Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 2 at Kolkata: Hosts 74/5 at stumps

Watch our correspondent Vaibhav Shah review Day 2’s play live from the Eden Gardens.

If yesterday belonged to Lakmal, today it was Shanaka’s day. The Sri Lankan medium pacer bagged the wickets of Rahane and Ashwin, pushing the hosts further on the backfoot. 

Solid as ever, Pujara still keeps the hopes of an Indian recovery alive with the very able Saha for company.

That's all folks. No more play possible due to the rains here in Kolkata. #TeamIndia 74/5 at the end of Day 2 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/DvDaQQMyYt

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2017

There we have it. It was highly unlikely after the heavy rains in the afternoon for the ground to be game ready. 

In fact, even if it doesn’t rain from this moment onwards, it cannot be said with assurance that the match will begin on time tomorrow.

What a pity. Was an engrossing period of play asking a lot of questions of the batsmen. Hopefully, tomorrow morning.....

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 17, 2017

Day 2’s play has been called off due to incessant rains. Only 21 overs were possible today. India as well as Sri Lanka must be left frustrated. Just when Pujara was getting into his groove, it started raining. He will have to go through the process of getting set once again tomorrow.

The super soppers are back on the covered ground, while it continues rain.

This rain isn't going anywhere......

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 17, 2017

A few avid fans gather around the railing, shouting Virat Kohli’s name and have been crying their voices hoarse. They are probably celebrating getting a wave or perhaps making eye contact with Kohli. With no cricket available at the moment, all fans want is just one teeny-tiny glimpse.

The rain has got heavier. Incessant rainfall has forced spectators who had been sitting under their umbrellas, to move out from their seats and take cover under the roof.

Chances of play resuming looking bleak. 

If you are waiting for play to resume in Kolkata, I suggest you find something better to do until atleast 9am tomorrow. Day 2 looks done here. ⛈️☔️🌧️ #IndvSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 17, 2017

Rain or no rain, Sudhir Gautam is the man for all seasons, the fans keep flocking around the most popular fan of the Indian cricket Team and he is happy to oblige them.

Well, some more rains. You gotta feel for the ground staff, they had been working since past one hour but the skies have opened up again. 

Spectators run into the shed while few create their own.

Despite the all hard work and efforts of the groundsmen, the progress at Eden is pretty slow.  There is way too much water over the covers let alone under it.

This region, in particular, is the main concern, with as many as six men being deployed to mop the large volume of water accumulated.

And super soppers are at work straightaway. They leave one after the other and all four will be in operation in a couple of minutes. The water accumulated over the covers have to be dried out first and only then will they be able to dry the outfield.

That’s a lot of work!

Finally some respite as the rain has stopped for the time being. Umpire Anil Chaudhary and the pitch curator venture out on to the cover-laden field. 

Evident puddles are formed all across the ground, especially near the boundary, forcing them to tip-toe over it. 

The second session was supposed to start by 12 but with the ongoing rains, there is no chance we are starting anytime soon.

The picture of Eden Gardens is no different to what you have seen for the most part of yesterday.

In case you have just joined us, here is how it looks:

Ashes 2017: Tim Paine gets Test recall after seven years in new-look Australian squadhttp://www.firstpost.com

Late showers were forecast in the day but it has disturbed the play in the first session a tad earlier than expected.

And the downpour is no more a breezy little drizzle, it has got heavier. This will surely affect the play in the subsequent session.

Lunch has been taken early at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rain had halted play and the officials have decided to take lunch 10 minutes before the scheduled time. 

It's an early lunch at the Eden Gardens with India on 74/5 (Pujara 47*, Saha 6*) https://t.co/ln05So6Mox #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/gskupV9D73

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2017

The light rain has reduced slightly but the entire ground is getting covered, we might have an early lunch is what I feel.

Sri Lanka have enjoyed another successful passage of play. 

While the ever-so doughty Pujara has stood tall.

Cheteshwar Pujara is doing what he is known for doing. He is the perfect example for all the batsmen who want to stay at the crease for a long time on this pitch.

Uh-oh, rain halts play. it has started raining steadily and the umpires have decided to stop the play. The groundsmen rush towards the centre. Covers are back on.

The drizzle is getting heavier and reserve umpire Anil Chaudhary has come out and standing close to the boundary. The umpires look at each he and the ground staff looks towards them so does the crowd.

