Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, 1st test, Day 5 at Kolkata: Visitors escape with draw

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Man of the Match: It was difficult to bowl in the second innings because the ball was coming onto the bat. There was reverse swing, so looked to make the most out of it. When I made my debut, I was dependent on swing.  International circuit tells you what you need to improve on. There were areas I wanted to improve and those things are paying off.

In case if anyone is interested, Ashwin is out bowling on the practice wickets and he is sending down some leg spinners with someone from the support staff recording it.

India captain, Virat Kohli: It was important to make something out of the game. The game changed drastically. We showed character despite being on the back foot. We didn’t look at the batting collapses but we believed in ourselves. Having intent was important. Very proud of where we stand after the match. Bhuvi has been grabbing his opportunities. Now he has a big contender to be in the playing XI. (How he changed gears) As soon as we lost Wriddhi (Saha), me and Bhuvi decided to have some fun out there. If you have positive intent, the luck favours you. (On 50th international century) Feels good. It’s been a journey which has not been too long.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal: It’s always good to win the toss in a Test, especially in these conditions. We played well. We played as a team but unfortunately, in the last session, the pressure got to us. Lakmal is someone who, as a captain, you can trust. We all know Rangana is a fighter and even though the spinners couldn’t play a huge role in this match, he helped us with the bat. We won against Pakistan and there is no reason why we can’t win against India.

Crowds still hanging around for the post-match presentations and also to get their breath back. Fair result in the end, Sri Lanka were on top in the first half of the test and then it veered in India’s way and then it hung in the balance for a while until Kohli went into overdrive. Shami and Bhuvi continued to make the ball talk and silencing Sri Lanka with Umesh playing the sidekick. The light faded in the end but that didn’t take away any sheen off the match.

The two umpires meet to check the light. They deem it unfit to continue and the players shake hands.

What a cliffhanger we have had and what else do you expect at this fantastic venue. A nail-biting last day, a heart-pounding last session and after all the madness, the match has ended in a draw.

And the umpires decide they have had enough. They inform the players that they are calling it off. The Kolkata Test has ended in a draw! Handshakes all around. What a thrilling match we have had.

Llong banishes 12th man Lakshman Sandakan and team physiotherapist after Indian captain pointing out to the umpire.

Six balls later, thank you, Dilruwan Perera. The ball from Bhuvi went off the seam, beat the defensive blade and plucked the off stump out of the ground. What a peach of a delivery. Seven wickets gone.

Most wickets by Indian pacers in a home Test:

17 v Sri Lanka at Kolkata in 2017*
16 v England at Chennai in 1934
16 v Pakistan at Delhi in 1979
16 v Pakistan at Kolkata in 1999

Most wickets in a Test for pacers in India:

33 – India v West Indies, Ahmedabad, 1983
32 – India v Sri Lanka, Kolkata, 2017 *
30 – India v Pakistan, Delhi, 1979
30 – India v Pakistan, Kolkata, 199

After 26 overs,Sri Lanka 75/7 ( Dasun Shanaka 6 , Rangana Herath 0)

Bhuvi’s eighth maiden. Let that sink in. He ends the over with a yorker and Herath digs it out safely.

Bhuvi, you beauty! Top of off stump. The crowd goes bonkers!! They are bringing the roof down. The veteran Hearth walks in. The Indian side keep the celebrations limited. In fact, they set the stumps back onto its place. They know they might have 3 overs or so.

OUT! Top delivery. The Lankan camp is tense. They were on top of the game for so long but now they are three wickets away from a loss. Bhuvi angles in on a length and ball crashes onto the stumps. Perera out for a duck!

After 25 overs,Sri Lanka 75/6 ( Dasun Shanaka 6 , Dilruwan Perera 0)

Some runs for Sri Lanka finally. Six came off the over.

Terrific first ball to Dilruwan by Bhuvi. Lucky to survive the LBW through DRS.

FOUR! Full and angling in, Shanaka clips it to the deep midwicket fence.

Nigel Llong did take out the light meter for a minute but it goes back into his pocket. 8 overs — 4 wickets. Hearts continue to pound.

After 24 overs,Sri Lanka 69/6 ( Dasun Shanaka 0 , Dilruwan Perera 0)

Sri Lanka almost lost two in two. But Dilruwan Perera reviewed and it helped him survive. Replays indicated that it was going over. DRS saves the day for Perera once again. A wicket maiden.

Scenes at the Eden Gardens! Five men in the slip cordon form an umbrella, Pujara at short cover point.

That late Bhuvi wicket has injected some excitement into the dying stages of the game. Light not very good. So play may be called off in the next 15 to 20 minutes. Can they get the wickets before that? Lanka tottering at 69 for 6.

Another twist. Dickwella sees the replays on the giant screen and starts walking.

OUT! Bhuvi angles one around off from around the wicket, Dickwella shuffles across to tuck but misses and gets rapped. India appeal and the dreaded finger goes up. Dickwella reviews but to no avail. He will depart for 27.

