Prasidh Krishna produced two crucial breakthroughs to keep India in the contest as Sri Lanka reached 130/4 at lunch on Day 3 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Tuesday, with the hosts showing greater resistance after losing two wickets late on the previous evening and Pasindu Sooriyabandara completing a maiden Test half-century. Resuming at 8/2, Sri Lanka initially found runs easier to come by as Sooriyabandara and Kamil Mishara settled into their respective roles. Mishara was particularly positive, picking up boundaries square of the wicket, while Sooriyabandara looked increasingly assured against India’s pace attack.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant did not take the field on Day 3 of the second Test, with Dhruv Jurel donning the gloves for India. Pant had suffered a wrist injury on Day 1 and was forced to retire hurt. However, he returned to bat on Day 2 and scored a brisk 63 off 89 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes. Krishna has been the standout bowler for India, returning 3-35 from nine overs at lunch, while Manav Suthar has claimed one wicket.
The spinners, however, have struggled to exert the same control, allowing Sri Lanka to score freely during the middle phase of the session.
Later, after India declared their innings at 503/9, Pant opted to stay off the field as a precautionary measure to avoid aggravating his wrist injury. The Indian team management supported the decision, allowing Jurel to continue wicketkeeping duties on Day 3. Mishara departed for 19, leaving Sri Lanka 35/3. Mendis also played positively, including a six off Manav Suthar, as the fourth-wicket pair put on 87 runs. They trail India’s first-innings declaration of 503/9 by 377 runs.
The Sri Lankan opener had already been troubled by the rising delivery, and another sharp ball climbed onto his gloves before Dhruv Jurel completed the catch behind the stumps. Their partnership forced India captain Shubman Gill to return to Krishna, who had already bowled six overs in his first spell. Dhananjaya de Silva joined him and immediately found the boundary, pulling Krishna through the leg side, but Sri Lanka still have considerable work ahead.
Talking about the match, Krishna, who had dismissed Lahiru Udara late on Monday, eventually struck again when he went short at Mishara.