After 32 overs,India 73/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 47 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 5)

Eleven off the over. India are moving on and that’s partly because Sri Lanka have failed to sustain the pressure from either end. Pujara is also closing in on a fifty.

The crowd loved the single that Pujara stole there. He knows runs are hard to come by on this wicket. He’s making most of the part timer’s loose deliveries and is not letting any opportunity go away. This is smart and efficient batting.

FOUR! Again short and outside off and Saha thrashes it through point.

FOUR! Short ball at 120 km. Pujara would accept it all day long. Pulls it powerfully to vacant square leg region.

Discipline is the key for batsmen now. As long as they don’t play loose shots, they are good. The pitch still a challenge. But bowling has eased off. Slow medium pacers, the non-regulars are at work. Pujara moving towards a superb, hard-fought half century.

After 31 overs,India 61/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 40 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Gamage continues. His second ball is slightly short and on the sticks, Pujara nudges it past midwicket to rotate the strike. Saha defends three balls consecutively and then Gamage bowls a jaffa. Full and swinging away, Saha gets tempted for a drive and is beaten on the outside edge.

And here comes the rain again! Thick, huge dark clouds moving towards the Eden Gardens.

At the start of the 30th over Pujara was livid with the few spectators moving behind the bowler’s arm. This has happened more than a couple of times in his innings. Never seen Pujara charge down in so much anger.

No doubt he slaps the next ball through the covers for a four.

We have completed 30 overs in a Test and into the 31st, yet no signs of Herath or for that matter any spin. And yes, the Test is happening in India.

After 30 overs,India 60/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 39 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Pujara cuts the first ball to the cover fence with disdain and then collects a single. Ball three is short of a length and around off, Saha looks to flirt with it and gets squared up. Does well to not edge it to the keeper. However, he plays the rest of the over confidently.

FOUR! A loosener first up. Short and offers width, Pujara cuts it through covers.

Bowling change. No it is not Herath but Karunaratne.

After 29 overs,India 55/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 34 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

No sign of spin. The Lankan pacers are bowling their hearts out. Pujara tucks the third ball through midwicket for a single. He wanted a second but fails to get it. Saha leaves the fourth ball before inside edging the fifth onto his thigh pad. He also shoulders his arms to sixth ball.

After 29 overs,India 55/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 34 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

No sign of spin. The Lankan pacers are bowling their hearts out. Pujara tucks the third ball through midwicket for a single. He wanted a second but fails to get it. Saha leaves the fourth ball before inside edging the fifth onto his thigh pad. He also shoulders his arms to sixth ball.

After 28 overs,India 54/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 33 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Saha to face his first ball. It is a half-volley and Saha digs it out towards gully. He would want to take his time on this pitch. Plays out the over.

After 27 overs,India 54/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 33 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Four off the over. Saha and Pujara have batted India out of trouble before. Remember Ranchi against Australia? Or the Rest of India final against Gujarat? The thing is they need to do it again.

Just checked my watch, then my phone, followed by the main clock at the stadium and I can assure you that everything is wrong. The whole world is a lie, cause it reads 10:36. 

FOUR! Pujara has waited for the bad balls but cashed in on it. He drives it through mid off.

And Ravichandran Ashwin drove the ball straight to the point. Shanaka gets his second breakthrough of the day. The local man Saha is at the crease and he has a big task on his hand now.

Awful to see two batsmen gifting their wickets to Shanaka’s lollipop bowling. Ashwin’s drive to a wide delivery without getting close to the pitch of the ball was as shoddy as it gets. Lack of discipline is pathetic. What an idiotic shot selection from Ashwin on a pitch like this.

After 26 overs,India 50/5 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 29 , )

​The over begins with a boundary. These loose balls are not helping Sri Lanka. Maybe Chandimal should look to bring Herath into the attack. India cross the 50-run mark with a single. Oops! Spoke too early, have I? Shanaka has just scalped India’s fifth.

Ashwin wasn’t able to rotate the strike since the boundary he had scored off his fourth ball and clearly seemed frustrated. Despite senior partner Pujara’s constant chatter, Ashwin couldn’t resist the temptation and he has thrown it away. Similar to Rahane, Ashwin departs after spending some time at the crease while falling for the same score (4) and to the same bowler – Shanaka.

