Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 4 at Kolkata: Play stopped due to poor light

Players to have batted on each day of a Test: 

M Jaisimha v Australia at Kolkata in 1960 
G Boycott v Australia at Nottingham in 1977 
K Hughes v England at Lord’s in 1980 
A Lamb v West Indies at Lord’s in 1984  
R Shastri v England at Kolkata in 1984 
A Griffith v New Zealand at Hamilton in 1999 
A Flintoff v India at Mohali in 2006 
A Peterson v New Zealand at Wellington in 2012 

Cheteshwar Pujara is set to become the ninth batsman to have batted on each day of a Test match.

The play has been called off and as India’s No 4 and No 5 practice, the Lankan team cools down while the ground staff sweep the pitch. End of a fascinating day of cricket. Sri Lanka would be happy that they could stretch the lead in excess of 120, while Dhawan and Rahul’s stand 166 would make the Indian camp feel good.

The crowd is applauding and cheering every shot that has come off Virat’s bat. Ashwin joins Bangar and R Sridhar to roll his arm.

Oh no! The umpires have decided to leave the field and as soon as the batsmen started walking, the crowd started leaving. The few who were in the line behind, stop and see the Indian captain and vice-captain come out to bat…. but only for some practice.

The umpires are constantly checking light. They think its okay to continue for another over. So Shanaka steams in and bounces Pujara, who allows Dickwella to do his job. Then he flicks the second ball to backward square leg for a single. Then Rahul picks up a couple. And… the umpires are back and having a discussion. Play stopped due to bad light. It is stumps on Day 4 and India lead by 49 runs.

Brief chat between the two umpires. They haven’t checked the light yet as we carry on with the game. It’s not very dark or gloomy just yet. Perhaps we can get a few overs in.

After 39 overs,India 168/1 ( Lokesh Rahul 71 , Cheteshwar Pujara 1)

Rahul squeezes a single to gully. Pujara then flicks a short of length delivery to bacward square leg ot bring Rahul back on strike. Lakmal ends the over with short balls. Rahul gets out of its way.

After 38 overs,India 166/1 ( Lokesh Rahul 70 , Cheteshwar Pujara 0)

After losing Dhawan, Pujara walks out to bat and plays out five successive balls.

The fourth umpire just handed over the light meter to standing umpire Nigel Llong. 20 overs still left to play according to the schedule. Obviously, we won’t get all of it.

What was that? Dhawan edged the ball to get caught behind and then asked for a review! Wasted review for India. Nevertheless good first wicket stand of 166 between him and Rahul. Puts India 44 runs ahead. Dhawan fell in the nervous 90s. A century was his for the asking.

Dhawan walks off to a standing ovation, it was strange to see the spike on snicko after Dhawan so confidently asked for a referral. Nevertheless, it was a great display of attacking batting. His shot selection on the ball he was dismissed can be questioned but he swears by his aggressive style and prefers to remain true to it.

OUT! Think I jinxed him. Dhawan misses his ton. The southpaw looked to drive but inside edged to Dickwella. Dhawan reviewd it immediately but replays indicate there was a small nick. Dhawan departs for 94.

The last Indian opener to score a century in the second innings of a home Test was Gautam Gambhir. He hit the century in India’s second innings against Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad in 2009.

After 37 overs,India 166/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 70 , Shikhar Dhawan 94)

Dhawan is inching towards his 7th century. His form has been splendid in the last few Tests. A boundary and three singles.

FOUR! Dhawan was anticipating a full ball, kneeled and swept it hard to the square leg fence.

After 36 overs,India 159/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 69 , Shikhar Dhawan 88)

Rahul is going through a patchy phase currently. He will have to grind it out at the centre. Meanwhile, it is becoming dark. Two singles off the over.

The last over by Perera was the first maiden over in 35 overs bowled in the second innings. Goes to show how dominant India have been.

After 35 overs,India 157/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 68 , Shikhar Dhawan 87)

Dhawan prods forward and blocks the first ball. Taps the second ball softly towards point. Wants a single, Rahul shouts no. Looks to glance the third ball but gets rapped on the pads. Goes on his front foot on the fourth ball and buries it. Clears his front leg and punches the next delivery to covers. Push drives the sixth ball to the off side.

Lanka bowling defensive lines and to defensive fields. The batsmen are well set. They could go after the bowling when the visitors are dispirited and down in confidence. But Rahul and Dhawan have actually slowed the scoring after an aggressive start.

Shikhar Dhawan is now toying with the Sri Lankan bowlers. These innings might lead to Murali Vijay ending up sitting out of the remaining matches in the series.

After 34 overs,India 157/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 68 , Shikhar Dhawan 87)

Change of ends for Shanaka. Rahul drills ball one through covers for a single. Dhawan punches the third ball to mid off for a quick run. Sharp delivery. Pitched on a length and outside off, Rahul pokes at it and gets beaten. Carefully leaves the next ball. Similar approach on the final delivery.

After 33 overs,India 155/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 67 , Shikhar Dhawan 86)

Bowling change. Perera replaces Herath. The first two balls go for singles. Then Rahul remains on strike for three balls before retaining strike with a run.

This is the second time that both Indian openers have scored fifty-plus runs in the same Test innings at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The other instance was against Australia in 1998.