After 23 overs,Sri Lanka 69/5 ( Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27 , Dasun Shanaka 0)

Third maiden on the trot for Shami. He is bowling a terrific spell.

Right... about 30-35 min left in the game. Lights already on. Indian pacers fired up. Lankan lower order in. Order popcorn! 🎉 #IndvSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 20, 2017

Dickwella stays put, though India celebrate. Umpires refer it and the replays aren’t in the favour of the home team or the fans. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman can breathe a sigh of relief and can continue with his innings.

After 22 overs,Sri Lanka 69/5 ( Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27 , Dasun Shanaka 0)

Interesting! On the fourth ball, Dickwella edged one to Saha, who claimed the catch. The umpire took it upstairs and the soft signal was out. But replays suggest that the ball fell short of Saha by a whisker. Dickwella survives.

Shami has got the Eden going once again and India now have a chance to take five wickets in another 30 minutes.

What a superb late inswing delivery from Shami. It came in late and went through the gate to knock out the middle stump of skipper Chandimal. What a wicket. Lanka still not out of the woods.

Only one over Jadeja there. Bhuvneshwar returns to bowl, which might well be his last spell of the match.

The clock has ticked rather quickly to 4 PM and the sun is setting down as well.

Forget about an extra half an hour there are major doubts if we can get the scheduled 10 overs after this one.

Chandimal had no clue about that one. Captain falls with 5 minutes left to 4 PM. India need 5 wickets more.

After 21 overs,Sri Lanka 69/5 ( Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27 , Dasun Shanaka 0)

Shami is on a roll. Snares his second in the form of Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal. Sri Lanka have lost half their side.

OUT! Bowled ’em! Chandimal stays on the backfoot to flick a full but loses his balance and hears his stumps get rattled. He walks back for 20.

After 20 overs,Sri Lanka 69/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 20 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27)

A slip and forward short leg. Begins with two dots. Chandimal drives the third ball to sweeper cover for a brace. Another single follows to the same area. Dickwella drives the fourth ball to the cover fence.

FOUR! Overpitched and spinning in, Dickwella drills it through covers.

Umpires still in discussion and look who is here. If Jadeja bowls all the overs, we can get a whole innings of a one day game. Can he spin India to victory?

Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack.

Really getting hot in here. Dickwella wasting time. Shami and Kohli aren’t pleased. Joel Wilson and Llong under pressure too. The crowd is loving every bit of this. Well, this isn’t an everyday sight. A discussion involving two batsmen captain Kohli and two umpires mid-pitch in the middle of an over.

After 19 overs,Sri Lanka 62/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 17 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 23)

Shami bounces one but the line is totally wrong. Saha collects it to his third. Animated converstaions between Dickwella and Shami. Shami began running for his ball but Dickwella wasn’t ready and asked Shami to go back. Then Dickwella edges one towards first slip but the ball falls in front the first slip. Things are heating up. Shami gives a death stare to Dickwella. And now the play has been interrupted for a while. The umpires call the players over and have a calm discussion. Lets hope the game proceeds without any drama now.

The lights are coming on as players take drinks. 10 minutes earlier compared to yesterday.

Time for drinks.

Chandimal and Dickwella have added 36 to their total but more importantly, batted out six crucial overs. After this 14 overs are scheduled to be bowled. The clock reads 3:37. India still six wickets away. Sri Lanka, never mind. Anxious moments these.

After 18 overs,Sri Lanka 62/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 17 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 23)

Dickwella pulls the third ball through square leg for a run. Terrific delivery. Bhuvi pitches it on a length and the ball holds its line after hitting the seam. The ball roared past Chandimal’s outside edge. Chandimal steers the sixth ball to third man.

FOUR! Chandimal guides this ball with the outer half of the bat to the third man fence.

After 17 overs,Sri Lanka 57/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 13 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 22)

Chandimal clips the first ball, which is full, to midwicket for a single. Shami bowls a slower one to Dickwella, who probably saw it coming, and blocked it. Lovely shot. Dickwella scores his first boundary. He works the fifth ball around the corner. Single taken. Chandimal blocks the sixth ball, which was a full toss.

After 16 overs,Sri Lanka 51/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 12 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 17)

Fifty up for Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli needs to change his bowling. He cannot let this partnership grow if India is to pull off a win

A lot of chatter. A lot of banter. the Indians are trying to get under the skin of Dickwella. Virat shouts ‘Chal Uma’ to pump the bowler. Sri Lanka bring up the 50 runs in the second innings, but the score is merely a number now.

India need another wicket now to set the match on fire. Lanka getting runs pretty easily at this stage. A couple of quick wickets could push them into disaster street.

Both the umpires meet the two batsmen and then speak to Kohli as well. Ashwin also was in the thick of things. Wonder if the players spoke to each other in Tamil.

After 15 overs,Sri Lanka 41/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 6 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 14)

Mohammed Shami comes into the attack and faces the wrath of Dickwella who hits two sixes in an over. The Sri Lanka is taking the attack to India

Least overs bowled by Indian spinners in a Test match: (Both innings bowled) 

1.0 against Pakistan at Sialkot in 1989 
7.2 against Australia at Perth in 2012
9.0 against Sri Lanka at Kolkata in 2017*

Virat sends another man back to deep square leg. Dickwella goes through with the shot and it sails over the fielder. Virat manoeuvres the field again. No fine leg, there is one long leg and deep midwicket.