The Kolkata crowd isn’t too perturbed as local boy Wriddhiman Saha walks out. India in deep trouble.

OUT! 50/5! Ashwin has throwed his wicket away. He looked to slice a length ball but found the point fielder. India in deep trouble now. Shanaka has his second.

No sign of the sun breaking through the thick and grey cloud cover. But whatever light rain that hovered, has passed.

FOUR! There it is. The mandatory loose ball in Shanaka’s over. A half-volley and Pujara drives it through covers.

India crawling at a run rate below 2 runs an over. The boundaries through Shanaka’s lollipops were a relief. Pujara and Ashwin would have batted on such pitches in English county cricket a few months ago. But still struggling against the odd ball that bounces or seams. Importantly they are hanging in there.

After 25 overs,India 45/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 24 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

This spell from Gamage has been far better from yesterday’s. Ashwin plays him out. However, on the second delivery, he got hit on his bowling. Seemed to be in pain and signalled for the physio immediately. The magic spray did its work and Ashwin resumed.

After 24 overs,India 45/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 24 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

Shanaka to bowl his sixth over. Begins with two very full deliveries but doesn’t concede a run. Ball four: Draws Che forward and nips it away to beat his outside edge. Slides the fifth ball down the leg side and Dickwella doesn’t collect it. It rolls away to the fence.

After 23 overs,India 41/4 (Cheteshwar Pujara 24 , R Ashwin 4)

So Chandimal makes a change. Lakmal gets rest. Gamage is back. It is drizzling but not enough to stop the play. The groundsmen are on standby. Gets his line wrong on the first three balls. Bowls them outside off. Pujara leaves them all early. Brings one ball back and Pujara squeezes it through square leg. Single taken. The over ends with two dots.

The ground staff are alerted and move around the periphery of the ground. And for the first time we see Gamage bowling from the high court end. Lakmal got a lot of purchase from there. Gamage bowled six overs from the pavilion end and he is now ready to begin his second spell.

After 22 overs,India 40/4 (Cheteshwar Pujara 23 , R Ashwin 4)

Good running. Pujara defends it towards the leg side and calls Ashwin across. Ash then plays a similar shot albeit for no run. Brilliant fourth ball. Ashwin neither went forward nor back, stayed inside line and got beaten on the outside edge. Clips the fifth ball to the leg side and blocks the sixth ball.

Alright! After an almost a hassle-free one hour of play, there is a light drizzle. Not threatening at the moment but enough for the cameramen to cover their equipment with plastic.

After 21 overs,India 39/4 (Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , R Ashwin 4)

Another maiden. Lakaml’s 9th of the match. How long can he bowl? Can he give two more overs for his captain?

Lowest scores at which India lost their fourth wicket against Sri Lanka in Tests:

30 – Kolkata, 2017*
32 – Ahmedabad, 2009
45 – Galle, 2015

After 20 overs,India 39/4 (Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , R Ashwin 4)

Shanaka responds well after the first ball boundary and brings one back into Pujara, who inside edges it onto his thigh. Ball three is full again and Pujara goes forward to defend. Bowls an outswinger and Pujara leaves it alone. Again goes full on the fifth ball and Pujara thwacks it towards the bowler, who stops it in his follow through. Pujara again digs the final ball onto the pitch.

FOUR! Shanaka leaks another boundary. Goes ambitiously full and Pujara has no problem to punch it to the long off fence.

The Indian management have sent Ravichandran Ashwin at No 6 which indicates what his role would be in India’s future overseas tours as a batsman. Let’s see how he performs on this challenging Eden pitch.

After 19 overs,India 35/4 (Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , R Ashwin 4)

Pujara holds the key for India now. Takes a single off the second ball to bring Ashwin on strike. How will Ashwin fare against Lakmal? Solidly pushes his first ball to mid off and then defends the second with his bat close to the pad. Ash taps the fifth ball to point. And the last ball, which was slow, 124 kph, is blocked right under the eyeline by Ashwin.

Typical Ashwin special to get off the mark. A crunch cover drive and the crowd in calls out in unison, ‘Shot’. You might say, India are on the backfoot and the pressure is on the new man Ashwin but it presents the all-rounder with a golden opportunity to do well in testing conditions as a batsman.