Four to the right and then to the left of fine leg helps India jet past 150. Dhawan 15 runs away from a magnificent century.

After 32 overs,India 152/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 65 , Shikhar Dhawan 85)

Toying with the bowling now is Shikhar Dhawan. Remember he is picked in the team because of his ability to change the phase of the game in one innings. He seems on track for doing so currently. Scored 11 off the 12 runs in this over.

FOUR! Pulled again but to a different region. This time Dhawan keeps it fine and the ball rolls away to the fence in no time.

FOUR! Dhawan is getting into his groove now. Rides the bounce of the short ball, swivels across and pulls it in front of square on the leg side.

Floodlights have been switched on now. 5 hours later compared to Day 2.

All too easy for now. The runs are now coming in excess of 4.5 runs an over. These two are well set and don’t look to get out any soon.

KL Rahul has scored nine fifty-plus scores out of his last 11 Test innings but he has not scored a century yet. He has to learn to score big centuries if he wants to do well and he can start doing it from this innings itself as he has already scored fifty-plus runs.

It is amazing the way Dhawan has dominated Herath. He clobbered him so badly in Sri Lanka that their skipper did not want to bring on the demoralised veteran when Dhawan was at the crease. Here too he introduced Herath only after India had got to 100 runs. But in the three overs, he has bowled since Dhawan has clobbered him for 2 sixes and at over 8 runs an over!

After 31 overs,India 140/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 64 , Shikhar Dhawan 74)

Dhawan sweeps the first two deliveries of Herath’s third over, the first fetching him a double off a paddle handing the strike back to Rahul off the other. Dhawan gets down on one knee and slog-sweeps a half-volley from the veteran spinner towards the midwicket fence for a six off the penultimate delivery. Collects a single off the last ball to retain strike. The umpire signals the drinks break at the end of this over — a good one for the Indians, with 11 coming off it.

SIX! Dhawan seems to have unleashed himself after getting past his half-century! Herath bowls a half-volley just outside off, with Dhawan getting down one one knee and sweeping it over the midwicket fence! India 139/0

India are now ahead and the haste with which they add runs from now on will determine how much pressure they can put on Lanka. They are going at over 4 runs per over. But for India to have a chance at pushing for victory, the target score and remaining time would be crucial. Of course, the deterioration of the last day’s pitch will count.

After 30 overs,India 129/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 63 , Shikhar Dhawan 64)

Umpire Nigel Llong signals a no-ball off the third delivery of Gamage’s eighth over, though it turns out to be a harsh decision as the bowler had a bit of his foot behind the crease after landing. Three off the over, including two singles.

India have now taken a lead in their second innings. Both the openers have scored fifty-plus runs as of now and the century stand between Rahul and Dhawan in India’s second innings is their first one in India’s second innings of a Test by a pair since 2010 when Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag did the same against South Africa.

India go ahead with Dhawan’s six, the Lankan bowlers have given away runs at more than 4 runs an over and without creating any real difficulty for the Indian openers.

Not to take anything away from the Indian openers who have made full use of good batting conditions and will now look to build on this lead.

After 29 overs,India 126/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 62 , Shikhar Dhawan 63)

Dhawan and Rahul exchange singles after dots off the first two deliveries of the over. Dhawan though, ruins what could have been a fine over for the veteran left-arm spinner as he smacks the ball towards the stands beyond the cow-corner fence, putting India in the lead in style! Eight off the over.

SIX! That’s the first big hit of India’s second innings! Dhawan moves forward, and swings his bat towards the cow-corner fence, depositing the ball into the stands! India 126/0

After 28 overs,India 118/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 61 , Shikhar Dhawan 56)

Gamage returns to the attack in the 28th over, with Rahul collecting a single off the first delivery of the over. Dhawan opts for the defensive approach for the remainder of the over, collecting a single off the last ball of the over, with two coming off it.

Change from both ends now. Lahiru Gamage replaces Dilruwan Perera from the Pavilion End.

Dhawan follows his opening partner to notch his fifty, the duo fist bump and shakes hands as Herath makes his way to the bowling crease with India only 12 runs behind.

Dhawan has decided to be a lot more circumspect in this innings. He played a poor shot in the first and thus was a lot more wary of his stroke selection in this innings. He allowed Rahul to take the lead in strokeplay. But after settling down, Dhawan played some of his trademark shots to get to his 50.

After 27 overs,India 116/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 60 , Shikhar Dhawan 55)

Herath comes into the attack, and starts off with a full-toss along off. Dhawan dances down the track off the next delivery, but can only get a single off it. The left-handed batsman though, gets a boundary off the penultimate delivery, coming down the pitch and lofting the ball down the ground for his eighth boundary. Six off the over.

FOUR! Dhawan shuffles down the pitch yet again, and lofts the ball down the ground, with the ball landing inches from the boundary rope at long-off. India 116/0

This particular spectator is on his 15th dash. He runs in the passage between the seating rows holding the flag on his head every time the ball goes to the boundary.

The other people in the stadium laugh, applaud but more importantly love it as they cheer him every time there is a boundary. 

Change of bowling. Rangana Herath comes into the attack for the first time in this innings, bowling from the High Court End, replacing Suranga Lakmal.

