.

Sangakkara defends the last ball of the over confidently coming forward. A dream start for the Indians, a huge first innings lead before they dismissed both the Lankan openers in the first two overs.
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17:17   Ashwin strikes in first over after India take big lead

SL 0-1 (1 ov) & 183 vs Ind 375 | Scorecard


Ravichandran Ashwin to open the bowling and he strikes in his very first over. Dimuth Karunaratne plays back but misses the ball completely and is bowled for a duck.

Ashwin gets a few to grip and turn big as left-hander Karunaratne is beaten a few times before he is done in by one that is a bit quick and skids through.

Sri Lanka send a nightwatchman ahead of Kumar Sangakkara.
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17:05   Dhawan, Kohli hit centuries as India take big lead

- India take 192-run first innings lead

Ind 1st inns: 375-all out (117.4 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Kaushal, who has four wickets, comes back. Aaron survives a huge shout for LBW as he comes forward to defend but is struck on the pads. That was very close!

Pradeep, bowling from round the wicket, looks to bounce Ishant with a few short balls directed at his body. He is able to defend it before opening the face and running it through the slips for two, his first runs after 22 balls.

Two slips in place for Kaushal, who is looking to bowl the doosra and get the edge. Aaron is being watchful and defending with caution, getting firmly behind the ball.

However, the plan works as Aaron finally gets the edge and is caught at first slip for four.

India are bowled out for 375 in their innings to finish with a huge lead of 192 runs on a pitch still offering turn and bounce and with three days left.

After a difficult start, Kaushal finishes with good figures of five for 134 in 32.4 overs, while the experienced Herath went wicketless in 33 overs.

Pradeep also bowled well to take three for 98 and his pace partner Prasad was perhaps Sri Lanka's best bowler in the innings despite not getting too many wickets to finish with one for 54 in 22 overs.

India have four overs left before stumps to have a go at the Sri Lankan batsmen with the new ball.
16:48   Saha dismissed for 60, India lose 9th wicket

Ind 1st inns: 370-9 (115 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Will India play out the day or hit some quick runs to stretch the lead above 200 and have a go at the Sri Lankans for a few overs before stumps? The lead is 181 and there are still 12 overs left in the day out of which two overs will be deducted for change of innings.

Saha is content to play out a maiden over from pacer Pradeep before Ishant does the same against Herath in the next.

Five fielders close in for Ishant including two slips, leg slip, a silly point and short leg but Ishant firmly defends off the front foot.

Pradeep bowls a full delivery on the stumps which Saha flicks through midwicket for a couple to take his score to 60.

However, he falls a few deliveries later trying to play the pull shot but gets a top edge and is caught behind after a good knock of 60 from 120 balls.

Replays indicate that Saha was unlucky to be given out as the ball missed the bat and went off the helmet.

New batsman Varun Aaron gets off the mark in some style, driving a full delivery through the covers for a boundary. India's lead now is 187. Can they get it past 200?
16:29  

Ind 1st inns: 363-8 (111 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Kaushal switches to round the wicket and bowls one which goes straight to beat Ishant, who plays from the crease. He has a go at the next one but is again beaten as the Sri Lankans appeal for caught behind but the umpire is not interested.

Ishant has no clue at all against Kaushal, who finally sends down his first maiden after bowling 31 overs.

In the next over, Saha comes down and lofts Pradeep over mid-off and it carries all the way for a six, the first for India in the 111th over of the innings. And he shows great purpose to turn the last ball fine leg to retain strike for the next over.
16:21   Saha hits fifty as India extend lead on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 356-8 (109 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Kaushal, who has taken 4-129, has a golden chance to complete his five wicket haul with No. 10 Ishant on strike.

The tall right-hander plays back to a full delivery but is beaten but comes forward and blocks the next ball.

However, he is unsure of his footwork off the next ball and is struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is rejected as the two batsmen steal a leg bye.

Saha has a big heave on the leg side, getting the ball over midwicket to take India past the 350-run mark.