Sri Lanka do not have more than 2 frontline fast bowlers. So they are attacking with gusto when there is still life in the pitch. The green covering on the pitch is a pep up. India’s batting will be challenged right through the innings.

After 18 overs,India 34/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 17 , R Ashwin 4)

A poor, really poor shot from Rahane ends his stay at the crease. Interestingly, India have maintained their batting order. Ashwin comes at six. Wonder whether there was a case of sending the local boy Wriddhiman Saha up the order. Anyways, Ashwin has started decently and even managed to open his account with a boundary.

FOUR! A friendly full toss. Hit me delivery really and Ashwin obliges, dispatches it to the cover fence.

India are in deep trouble now after losing the fourth wicket in-form of Ajinkya Rahane as he tried to touch a ball which did not swing. It was a poor shot from him. He could have taken a leaf out of Pujara’s book to play late on this pitch.

Terrible stroke from Rahane. Got tempted by the gentle medium pace of Shanaka and threw his bat at a wide delivery to get caught behind. Shanaka was expected to give respite to the main bowlers. The wicket is a bonus. Horrible stroke.

Cheteshwar Pujara is grappling for India at the moment in the middle by playing as late as possible. He has scored the fourth most no. of runs in Tests in 2017. He holds the key for India here in the first session and the pitch will try to test him delivery after delivery, therefore, he has to be meticulous here.

Rahane never looked too comfortable on the crease but just as when he was spending some time in between he has managed to feather it. This isn’t good for India. Ravichandran Ashwin joins Pujara in the 18th over of the match.

OUT! Edged and taken! Wrong shot selection and Rahane departs. Shanaka collects his first, It was an innocuous delivery way outside off, Rahane tries to drive it away from his body and nicks it to Dickwella. The umpire raises his finger and Rahane starts to walk, doesn’t even think about a review. Sri Lanka have got the wicket they wanted.

After 17 overs,India 30/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 17 , Ajinkya Rahane 4)

Pujara against Lakmal. The first ball is outside off, no reason to play a shot, and Pujara doesn’t. Second ball jags back in and Pujara blocks it with soft hands. Che mistimes his punche to the leg side and then a soft edge on the fourth delivery rolls towards the second gully. Tries to glance the fifth ball but misses it. Lakmal angles the sixth ball on a  length and around off, Pujara stonewalls it off his back foot.

After yesterday’s rain interruptions, it is good to see a timely start to Day 2. Importantly, the covers would have been taken off early morning. So pitch would have dried slightly. But moisture would be present a lot longer.

After 16 overs,India 30/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 17 , Ajinkya Rahane 4)

Shanaka again starts with a very full delivery and Pujara drives it to covers. Two more dots follow and Pujara flicks the fourth ball for a single; his first of the match. Ball five: Slightly ahead of a length and angling in, Rahane prods forward to offer a confident front foot defense. Ends the over with a delivery in the sixth stump line, Rahane leaves it late.

Ajinkya Rahane scored 198 runs in India’s last home Test series against Australia at an average of 33.00, therefore, he will be under pressure to score some runs for himself and for the team also in a difficult situation as this and he is known for playing such knocks throughout his career.

After 15 overs,India 29/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 16 , Ajinkya Rahane 4)

Three slips and two gullies for Lakmal. Ball two: Rahane was tentative whether to play it off the front foot or the back foot and inside edged it onto his pad. Rahane then leaves two deliveries watchfully. There it is. Lakmal  has allowed runs in this match for the first time in this match. Rahane scores a boundary.

FOUR! Stop the press, Suranga Lakmal has finally conceded runs. Pitches it on a length and around off, Rahane looks to drive but edges it through point to get off the mark.

Couple of confident drives past mid-off will get Pujara going. While Rahane searching for his first run of the match, goes to tell a lot about the different bowlers these two are playing. Surprisingly there are very few people who have turned up today, they might have given too much attention to the forecasts.

After 14 overs,India 25/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 16 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Bowling change! Shanaka replaces Gamage. Three slips and a gully positioned for him. Begins with three dots. He is bowling in the early 120s. That pace would be easy for the Indian batsmen to deal with. It is important for Sri Lanka to maintain pressure from both ends but it has not happened in this over. Eight runs off it.

FOUR! Again too full and Pujara punches it down the ground. No mid off and the ball rushes away to the fence.