After 26 overs,India 110/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 59 , Shikhar Dhawan 50)

Eventful over for the Indians. Not only does Dhawan cut one through point off a back-of-length ball from Perera to collect a boundary, but gets a single later in the over to bring up his fourth Test half-century! With both batsmen past the 50-run mark, they will be looking to play more freely now!

FIFTY for Shikhar Dhawan! His fourth in Tests (with six centuries) and he gets to the milestone in 74 deliveries! Gets there with a single after guiding the ball towards the leg side off Perera, with seven fours coming off his bat so far!

FOUR! Dhawan rocks back, and powerfully cuts a back-of-length delivery from Perera through the gap at point, collecting his his seventh boundary in the process! He is just two away from getting to his half-century now! India 107/0

After 25 overs,India 103/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 58 , Shikhar Dhawan 44)

Another tidy over by Lakmal, with three singles coming off it. Dhawan, who collects two of those singles, is now one big hit away from reaching his fourth Test half-century.

Excellent opening partnership by Rahul and Dhawan. The stand has taken pressure off having to bat through a 122-run lead. Both have batted aggressively and ensured that the Lankan bowlers would not be able to apply pressure through the afternoon. Rahul showed the way with some lovely drives and Dhawan followed suit to help in the push-back. Good century partnership after the woes of the first innings.

The Eden crowd comes up with a unique acronym for India’s opening pair of Rahul and Dhawan: ‘Rawan.’ Obviously playing Sri Lanka adds deeper context.

And the pair of Rawan brings up the 100 run opening stand.

After 24 overs,India 100/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 57 , Shikhar Dhawan 42)

Dhawan tries charging down the track off the second delivery of Perera’s sixth over, but his drive gets intercepted by a man at cover. The southpaw opener though collects a single off the last ball of the over to bring up the 100-stand with Rahul! Two off the over.

100-stand up between Dhawan and Rahul for the opening wicket! Has been a fine comeback by the two so far in the innings, with both falling cheaply in the first essay! Dhawan brings up the milestone with a single off the last ball of the 24th over.

After 23 overs,India 98/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 56 , Shikhar Dhawan 41)

The third delivery of Lakmal’s sixth over is a sharp inswinger which Rahul decides to leave, with the ball travelling anxiously close to the batsman’s off-stump. Good, tight over by Lakmal, with just one run coming off it. The partnership between the Indian openers now worth 98.

After 22 overs,India 97/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 55 , Shikhar Dhawan 41)

Massive appeal for lbw against Dhawan by Perera and the rest of the close-in Sri Lankan fielders. They go for the review after umpire Nigel Llong turns the appeal down, with the third umpire eventually agreeing with his on-field counterpart, as replays confirm contact between bat and ball. Just two off the over.

India cruising along nicely. The openers are playing some absolutely free flowing strokes while the bowling lacks bite. Probably nothing in the pitch and with the sun out, no help from the skies. 

With the change in conditions, the entire complexion of the match has changed. India only 27 behind.

After 21 overs,India 95/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 54 , Shikhar Dhawan 40)

Lakmal, bowling around the wicket to Dhawan, concedes a boundary off the first ball of the over with Dhawan simply opening the face of his bat and guiding the cherry towards the backward point boundary. The southpaw opener collects a single off the last ball, with five coming off the over. The Indian opening pair are five short of bringing up the century stand in this innings. And they have done it at a decent pace as well, going at nearly five an over.

After 21 overs,India 95/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 54 , Shikhar Dhawan 40)

Lakmal, bowling around the wicket to Dhawan, concedes a boundary off the first ball of the over with Dhawan simply opening the face of his bat and guiding the cherry towards the backward point boundary. The southpaw opener collects a single off the last ball, with five coming off the over. The Indian opening pair are five short of bringing up the century stand in this innings. And they have done it at a decent pace as well, going at nearly five an over.

Another 50 by KL Rahul . Came off 65 balls. His 9th innings of 50 in 11 innings. A lovely track record of consistency. Super drives through the off-side off both pace and spin bowlers stood out in the innings

Ahh! He missed out in the first innings getting gem of a delivery but Rahul has made full use this time around, another half century. Good track to continue batting on and what better venue than Eden Gardens to get a big one.

The crowd is on its feet applauding a knock that comprised some elegant stroke play along with some sensible batting.

FOUR! The boundaries are flowing for the Indians now! Dhawan opens the face of his bat, and guides the ball wide of gully, and away to the deep backward point boundary! India 94/0

After 20 overs,India 90/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 54 , Shikhar Dhawan 35)

Another fine over for the Indians, with seven coming off it, including a boundary off the last ball of the over with Rahul spanking the ball through the covers. The right-handed opener also gets to his ninth fifty in 11 innings — a hallmark to his consistency — with a single off the fourth delivery of the over.

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet by Rahul as he shuffles down the track against Perera, and drives through the gap between cover and extra-cover to collect his eighth boundary! India 90/0

FIFTY for KL Rahul — his ninth such score in the last 11 innings! Gets to the milestone with a single after nudging the ball towards the leg side. He may have faltered off the very first ball of the match, but boy has he bounced back in this innings! Let’s see if he can convert this one or not.