Ishant is beaten as he looks to drive a wide outswinger from Pradeep before he drives it through the covers for a single. Saha takes on a short ball and pulls it through midwicket to complete his maiden fifty in Tests, from 98 balls.
16:13  

Ind 1st inns: 346-8 (107 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Saha content to play the singles and hand the strike back to No. 10 batsman Ishant Sharma.

Ishant defends the next ball from Prasad, who bowls a quick yorker before he ducks under a high bouncer.

He drives the last ball, a wide outswinger, only to edge it but Sangakkara at the wide first slip fails to hold on to a sharp chance to his left.

Saha not taking the singles as he turns Kaushal to fine leg, looking to keep Ishant away from the off-spinner, who is getting a lot of purchase from the track.

He does well to defend the first five balls before taking a run from the last ball to keep strike.

Saha keeping the strike to himself as he refuses another single in the next over from Prasad. The Indians are just looking to block everything at the moment as Prasad sends down a maiden over.
16:00   Mishra bowled for 10, India lose 8th wicket

Ind 1st inns: 344-8 (104 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Amit Mishra gives Herath the charge and lofts him straight down the ground for a four as the Indian lead crosses the 150-run mark.

Meanwhile, Kaushal has managed to get his control back as he bowls a tight over, conceding just two runs in his 27th over.

With Mishra looking to attack the spinners, Sri Lanka decide to bring fast bowler Prasad. Mishra drives the second ball on the off-side for a single before Saha tucks a short ball on the leg side for one.

Prasad tempts Mishra with a wide bouncer but the right-hander lets it go before he pulls the last ball for a single on the leg side.

But he falls in the next over. He comes down the track to Kaushal and looks for a big hit down the ground but misses it completely and is bowled for 10.
15:43   Harbhajan out for 14, India lose 7th wicket

Ind 1st inns: 331-7 (100 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Kaushal errs with his length and gifts Saha a wide half-volley which he drills through the covers for a four to take his score to 32. A no-ball coupled with three more singles makes it eight runs from the over as the lead approaches the 150-run mark.

Saha plays the fine sweep but gets it a bit squarer for two runs before he defends the rest of the over.

Harbhajan is dismissed in the next over as he shuffles across his stumps and looks to sweep but misses and is bowled for 14. He never looked comfortable at the wicket and played quite a few risky sweep shots which ultimately caused his downfall.

After 100 overs, India are 331 for seven with Saha unbeaten on 36. India's lead is now 148 runs which could prove vital on this pitch still offering a lot of assistance to the spinners.
15:26  

Ind 1st inns: 320-6 (97 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


The pacers are given a break as Herath is called into the attack. And he immediately makes the ball talk, turning it big as Harbhajan finds it difficult to keep the ball out but somehow manages to.

Not surprising that off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal is called from the other end with the ball gripping and turning.

Saha is doing well to keep the scoreboard moving with good rotation of the strike. Harbhajan tries the slog sweep but gets just a single to deep midwicket.

In the next over, he sweeps Herath over deep square leg and this time gets a boundary. He survives a confident shout for LBW off the next ball as he comes half forward to defend it.

Harbhajan uses his feet but can't get hold of the shot as Herath nearly does him in the flight.
15:08   Kohli, Dhawan hit centuries before SL fight back

Ind 1st inns: 310-6 (92 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


The two Indian batsmen stride out to the middle to resume proceedings in the post-tea session. Sri Lanka would be hoping to polish off the lower order without too many runs on the board which keeps their chances alive in the contest.

India would be looking towards Saha to shepherd the tail and swell the lead to around the 200-run mark.

Saha defends the first ball from Pradeep before he taps the next on the leg side for one. Harbhajan is beaten by a full delivery which comes in and there is an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down with the ball looking to be sliding down the leg side.

The next ball is crunched through the off-side for a four by Harbhajan to get off the mark in some style. Just a push from the off-spinner and it races through the heavy outfield for the first boundary of the session before he takes a single.

15:07   Kohli, Dhawan hit centuries; India 304-6 at tea

TEA- DAY 2

Ind 1st inns: 302-6 (91 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


The second ball is certainly making things happen for Sri Lanka, who managed to grab the big wicket of Dhawan along with Ashwin.

