Daijiworld Media Network
Galle, Aug 15 : 153 runs to score, 9 second innings wickets remaining, today will be a test of nerves as far as both teams are concerned. No team has ever successfully chased down 100 or more in the fourth innings of the Galle Test. The lowest total defended by Sri Lanka is 168, against Pakistan, in 2009. Can they halt India's victory march? The pitch is still offering some turn and bounce, but it has gone slow and low, allowing the batsmen to adjust to the surface. India have already lost KL Rahul, but with plenty of batting to come, they will still start as favourites.
On the other hand, one feels that the new ball will hold the key for Sri Lanka's success. This has been a new ball pitch, with batting becoming easier as the ball goes soft. It is still just 8 overs old and the first session will be crucial, as far as the bowlers go. Herath has hit a good line and length and will be the dangerman for the Indians. Can the rest of the bowlers back him up?
Speaking of rain, our man at the ground, Ganesh Chandrasekaran, reports that it's yet another bright and sunny day in Galle. He says both teams are out with the routine drills before the start of play. Contrasting scenarios though, he adds. India opted for both batting as well as bowling practice while the hosts were happy with some football and fitness drills. He also says that Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have had a long net session, under the watchful eyes of team director, Ravi Shastri. Ishant Sharma, the nightwatchman, has also had a hit.
Pitch Report: 'There is turn from the surface, but it is on the slower side. The cracks have certainly got wider and there should be some uneven bounce for the bowlers. Aggressive batting is the way to go,' reckons Jonty Rhodes.
Day 4: Let me start proceedings by wishing all fellow Indians a happy 69th Independence Day. Will the Indian team bring joy to their country by completing victory in the first Test at Galle or will Sri Lanka complete a remarkable comeback by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat? Unless rain intervenes, we will have a result for sure. Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka.
In July 2009, Pakistan had taken a first innings lead at Galle and were set a target of 168 and they capitulated to lose by 50 runs. Herath was the main destroyer with Mendis supporting him. Can Sri Lanka repeat that feat? Or will the
India were set a target of 176 and had to survive 9 overs. Dhawan who had not taken the field the entire day due to an injury on his right hand, strode out with Rahul. Mathews started with pace and spin, but switched quickly to an all spin attack. Herath took his first wicket of the match and sent back Rahul cheaply. Ishant came as the nightwatchman and survived a few nervous moments.
At lunch they were 108/5, but what followed soon after surprised everyone. Chandimal and Thirimanne played aggressively to add 125 for the 6th wicket. The wicket-keeper kept going even after losing his partner and added crucial partnerships with Mubarak and Kaushal. He registered his 4th Test ton - first against a Test playing nation apart from Bangladesh and remained unbeaten. The Indians were completely lost for ideas. Kohli was worried when Chandimal was going great guns. Ashwin once again was the pick of the bowlers as he registered his third 10-wicket haul. Mishra gave him good support collecting 3 wickets of his own.
A very good day for Sri Lanka. In fact, good second and third sessions. They didn't start well as Dhammika, the nightwatchman was sent back off the first ball of the day. The score was reading 5/3 when Mathews joined Sangakkara at the crease. The experienced duo started to milk the bowling around and didn't concede a single maiden over until the veteran was picked by Ashwin. The skipper soon followed and once more the hosts found themselves in trouble.