After 19 overs,India 83/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 49 , Shikhar Dhawan 33)

Lakmal continues from the other end, with this over turning out to be a decent one for the Indians. Back-to-back boundaries for Rahul as he drives one through cover point, before getting a thick inside-edge off the next ball to move to 49. Eight off the over.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Rahul, who moves to 49 in the process, though he enjoys a bit of luck on this occasion with an inside-edge carrying all the way to the fine-leg fence! Rahul’s on 49 now.  India 83/0

FOUR! Exquisite stuff from KL Rahul! Gets it in his hitting arc once again as Lakmal falters in his length. The ball races away to the sweeper cover boundary. India 79/0

After 18 overs,India 75/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 41 , Shikhar Dhawan 33)

Rahul begins the over with a well-timed drive through the covers off Perera, finding the extra-cover boundary with ease! Collects a single off the last delivery of the over to retain strike for the following over, with five coming off it.

FOUR! What a way for KL Rahul to start the evening session! Perera bowls a half-volley outside off, perfectly in the arc for a well-timed cover drive.

Sri Lanka involved in prolonged chat in the huddle as the Indian openers make their way out for the final session of Day 4. 

Can we get all the 41 overs? Seems difficult but let’s find out.

The players make their way out the centre at the start of the final session of Day 4. Dilruwan Perera to continue, with Rahul on strike.

Both Rahul and Dhawan have enjoyed batting on the wicket that has flattened out quite a bit as they smash 70 in the 17 overs of play so far. Behind by 52 runs.

India have made a formidable start in their second innings and both the openers are still there in the middle after the 17th over. It will be intriguing to see what will be Sri Lanka’s plan B after the tea break.

After 17 overs,India 70/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 36 , Shikhar Dhawan 33)

Lakmal returns for the last over before tea. Rahul milks a single to midwicket. And then Dhawan punches to the extra cover fence. Time for tea.

After 16 overs,India 65/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 35 , Shikhar Dhawan 29)

Rahul eases the first ball to long on for a run. Sri Lanka appeal for bat-pad catch. The players are not too excited but Chandimal opts for a review. Replays confirm it came off the pad. Review wasted. Dhawan drives the third ball to sweeper cover for a single. Final three balls: 1, 1, 1.

Leaving a few blocks in Jagmohan Dalmiya stand, Sourav Ganguly stand and BN Dutt stand, many seats in other stands remain empty. The stadium that can accommodate 66,000 spectators, is less than one third filled. In last 15 minutes with India coasting nicely, there have been attempts of Mexican waves, chants that carry on for longer times and beg for other stands to join in but nothing has completely materialised. It has been restricted to its limited surroundings.

After 15 overs,India 60/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 32 , Shikhar Dhawan 27)

Sixth over for Shanaka. Lakmal is on the ground but will have to time for some time before coming onto bowl. Rahul and Dhawan looking comfortable against Shanaka. They milk three singles.

After 14 overs,India 57/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 30 , Shikhar Dhawan 26)

Contrary to the other days, a lot of fans in the stands today. They are making a lot of noise as India have begun positively. Spin introdued. Dilruwan Perera comes into the attack. A slip and forward short leg in place. Rahul guides the first ball to third man for a brace. Then four dot balls follow before Rahul rotates the strike to retain it.

After 13 overs,India 54/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 27 , Shikhar Dhawan 26)

The 50-run stand comes up between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul. India’s trail is down to 68 runs. Six came off this over.

Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul’s last five stands in Tests:

49, 56, 188, 0, 54* (and counting)

Rahul and Dhawan have shaved off 50 runs from the lead through the opening partnership. India are pushing for quick runs and are going at 4 runs an over. Aggressive intent. Sri Lanka are feeling the heat.

Lakmal at fine leg hasn’t looked very comfortable, suggesting something is still bothering him.

Meanwhile, the crowd erupts with India reaching the 50-run mark and the two openers have scored at a decent pace of 4 runs per over.

Lakmal at fine leg hasn’t looked very comfortable, suggesting something is still bothering him.

Meanwhile, the crowd erupts with India reaching the 50-run mark and the two openers have scored at a decent pace of 4 runs per over.

After 12 overs,India 48/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 23 , Shikhar Dhawan 25)

DROPPED! A tough chance goes down. Rahul drives it down the ground and it hits Gamage on his right hand in his followthrough. These catches must stick and this time around it didn’t. Rahul inside edges a delivery to deep square leg and calls Dhawan across. Eventful over as Dhawan ends it with a boundary.

FOUR! Terrific stroke. Crunches it through covers.

More 47 overs of play scheduled. We have been losing light from around 4-4:15 pm onwards for the past three days. Need to get as many as possible today, hopefully, the light holds up as it has done today. It is almost 2 and the good thing is we haven’t needed to switch on the floodlights just as yet.

After 11 overs,India 43/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 22 , Shikhar Dhawan 21)

Rahul tries to punch one but the ball stays low and he inside edges it to point. One run added to the total. Dhawan push drives the fourth ball and the cover fielder fails to stop it which allows them to run two. A premeditated shot. Shikhar skips down the track and bunts it to the long off fence.

FOUR! Gets to the pitch of the ball and punches it past mid off.

No. Shanaka will continue as Lakmal hands him the ball and stands inside the ring at mid on.

After 10 overs,India 36/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 21 , Shikhar Dhawan 15)

Gamage continues. Bowling in better lines now. Only two off it. India trail by 86 runs.