New batsman Harbhajan Singh is caught fishing as he throws his bat at a wide delivery but is beaten. He manages to see off the over as India going into the tea break on Day 2 at 304 for six in 91 overs for an overall lead of 121 runs.

A good comeback from Sri Lanka as they took four wickets for 77 runs in 28 overs in the post-lunch session.

At one stage, India looked set to run away with the game after centuries from Dhawan and Kohli but Sri Lanka's bowlers rallied their team with a few quick wickets.

Kaushal claimed two for 111 in 23 overs, while Pradeep took two for 70 in 19 overs.
14:33   Ashwin out for 7, India lose 6th wicket

Ind 1st inns: 302-6 (90 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

India's hero with the ball Ravichandran Ashwin comes in to bat at No. 7. Saha watchfully plays out a maiden over from Prasad, who sticks to a good area just outside the off-stump.

Ashwin gets off the mark from the first ball edging past the gully fielder for three runs. Three balls later he cuts a short wide ball over the slips for a four to take India past the 300-run mark, in the 90th over.

But Pradeep gets his revenge from the very next ball with the wicket of Ashwin, who looks to drive but is beaten by the incoming delivery and is bowled for seven.
14:26   Dhawan out for 134, India lose 5th wicket

Ind 1st inns: 294-5 (88 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Prasad bowling a few outswingers but Saha is not interested before he gets a full toss which is driven through the covers for three runs. The last ball is full and on the pads which Dhawan flicks through square leg for a four.

Pradeep gets some late movement with the new ball as Saha is squared up trying to defend the outswinger. He taps the next ball to point as Dhawan calls him for a quick single.

The next ball is on the pads which Dhawan flicks behind square for two runs. But he is dismissed off the next delivery, inside edging it back on to his stumps.

Dhawan was visibly tired and lazily defended a full delivery only to drag it back on to his stumps. He walks back after a superb innings of 134 from 217 balls, having hit 13 boundaries.
 
14:14  

Ind 1st inns: 284-4 (86 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

The two spinners bowling well in tandem with their main intent being to build the pressure with some tight overs.

The ball is also turning enough to encourage the spinners and not a surprise that Sri Lanka have not taken the new ball.

But it seems Mathews has had enough as he takes the second new ball after 86 overs with India's score on 284 for four.

Dhawan has continued to bat solidly to be unbeaten 128 and has rarely been troubled by any bowler.

Prasad comes back to have a go with the second new ball.
14:11  
Ind 1st inns: 270-4 (82 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Sri Lankans have kept things tight post the two quick wickets. 

Understandably Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan are playing it safe by taking the odd singles. 

AS we speak, Saha pounces on a short ball from Tharindu Kaushal and smashes it for his third boundary.  
14:10   Dhawan takes India's lead past 100

Ind 1st inns: 275-4 (82 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Sri Lankans have kept things tight post the two quick wickets. 

Understandably Wriddhiman Saha and Dhawan are playing it safe by taking the odd singles. 

But Saha looks eager to break free as he pounces on a short ball from Tharindu Kaushal and smashes it for his third boundary.  
13:36   Kohli, Rahane dismissed as Sri Lanka fight back

Ind 1st inns: 257-4 (75.2 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

One wicket leads to another as Ajinkya Rahane falls for a duck, trapped leg before wicket by Kaushal in his next over.

Rahane came forward to defend but was beaten by the turn and was plumb in front as off-spinner Kaushal makes a good comeback, taking two big Indian wickets in the space of three deliveries.

He had gone for a lot of runs in his first 16 overs, giving away 84 runs, but has made a good comeback with two quick wickets.


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13:28   Kohli dismissed after scoring century

Ind 1st inns: 255-3 (74 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Kohli turns Prasad on the leg side for one to take his score to 98. The Sri Lankan pacer tries to tempt Dhawan with wide deliveries outside the off-stump but he offers no stroke for the remaining five deliveries.

In the next over, Kohli completes his century from 187 balls as he strokes a full delivery from Kaushal through the covers for a four. This is Kohli's 11th century in his 35th Test match and the fifth hundred in his last six Tests.