FOUR! Overpitched from Shanaka and Pujara drives it comfortably through covers.

After 13 overs,India 17/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 8 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Lakmal is back. This is about to get interesting. Begins with a fifth stump line, Rahane first thinks of poking at it and then leaves it alone. Makes a more assured decision on ball two and shoulders his arms to a length ball. Another outswinger and Dickwella does his job. Two more balls that that move away and Rahane doesn’t offer a shot. The final ball is on the fifth stump line, Rahane tries to dig it onto the pitch but gets beaten.

On a length, width offered by Gamage. Pujara says, “No, thanks,” and leaves it alone.

The Sri Lankan players are itching to get out on the field as they get into the huddle before the umpires even walk out. Matthew Hayden completes the bell ringing ceremony, mowing it with his burly biceps. Gamage to Pujara, from the Pavilion End.

Okay then. Matthew Hayden rings the bell on Day 2. The Sri Lankan players are making their way onto the field. Pujara and Rahane walk towards the centre. Gamage to finish his over.

9 am was the scheduled start time but there is a slight delay. Fret not as we are certainly not too far away from the first ball of Day 2 and the last ball of the 12th over. 

One by one the Lankan players have come out and amongst them is chief -wrecker Suranga Lakmal.

The former cricketer, Ashish Nehra, always at his jovial best, is speaking to a bunch of Indian players with Bharat Arun and Bhuvi doing the most of the talking.

Day 2 Hours of play (98.1 overs to be bowled)

First session: 9.15 to 11.30

Second Session: 12.10 to 14.25

Third session: 14.45 to 16.45

Along with the ground staff, the stadium employees are at work. Remember there was significant overnight rain they clean the water off the seats as the fans begin to come in.

These are wonderful signs from the Eden Gardens. A ground with no plastic on it and you can clearly see the green on the outfield and well, the pitch as well, which is currently being rolled.

Your 22 yards for the day. 

What do you reckon the pitch has in store on Day 2 of the 1st Test? #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/z54a3FgwLG

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2017

The surface hasn’t changed considerably. It is still going to be difficult for the batsmen but the bowlers have to find the right lengths. Getting the batsmen onto the front foot would be key. Important to force them to commit, informs Sunil Gavaskar at the pitch report.

Firstpost correspondent Vaibhav Shah previews the Day 2 live from Kolkata and gives live updates about the weather. He reckons the match will start on time. Fingers crossed. 

Looks clear at the moment. There area few dark clouds although it is nowhere close to how gloomy Kolkata was yesterday. But, the city of joy did experience a decent amount of rain last night. It will be interesting to see if the outfield has dried up.

Safe to say that this is one of the most challenging situations India have found themselves in the last one year. Wonder what Kohli would be saying to the team right now? 

A quick pep talk for the boys as we get close to the start of Day's play #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/gGSScSbMAc

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2017

The hours of play on Day 2. 

Day 2 of the 1st Test - Hours of play #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/cxtNr4ev1m

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2017

India vs Sri Lanka: Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar says team ‘happy to play on wickets like this’ after hosts’ struggle on Day 1http://www.firstpost.com

The scheduled start is at 915 am, if the rain stays away that is.

India vs Sri Lanka 2017: Visitors need Suranga Lakmal to continue wreaking havoc on hosts on Day 2http://www.firstpost.com

Brighter day today. India's quandary is that they need enough runs but also want to attack Sri Lanka while the track is so spicy.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 17, 2017

India vs Sri Lanka: Struggling hosts need Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane to steady ship on Day 2http://www.firstpost.com

Our reporter cum weatherman Vaibhav Shah informs us from Kolkata that the rain gods have been kind on us this morning, but it was pouring last night. Let’s hope that groundsmen have got enough time to prepare the ground in time.

India vs Sri Lanka: Suranga Lakmal’s early burst reopens old wounds, serves wake-up call ahead of South Africa tourhttp://www.firstpost.com

India vs Sri Lanka: Unsung Suranga Lakmal proved his worth once again with a magical spellhttp://www.firstpost.com

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live blog of the second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka being held in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

After the rain-marred day one, where the hosts struggled against the moving ball to end up at 17 for three, India would be aiming to rebuild their innings with the help of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.

However, the visitors’ would aim to continue the good performance from Day 1 and bowl out their opponents cheaply.