After 9 overs,India 34/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 20 , Shikhar Dhawan 14)

A decent over from Shanaka this. He managed to beat Rahul on the outside edge and allowed only one single.

Lakmal walks back onto the field and positions himself at third man. Looks like he will back in action soon.

Lakmal walks back onto the field and positions himself at third man. Looks like he will back in action soon.

The pitch has been eased out and Sri Lankan bowlers are also not effective as they were in the first innings. KL Rahul is looking ominous. By the way, before getting a golden duck in the first innings, he amassed seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in Tests. On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan is also slowly and steadily building his own innings and in his own style.

After 8 overs,India 33/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 20 , Shikhar Dhawan 13)

Sri Lanka are missing their best pacer. Gamage and Shanaka are just not able to make full use of the new ball. Four off the eighth over.

FOUR! Rahul seems to be in good touch. Moves forward and guides the ball to the point fence with an open bat fence.

The Lankan bowlers must be wondering at the sudden change of fortunes. All that they had to do on the first innings pitch was just turn up and bowl. The pitch did the rest and the Indian batsmen obliged by getting out. But in the second innings the pitch has flattened out and both KL Rahul and Dhawan have played some fine strokes and shaved off part of the lead in real quick time.

After 7 overs,India 29/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 16 , Shikhar Dhawan 13)

The pitch has eased out. India feasting on the Lankan bowling too. Two braces in Shanaka’s second over.

After 6 overs,India 25/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 16 , Shikhar Dhawan 9)

Nope. Lakmal isn’t back. Bhogle informs on air that he is having issues with his right knee. A niggle maybe. Gamage will continue. Seeing Rahul’s urge to drive, Chandimal decides to keep two short covers. What does Rahul do? Shuffles across in anticipation and defends it towards the off side. Two runs off this over.

Lokesh Rahul has played some delightful shots at the start of the innings to put pressure on Sri Lanka but the onus will be on both the Indian openers to overcome the first innings lead as early as they can.

India’s deficit is under 100 and they have scored the first 23 runs rather easily. Chandimal has deployed a deep point and a fine leg for Rahul and a third man and a long leg for Dhawan.

After 5 overs,India 23/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 15 , Shikhar Dhawan 8)

Change in bowling. Shanaka comes on. Lead is now below 100 after Rahul manages to run one to fine leg. Dhawan leaves two back of a length deliveries. He punches the fifth ball to covers for no run before failing to tuck the sixth ball properly.

Lakmal had gone off the field in the last over and hasn’t returned since. Shanaka comes on in the 5th over.

After 4 overs,India 22/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 14 , Shikhar Dhawan 8)

Rahul edges but controls it with soft hands and the ball doesn’t carry to the second slip. The second ball is on the shorter length, Rahul gets on his toes and taps it to point. Single taken. Dhawan collects his second boundary to deep mdwicket fence.

FOUR! Short and Dhawan swivels to pull it through midwicket.

After 3 overs,India 17/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 13 , Shikhar Dhawan 4)

India are going for their shots. They are putting away all the bad balls. We are in for an exciting fashion. A boundary came off Lakmal’s second.

FOUR! Dhawan gets his stride forward and punches it firmly through covers.

Chandimal at mid-off is constantly giving some advice to Gamage. But the bowler has struggled to find the right length, bowling it very full. Herath and Chandimal are in a discussion too.

After 2 overs,India 13/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 13 , Shikhar Dhawan 0)

Gamage to bowl from the other end. On a length and outside off, Rahul pokes and ball roars past his outside edge. Two good looking boundaries follow. That will give him some confidence. Oh hold on, another. This time through covers. 12 off the over.

Gamage pitching the ball right up in search of the sort of movement he got in the first innings. But he’s getting none of it. On the other hand, KL Rahul played 3 spanking cover drives to the fence. Beautiful timing on the shots. Makes great watching.

FOUR! Gamage is too full! Rahul accepts another half-volley and sends it to the cover fence.

FOUR! This time down the ground. Lovely to watch. Again it was full and Rahul punched it to the long off fence.

FOUR! Glorious! Too full and Rahul creams it through covers.

After 1 overs,India 1/0 ( Lokesh Rahul 1 , Shikhar Dhawan 0)

No king pair for Rahul who blocks the first ball from his crease. Then on the fourth ball, he gets off the mark with a tap to covers. One off the first over.

This is the fourth time that two Indian pacers have taken 4 or more wickets each in a home Test innings. 

Other instances:

v England at Mumbai in 1981
v Sri Lanka at Mohali in 1997 
v Australia at Bangalore in 2008

KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan are at the centre. Suranga Lakmal will start the proceedings for Sri Lanka. Here we go…

Out come the Indian openers. Sri Lanka have a hefty lead. India would ideally want to be ahead at stumps with not more than a wicket lost.

Lakmal will begin from his preferred High court end, three slips and a gully in position.

Instances of all 10 opposition wickets being taken by Indian pacers in a home Test innings:

v England at Mumbai in 1981
v West Indies at Ahmedabad in 1983
v Sri Lanka at Kolkata in 2017*

Lanka have a handy lead of 122. Very impressive indeed given they lost 2 early wickets. Fine rearguard action, thanks to Herath mainly. Shami, Bhuvi pick up 4 wickets apiece. The pressure is on India’s batsmen for rest of day.