However, he is dismissed soon after as he attempts the sweep shot but misses the full delivery and is given out leg before wicket.

Kohli walks back after a good innings of 103 from 191 balls after he put on 227 runs for the third wicket with Dhawan to put India in control.
13:23  

Ind 1st inns: 247-2 (72 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Change of tactics from Sri Lanka as they look to pepper Kohli with short balls from round the wicket. Pradeep bowls a short one down the leg side which Kohli pulls fine for a four to take his score to 96.

Kohli pulls the next ball for a single before Dhawan is struck on the side of the helmet by a short ball which rises more than expected.

New BCCI physio Patrick Farhat enters the outfield to check on Dhawan, who seems shaken by that blow. Dhawan took his eyes off the ball and looked to sway out of the way but ended up getting hit on the grill on side of the helmet. He keeps strike with a single from the last ball of the over.

Dhawan gets the first boundary of the session as he punches a full delivery from Kaushal straight down the ground past mid-on. But the off-spinner manages to make a good comeback, not giving away a run for the rest of the over.
13:07  

Ind 1st inns: 237-2 (70 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

The Indians taking their time to get going after the lunch break and content to pick up singles and keep the scoreboard moving.

Dhawan is doing well to resist his urge of going at wide deliveries and making Pradeep bowl closer to the stumps. He offers no stroke to the first three deliveries before the pacer comes closer and Dhawan hits it to the covers for one. Two bouncers to Kohli, which the Indian captain opts to duck under.

Kohli looks to sweep Herath but misses and another huge shout for LBW is turned down. He has not been that confident playing the sweep and it would be unwise to throw his wicket attempting that shot.

A single on the leg side takes Kohli to 90. Pradeep from round the wicket tries a bouncer which he easily ducks under before he pulls the next on the leg side for one.

Kaushal comes back, replacing Herath, and this time he sends down a tidy over. Five dot balls before Kohli avoids the maiden over by taking a single from the last ball.
12:51   Dhawan hits century as India build lead on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 229-2 (65 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, who was down with fever and didn't come out in the first session, is back in the field for the post-lunch session.

Herath to resume proceedings in the post-lunch session. Kohli taps the second ball to mid-off for a quick single to raise the 200-run stand for the third wicket with Dhawan, from 331 balls.

Pradeep from the other end. Kohli plays away from his body, getting an edge which falls short of the fielder at gully before the Indian captain takes a single on the leg side.
12:03   Dhawan hits century, Kohli 86*; India 227-2 at lunch

LUNCH - DAY 2

Ind 1st inns: 227-2 (63 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Pradeep comes back and he also goes for runs. Three singles from the first five balls before Kohli flicks the last ball square on the leg side for a four to take his score to 84.

Kaushal, who has given 78 runs in 14 overs, is replaced by Herath, who continues to be tidy giving away just one run in that over. He has given just 40 runs in his 18 overs.

Both the Indian batsmen doing well to rotate the strike throughout the morning session. Kohli taps one to mid-off and sets off immediately for a quick run against Pradeep. As expected Dhawan opts to see out the rest of the over, which is the final one of the morning session.

At lunch on Day 2, India looking comfortable on 227 for two in 63 overs, for a lead off 44 runs. The visitors scored 99 runs runs in 29 overs in the morning session without losing any wicket.

Dhawan continued his good form, scoring 110 from 198 balls, with the help of 11 fours, while Kohli is not out on 86 from 156 balls. The two batsmen have put on 199 runs for the third wicket to help India continue their domination in the morning session and lay the foundation for a huge first innings total.
11:51  

Ind 1st inns: 218-2 (60 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Back to back Test centuries for Dhawan and what a day to get it on...the International left-handers day!

Off-spinner Kaushal has not been able to make any sort of impression with the ball so far, having gone for more than five runs per over. The two Indian batsmen have managed to pick runs off him quite easily as they collect another three singles from his 13th over.

Kohli and Dhawan have been cautious against Prasad, who has been Sri Lanka's best bowler in this innings.

