15 wickets tumble on third day

AFP, COLOMBO: The decisive third and final Test between India and Sri Lanka hung on a knife edge after 15 wickets fell during a dramatic third day’s play in Colombo on Sunday.
Play ended with India on 21-3 in their second innings, an overall lead of 132 with seven wickets in hand on a seaming pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
With the series locked at 1-1 and bowlers from both sides trying to press home the advantage, a fine rearguard action by Sri Lanka’s lower order stood out.
India’s makeshift opener Cheteshwar Pujara carried his bat through his side’s innings to anchor his team to a competitive 312 before their first innings ended 25 minutes after the start of the day’s play.
The hosts slipped to 47-6 in reply and were in danger of being asked to follow on before the last four wickets added 154 runs in a remarkable revival that helped them to 201 soon after tea.
Indian seamer Ishant Sharma picked up five wickets, but Sri Lanka were saved by a defiant 79-run partnership between debutant wicket-keeper Kusal Perera and tailender Rangana Herath.

15 wickets tumble on third day

AFP, COLOMBO: The decisive third and final Test between India and Sri Lanka hung on a knife edge after 15 wickets fell during a dramatic third days play in Colombo on Sunday. Play ended with India on 21-3 in their second innings, an overall lead of 132 with seven wickets in hand on a seaming pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club. With the series locked at 1-1 and bowlers from both sides trying to press home the advantage, a fine rearguard action by Sri Lankas lower order stood out. Indias makeshift opener Cheteshwar Pujara carried his bat through his sides innings to anchor his team to a competitive 312 before their first innings ended 25 minutes after the start of the days play. The hosts slipped to 47-6 in reply and were in danger of being asked to follow on before the last four wickets added 154 runs in a remarkable revival that helped them to 201 soon after tea. Indian seamer Ishant Sharma picked up five wickets, but Sri Lanka were saved by a defiant 79-run partnership between debutant wicket-keeper Kusal Perera and tailender Rangana Herath.