All 10 Sri Lankan wickets fell to pace with Kumar and Shami taking 4 apiece. Dhawan and Pujara run off the field quickly. India’s second innings will start in 10 minutes.

OUT! Sri Lanka bowled out for 294. Lakmal drags a Shami delivery onto his stump. They lead by 122 runs, which is quite substantial.

After 83 overs,Sri Lanka 290/9 ( Suranga Lakmal 12 , Lahiru Gamage 0)

Good over from Bhuvi. A wicket maiden.

Herath turning out to be a real thorn in the side for India. He made an impactful 67 before falling to Bhuvi, caught at deep point. He has taken Sri Lanka towards a psychologically important landmark of 300.

The jubilation for the wicket was then followed by applause for Herath. Herath has done his job stitching another 46 run stand for the 10th wicket.

OUT! Bhuvneshwar dismisses Herath. His valuable knock comes to an end. 67 runs!  He slices one to Shami at deep point. Chandimal is a happy captain and welcomes his most senior player warmly.

Rangana Herath’s 67* (and counting) runs are now the most by a Sri Lankan batsman after the age of 39 in Test innings. The previous highest was 61 by Somachandra De Silva against New Zealand at Wellington in 1983.

After 82 overs,Sri Lanka 290/8 ( Rangana Herath 67 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

Herath pulls one towards midwicket and sensing an opportunity Jadeja hurls a throw at the bowler’s end. But Ashwin doesn’t back it up well and the ball rolls away to the fence. A top edge helps Herath score his ninth boundary. The fifth ball Herath pats one to backward point. Nine off the over.

FOUR! Herath tries to pull one to square leg but top edges it over the keeper.

After 81 overs,Sri Lanka 281/8 ( Rangana Herath 58 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

New ball taken and Virat Kohli brings back Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Two slips and a gully in place. Beautifully bowls his second ball; the ball moves away and beats Herath’s willow marginally. Herath then flicks the third ball to midwicket and runs two. He also retains the strike with a tuck behind square.

India leaving it loose, no attempts to stop the single in the final couple of deliveries with the field remaining the same. With the 2nd new ball, they should try and get Lakmal on strike and as I write, India concede four overthrows.

Rangana Herath is now the highest scorer in the match and substantiates that if age and circumstances alter your passion then you were never passionate.

No delay in taking the new ball and it will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar from the high court end. Two slips and a gully for Herath. Shami begins to loosen up as well.

After 80 overs,Sri Lanka 278/8 ( Rangana Herath 55 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

The last over before the option of a new ball. Umesh continues to leak. He is not learning from his mistakes. Five came off the over.

With that boundary, Herath is now the top scorer of the match.

FOUR! Herath is growing in confidence. Short-arm pulls it through midwicket for a boundary.

After 79 overs,Sri Lanka 273/8 ( Rangana Herath 50 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

Ashwin tried to tempt Lakmal into a big shot and he fails to control his urge. Goes for a big swing on the third ball but the bat hits the toe end. Maiden over.

Rangana Herath becomes the oldest batsman to score fifty-plus runs batting at No 8 or lower in Tests played in India. The previous batsman was Ian Johson who did the same at the age of 38 years and 316 days at Chennai in 1956.

A solid half-century by Herath. Can’t really keep him out of the game, can you? He walked in when Sri Lanka had collapsed from 201/4 to 201/7. Since then he has held one end, something he often does with the ball but has shown admirable grit with the bat today.

Well earned half-century that has helped Lanka stretch their lead to 100.

After 78 overs,Sri Lanka 273/8 ( Rangana Herath 50 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

A good start to the over for Umesh. The ball seams away and wobbles as Saha collects it with some effort. Herath slams his fifty on the third ball. Five off the over. The lead has crossed 100 runs.

FIFTY! Umesh keeps it full and Herath caresses it through covers for a boundary. Completes his third fifty in the process.

After 77 overs,Sri Lanka 268/8 ( Rangana Herath 46 , Suranga Lakmal 12)

Lakmal shimmies down the track and slaps one down the ground. Ashwin’s finger tips made it slow and they collect one. Lovely ball! Ashwin bowls it flat and around off, Herath looks to cut but is cramped for room and the ball almost hits the top of off. Herath then takes a single to backward square. Bowls three consecutive off-spinner to Lakmal, who gets slightly puzzled.

After 76 overs,Sri Lanka 266/8 ( Rangana Herath 45 , Suranga Lakmal 11)

Umesh to bowl from the other end. Begins with a length ball around off, Lakmal pats it towards covers. Single taken. He cuts the second ball to Rahane at point. Yadav’s third delivery is short and Herath misses his pull to get hit. Mistimes his cut off the fifth ball towards point and then swings and misses on the sixth delivery.

After 75 overs,Sri Lanka 265/8 ( Rangana Herath 45 , Suranga Lakmal 10)

First runs after lunch come off Herath’s bat as the southpaw sweeps Ashwin to square leg for a couple. Tosses the following ball, around off, and Herath gets rapped on the pads while trying to defend. Then Herath looks to reverse sweep but gets beaten. The final ball is quicker and Herath prods forward to block.

Out come the players to what promises to be another gripping session. India would look to run through the Sri Lankan tail as quickly as possible. While Herath and Co would love to take the lead past 130.