But runs coming easily at the other end especially against Kaushal. Kohli has looked to be positive against the off-spinner as he tries to flick a full delivery through midwicket but can't find the gap. However, the next ball is slapped through the covers for a four before he attempts the sweep for three runs.

India continue to blossom as they reach 218 for two in 60 overs with Dhawan on 105 and Kohli on 82.
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11:38   Dhawan hits century as India continue to dominate

Ind 1st inns: 205-2 (57 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Kohli looking a bit more positive as he plays another forceful drive off Herath, for a single. Dhawan guides one on the leg stump fine on the leg side for two runs before he keeps strike with a single from the last ball.

Kaushal, who leaked runs, is taken off and he makes way for fast bowler Prasad. Dhawan is watchful against the pacer and not surprising with just six runs needed for his century.

Change of ends for Kaushal, who takes over from Herath. Kohli gets a single from the first ball before Dhawan steers it past the slips for two runs and another drive through the covers three balls later takes him to 98.

Kohli looking a lot more busy as he turns Prasad on the leg side for a couple before taking a single to bring Dhawan back on strike.

The left-hander plays a stylish drive through the covers for a boundary to bring up his century in some style, from 178 balls. This is his second Test century in a row and his fourth hundred overall.

India are 205 for two in 57 overs, taking their lead to 22 runs.
11:19   Kohli, Dhawan help India take the lead on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 189-2 (53 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

A single from Herath's 15th over takes Indian total to 170 for two in 50 overs, scoring at 3.4 runs per over.

Kohli is content to play the singles as he taps Kaushal to midwicket for one. Dhawan turns a full delivery square on the leg side for two runs before he attempts the sweep but misses and gets a leg bye.

Dhawan comes down the track and flicks Herath to midwicket for a single. Kohli brings out the sweep which goes in the air over square leg for two runs.

Dhawan plays the sweep to good effect in the next over for a boundary to bring up the 150-run stand for the third wicket with Kohli. He steers the next ball past the slip fielder for three runs to take his score into the 90s.

Kaushal, from round the wicket, bowls a wide half-volley which Kohli hammers through the covers for a four, his first boundary of the day followed by a single from the last ball.

Kaushal goes for 12 runs in the over as India reach 189 for two in 53 overs, for a lead of six runs.

Dhawan is inching towards his century, having made 91 from 159 balls, while Kohli is on 67 from 135 balls.
11:02  

Ind 1st inns: 169-2 (49 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

First signs of turn on Day 2 as Herath gets one to spin and bounce beating Kohli all ends up who had come forward to defend. Wicketkeeper Chandimal appeals for stumping but the third umpire after checking the replays rules it not out.

In the next over, Pradeep bowls a wide half-volley which Dhawan strokes through the covers for a four, the first of the second day. Two more singles make it six from the 47th over.

The pacer gets a break before Sri Lanka make it spin from both ends by calling on off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal into the attack.

He bowls one sliding down the leg side which Dhawan helps fine for a four. A few balls later, he plays across but misses and is lucky to survive a confident shout for LBW, with the ball looking heading down the leg side.

Dhawan nudges the fifth ball down to fine leg for two more runs to take his score into the 80s.

India have progressed well in the first hour, scoring 41 runs in 15 overs, to take the total to 169 for two in 49 overs.
10:46   Kohli hits fifty as India make slow progress on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 152-2 (45 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Prasad has settled into a good rhythm as he bowls another tidy over, giving away just a single to Dhawan.

In the next over, Herath also keeps it tight with Dhawan managing just two runs from the last ball of the over.

Pacer Nuwan Pradeep comes in for Prasad, who bowled a tight spell in the morning.

Things will get easier for the Indians from hereon and they have done well to deny Sri Lankans any chances so far.

Prasad induces the first foul shot of the day as Kohli reaches out to a wide delivery only to get an edge which flies past a diving gully fielder for two runs.

In the next over, Dhawan gives Herath the charge but only to defend it back to the bowler. He is looking to disrupt the spinner's length as he comes down again and blocks on the off-side.

Indians deals only in singles at the moment as Dhawan taps it to the covers for one which turns out to be the only run of the over.

It has been slow progress for India so far on Day 2, with 21 runs coming from 10 overs bowled in the session but importantly they have not lost a wicket.

