Ishant picks five, India in an advantageous position after day two

Winning the toss and deciding to ball first, the Sri Lankan side bowled India out for 351 runs. The Indian openers made a bright start with Shikher Dhawan making a well compiled 62 and Lokesh Rahul 43. Thereafter the Lankan bowlers had the visiting side on the mat as the picked up 4 wickets in a quick succession.

Skipper Kohli (8), Rohit Sharma (7) and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha (3) failed to impress. India’s go to man in recent times, Ajinkya Rahane stood up yet again to save his team the blushes. Jinks scored a sensational ton, 109, and combined with Cheteshwar Pujara (42) to stage a comeback.

All-rounder Ravi Ashwin scored 23. For the home side, Kasun Rajitha picked up 5 wickets for 68 runs. Jeffrey Vandersay picked up 2 and one each was picked by Nisala Tharaka and Lahiru Gamage.

Opening the bowling, Ishant made the ball move both ways to dismiss five Lankan batsmen as the lanky pacer registered a figure of 5 for 23 runs. Varun Aaron and Ashwin picked up 2 each and Harbhajan Singh took the remaining wicket.

Only 3 batsmen could reach the two figure mark. Niroshan Dickwella top scored for the host nation with 41 runs. Milinda Siriwardana scored 32 and Danushka Gunathikala made 28 runs.

Opening the second innings, captain Kohli (18) and Rohit Sharma (8) failed yet again. Saha’s disappointing run continued as the Siliguri boy could manage only 1 run. Cheteshwar Pujara (31) and Lokesh Rahul (47) have fortified the Indian innings since. They are at the crease and have taken a lead of 342 runs.

Vishwa Fernando, an uncapped player, who received a national duty call picked up 2 wickets for 17 runs in the second innings. Kasun Rajitha picked up the other one.

With a big lead and a day to go India have a real chance to win the warm up match and start their campaign on a high.