In the 28.2 overs bowled on the morning of Day 4, we have seen 4 wickets and 98 runs. This has been brilliant, to say the least. Props to Herath for still hanging in there and a word of appreciation on Shami and Bhuvneshwar who have bowled their heart and bodies out.

A wonderful gesture by Virat Kohli at the end of the session. He waits for the two Sri Lankan batsmen before crossing the fence. Both Lakmal and Herath busy removing their protective gear, are unaware. Kohli calls out to Hearth signalling that they are carrying on to which Hearth nods. Amazing.

It has been a spectacular morning session with something for both batsmen as well as for the seamers but it is the visitors who are inching towards a 100-run lead.

The day began with Dickwella’s positive approach but then India came back into the match with Shami and Bhuvi’s excellent spells as they picked up three quick wickets between them and then it was Rangana Herath who pushed Sri Lanka’s lead to 91 and he is still going strong in the middle. It will be intriguing to see how India start after the lunch to get the remaining wickets of Sri Lanka.

Lunch taken. Rangana Herath’s 43 has helped Sri Lanka extend their lead to 91 runs. India did scalp four wickets but they would have to wrap up the Lankan innings early after lunch.

Good session for Sri Lanka. They are 91 runs ahead at lunch. Pressure on India.

After 74 overs,Sri Lanka 263/8 ( Rangana Herath 43 , Suranga Lakmal 10)

Umesh reintroduced into the attack. Might be the last over before lunch. But his fate doesn’t change much. Ends up bowling another expensive over. Nine came off it.

FOUR! Umesh bowls a bumper and almost as if expecting it, Lakmal pulls it in front of square on the leg side.

FOUR! Herath tries to drive one but edges it over the slip cordon.

After 73 overs,Sri Lanka 254/8 ( Rangana Herath 38 , Suranga Lakmal 6)

Ashwin, who is eight wickets away from 300 wickets, comes into the attack. Slip and leg gully in place. A maiden for Ashwin to begin with!

Someone from the crowd shouts “finally” as Ravi Ashwin comes on to bowl, for the first time in the fag end of the session. Slip and leg slip in position for the offie as he begins bowling to the right-handed Lakmal.

After 72 overs,Sri Lanka 254/8 ( Rangana Herath 38 , Suranga Lakmal 6)

OUCH! Bhuvi bounces one and Lakmal gets hit on the grille. As a result of which, the neck gurad falls off. However, Lakmal seems fine to continue. As expected, Bhuvi bowls two more bumpers. Lakmal misses on the pull first time but then sends the second to fence. Takes a single on the final ball with a good-looking tuck to retain the strike.

FOUR! Lakmal is undeterred after being hit on the grille of the helmet. Pulls one to the midwicket fence.

After 71 overs,Sri Lanka 249/8 ( Rangana Herath 38 , Suranga Lakmal 1)

The lead is now 75 runs. Herath is 132 runs away from a fifty. Lakmal joins him at the crease. Now he is well aware of the conditions here. But can he be the perfect foil for Herath?

The oldest visiting batsman to score a fifty in India batting at No.8 or lower is Ian Johnson who scored a fifty at the age of 38 years and 316 days against India at Chennai in 1956. Rangana Herath has a chance of breaking that record if he scores 12 more runs today.

After 70 overs,Sri Lanka 247/8 ( Rangana Herath 37 , Suranga Lakmal 0)

‘Fielding sometimes takes your breath away,’ says Harsha Bhogle after Jadeja, India’s best fielder, makes a one-handed stop in the deep and almost runs out Herath at the striker’s end. Herath then settles for a single on the fourth ball before Lakmal plays out the over.

Perera’s innings that last more than 70 minutes has finally come to an end. Shami gets a deserved reward for his unflinching persistence. 

The crowd comes back to life and a few men do not hold back to remind the departing batsmen about the DRS incident.

After 69 overs,Sri Lanka 244/8 ( Rangana Herath 34 , )

Shami’s persistence is paying off. As good as his second spell was yesterday, today morning he has been a notch better. Four singles and a wicket off this over.

OUT! What a beauty! Perera nicks it to Saha. Shami lands it on a length and the ball jags away to find the soft edge of Perera’s willow. He walks back for 5 but survived 34 deliveries. Sri Lanka lead by 72 runs.

Into the last half an hour of morning session’s play. Sri Lanka’s 8th wicket stand has transferred the pressure back on the home side. The fans have gone quiet.

After 68 overs,Sri Lanka 240/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 3 , Rangana Herath 32)

Ashwin hasn’t featured today. Jadeja bowled only one over and Umesh Yadav has been expensive. As a result of which, Kohli was forced to go back to the pair of Shami and Bhuvi. The ball is not reversing much despite being 68 overs old. 12 overs till India have the option of opting for the next new ball. Till then, if wickets don’t fall, containing Sri Lanka will be key. The batsmen ran two singles in this over.

After 67 overs,Sri Lanka 238/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 31)

Both these players are fighting on. They are not only scoring runs but leaving the balls confidently. India must break this partnership as soon as possible.

Shami is beating the bat so often that the only plausible reason for this could be the Sri Lankan batsmen are not good enough to get even a snick. The ball is so good for them, it is beating everything they can offer, including the bat edge!