Dhawan flicks Pradeep to midwicket for one to bring up India's 150, in the 45th over.
10:26  

Ind 1st inns: 143-2 (40 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Prasad bowls a good testing over to Kohli, who does well to get behind the incutters and defend with a straight bat.

No flashy batting from the Indian duo as they are merely looking to play to the merit of the ball.

Three singles from the first four balls of Herath's 10th over before the left-armer again strikes Kohli on the pads, who plays inside the line, but the loud appeal for LBW is again turned down. He looks for a quick single from the last ball but again there is a slight misunderstanding before the run is turned down.

India are 143 for two in 40 overs, trailing Sri Lanka by 40 runs. Kohli is batting well on 51 from 99 balls and so is Dhawan, who has moved to 62 from 117 balls.
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10:15   Kohli completes half-century as India prosper on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 140-2 (38 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


The experienced spinner Rangana Herath to bowl from the other end. The first ball is full as Kohli goes back in his crease and is struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is turned down. The right-hander gets off strike with a single from the very next delivery before Dhawan picks a run too.

Kohli keeps strike with a single from the last ball which takes his score to 48.

Pacer Prasad gets some sharp movement into the batsman as Kohli blocks it cautiously. Three balls later he cuts a short ball square on the off-side for a single before Dhawan steers the next to the vacant thirdman for two runs followed by a single from the last ball.

Dhawan drives the first ball of Herath's new over down the ground for a single. Kohli watchfully comes forward and blocks a full delivery and two balls later clips it on the leg side to bring up his fifty, from 90 balls, laced with seven boundaries.
10:05  

Ind 1st inns: 131-2 (35 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard


Pacer Dhammika Prasad to open the bowling on Day 2. Captain Virat Kohli wastes no time in getting the scoreboard moving as he taps the first ball gently on the off-side for a quick single.

Dhawan strokes the next ball through the covers and easy completes two runs before he defends the next ball cautiously.

While India look keen to keep the scoreboard moving, they must be wary of not giving their wickets away in the first hour which would be crucial in their plans of posting a big score in the first innings.
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09:52   Being self-critical has enabled me to try and discover myself: Ashwin
After leaving the Sri Lankans bamboozled with a six-wicket haul, which gave India the upper hand in the first Test in Galle on Wednesday, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed he rediscovered himself after critically analyzing his bowling.

"Some credit should go to Ravichandran Ashwin also," India's strike bowler said at the post-day press conference, adding, "Because I have taken stock of my own bowling, being a lot critical of myself, raised a lot of questions and got fruitful answers from both Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and Ravi Shastri (Team Director). That has actually enabled me to try and discover myself.

"I think nothing is a permanent feat in life as you start stagnating. I think you have to keep improving."

CLICK TO READ MORE


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09:43   India eye big total, SL look for early wickets on Day 2

Ind 1st inns: 128-2 (34 ovs) vs SL 183 | Scorecard

Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India in Galle, on Thursday.

India would be looking towards a big score in their first innings and bat Sri Lanka out of the match, while their opponents will be looking for a few early wickets and fight their way back into the contest.

On Day 1, India gained the upper hand courtesy of Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed six for 46 in a fine display of spin bowling as India skittled out Sri Lanka for 183 in two sessions.

In reply, the visitors lost two early wickets but recovered to reach 128-2 at stumps, trailing Sri Lanka by 55 runs.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan (53) and captain Virat Kohli (45) were unbeaten at the crease, having added 100 runs for the third wicket.

Lokesh Rahul (seven) and Rohit Shama (nine) were both out leg before as India were reduced to 28-2 but Dhawan, dropped on 28 by home captain Angelo Mathews off Tharindu Kaushal, and Kohli steadied the innings to keep the tourists on course for a big first innings lead.

Mathews (64) was the top-scorer for Sri Lanka while wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal contributed 59 after the hosts' decision to bat in the first match of the three-test series backfired.

Off-spinner Ashwin finished with his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests, while leg-spinner Amit Mishra picked up two wickets in successive balls in his return to Test cricket after four years.

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