Rangana Herath did not contribute much with the bowl as he bowled just two overs in India’s first innings but he is now contributing with the bat. He has already amassed 30 runs and fighting hard for his team. India have to bring back Ashwin from one end to restrict him.

After 66 overs,Sri Lanka 237/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 30)

Bhuvi comes back. Mixes up his lengths nicely and bowls six dots on the trot.

After 65 overs,Sri Lanka 237/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 30)

Shami comes back and concedes eight runs off this over. The lead is already 65 runs and this partnership is thwarting the Indians. Can Herath and Perera stretch it till 100?

FOUR! A full toss around off and Herath pushes it through covers.

FOUR! Short delivery! Herath pulls it between midwicket and mid on for a boundary..

India have lost on four occasions after conceding the first innings lead at Eden Gardens in Tests. 

Against Australia in 1969 
Against England in 1977 
Against West Indies in 1983 
Against England in 2012

Well, probably it was just an odd over. Jadeja and Kohli bowl in a couple to allow Shami a quick breather as he is back into the attack. Goes on to show how frustrating this partnership has been that the strike bowler has to be called back.

After 64 overs,Sri Lanka 229/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 22)

No change of ends for Umesh, he continues. The Vidharba pacer has leaked too many runs. 59 runs in 16 overs. To make it worse, he strays the fourth ball down the leg side and it was out of Saha’s reach. Five runs came off the over.

After 63 overs,Sri Lanka 224/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 21)

Kohli into the attack. Maybe to change the ends. Anyways, he has two slips. Sri Lanka’s lead crosses fifty after Herath scores a boundary. On the final ball, Herath dabs it to third man for a single.

Even Kohli fancies himself on this wicket and it’s not just an over before lunch or for a bowler to switch ends. He took the ball from Jadeja’s hands after the spinner bowled his first international series over since August. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s lead crosses 50 runs.

FOUR! A full toss on the pads, Herath clips it to the square leg fence.

After 62 overs,Sri Lanka 219/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 16)

Umesh Yadav to continue. He usually finds his rhythm after few balls. And he does bowl well. One single and five dots.

Herath didn’t have a huge role to play with the ball in the first innings (it’s quite rare) but he is a tough nut to crack with the willow as well. Already has 20 against his name.

The partnership has added 22 and by doing so he has not let India run away after three quick wickets.

After 61 overs,Sri Lanka 218/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 15)

Jadeja is into the attack after 60 overs. Herath gets rapped on the pads on the first ball, a muted appeal follows. A quiet over, just like Jadeja, a single off it.

Sri Lanka’s innings needs to be wrapped up as quickly as possible. The pitch would have lost juice by now and should make for easier batting in the second session. India should maximise their batting during that period. Can’t afford to give Lanka too big a lead.

A good hour of play this. Sri Lanka have a surplus of 45 runs while India is a couple of wickets away from coming out to bat in their second innings. Also, Jadeja is on for the first time in the Test. Shami makes his way back onto the field.

After 60 overs,Sri Lanka 217/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 2 , Rangana Herath 14)

Slightly expensive for India’s liking. But Umesh has a habit of starting poorly. Seven came off the over.

FOUR! Herath cuts a poor ball in front of square on the off side.

Shami walks off the field an over before the drinks break after a 7-over spell. Murali Vijay comes on to replace him. While here is Umesh replacing Bhuvneshwar. Will we get to see Jadeja from the other end??

With the replays of Perera’s controversial DRS replayed on the giant screen on loop, a few fans in the stand have started to connect the dots and speculate whether the dressing room had a hand in asking Perera to take the referral.

After 59 overs,Sri Lanka 210/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 0 , Rangana Herath 9)

Shami continues. Remember Jadeja hasn’t bowled yet. Ishant Sharma, the team’s fourth pacer, was sent back to play for Delhi and wreaked havoc. Picking up three wickets yesterday in quick succession. Wonder whether four pacers would’ve helped India more. Anyways, one came off this over.

After 58 overs,Sri Lanka 209/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 0 , Rangana Herath 8)

Thanks to the reprieve in the previous over, Perera plays out five balls after Herath takes a single off the first ball.

India cannot be complacent as they have to take the remaining three wickets as early as they can as Sri Lanka are already 37 runs ahead and that can be the difference at the end of the match.

Very interesting this! Perera wanted the review and seems like Hearth didn’t. Paying heed to the senior partner, Perera did take a few strides towards pavilion but turned around and took the review. Annnddd guess what?! The impact is outside the line. Wow! Perera survives.

After 57 overs,Sri Lanka 208/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 0 , Rangana Herath 7)

Controversy on the final ball of the over. After being given LBW, Perera opted against a review. But then after walking in the direction of the dressing room, we saw a ‘T’ sign. Now, it is still unclear whether he to got some help from the dressing room  to overturn the decision or not. But Simon Doull is not at all happy on air.

Many people here are recognising the steep bounce both pacers are able to get and they look quite impressed by it. The Eden Gardens is still not as packed as it was yesterday, but the number is expected to increase as the day passes by.

After 56 overs,Sri Lanka 207/7 ( Dilruwan Perera 0 , Rangana Herath 6)

Bhuvneshwar began the over from round the wicket. But after Herath scooped one over midwicket, he went over the wicket. Herath then nudged the fifth ball towards square leg for a single. Ball six: Perera tries to cut it but it goes past his inside-edge.