SIX! Another one from Dickwella who is not hanging around. This time he gets across the stumps and flicks Shami behind square

SIX! Dickwella pulls Shami over square leg for a big six.

After 14 overs,Sri Lanka 27/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 6 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 1)

Sri Lanka clearly feeling the pressure. Dickwella risks a run-out trying to get off strike before Chandimal gets a lucky boundary off the outside edge which goes harmlessly into the gap.

Not sure how but that didnt go over the stumps... 4 down... you can say now that Sri Lanka are very capable of messing this up. #IndvSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 20, 2017

Eden Gardens getting to be hellish for Sri Lanka. Amazing transformation in the Test

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 20, 2017

After 13 overs,Sri Lanka 22/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Maiden from Bhuvneshwar. Sri Lanka would be happy to negotiate another Bhuvneshwar over without losing a wicket.

A wicket out of nowhere for India and it’s Angelo Mathews who has to go. This is the right time for Indian captain Virat Kohli to go for the kill as Dickwella will play his natural game. He may come up with Ashwin from one end.

Angelo Mathews was one of the most experienced Sri Lankan batsmen. He was former skipper and very competent cricketer. His wicket is a blow for Lanka. Lovely delivery from Umesh Yadav. Got the leg before verdict on a DRS. Lanka now 4 wickets gone and in big trouble. Only bad light can save them now.

Would you believe it?! It has been overturned. Big, big wicket of Mathews this.

Kohli went for the jugular and got the big fish. 6 more wickets needed.
 

After 12 overs,Sri Lanka 22/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Successful over for India. Umesh who was short of good length for most of the over, pitches one on good length that swing sharply inside. Mathews who seemed surprised has to depart. India can sense a real opportunity now

OUT! Angelo Mathews 12(23) lbw Umesh Yadav 

Mathews misses an inswinger from Umesh Yadav which raps onto his pad on the back leg.. The umpire adjudges it not out, but DRS helps India overturn it. Sri Lanka struggling

The battle for Kohli is not against the time, it is against the light.

It’s a bright day here but doesn’t take too long for the light to fade. By 4-4:15, that is one hour from now, which in cricketing language equates to 15 overs, the light will start to fade. 21 more overs are scheduled. Lesser if pacers are operating.

After 11 overs,Sri Lanka 18/3 ( Angelo Mathews 8 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2)

Sri Lanka’s wickets in the final innings so far have been down to bad shots. The Chandimal-Mathews pair gave Bhuvneshwar due respect in this previous over. Just two runs come off the over, but runs at this point are pretty irrelevant

Rahane and Dhawan enjoy a bit of banter amongst themselves pushing and shoving each other. Playfully collect the cap from Umesh, hand it to the umpire and both sprint to the other end to position themselves in slip and gully. The mood in the Indian camp is absolutely different. Meanwhile, Kohli is busy in an animated conversation with Umpire Nigel Llong.

After 10 overs,Sri Lanka 17/3 ( Angelo Mathews 7 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2)

Better over from Umesh Yadav. Just one run from it. Chandimal looked fairly solid in defence. India will have to price his wicket out and do so quickly before he finds his feet

And India have begun Sri Lanka’s collapse after the tea break. It will be intriguing to see whether l Sri Lanka will survive with their most experienced batting pair’s help in the middle or not.

After 9 overs,Sri Lanka 16/3 ( Angelo Mathews 6 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2)

Successful over from Bhuvneshwar who managed to tease Thirimanne into a shot. Umesh needs to back Bhuvneshwar up with a tight over from the other end.

Bhuvi is the sort of bowler who asks questions all the time. He keeps the ball on a length around off stump and constantly probes the batsman’s technique and discipline. The left handed Thirimanne reached out and played the ball which was marginally outside the line of the off stump. Thirimanne left his bat out to dry, edged and was caught at gully. Lanka three down and with plenty of overs to go.

Bhuvneshwar strikes again! Sri Lanka slump further. Big moment this! Captain Chandimal walks out to ‘jeetega bhai jeetega… India jeetega’ chants. Game on! 

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is out to the middle. Sri Lanka need Chandimal and Angelo Mathews – their most experienced players – to stay and see them through to safety

OUT! Lahiru Thirimanne 7 (28) c Ajinkya Rahane b Bhuvneshwar Kumar 7

Thirimanne hit it straight to gully where Ajinkya Rahane takes a good low catch.

After 8 overs,Sri Lanka 14/2 ( Lahiru Thirimanne 7 , Angelo Mathews 6)

Umesh’s first over goes for six runs. Runs don’t matter at this stage, it’s all about the wickets. Umesh needs to build pressure from his end

Umesh to get us underway with the ball as Kohli leads the team out for the final session. 25 overs of scheduled play remaining. 

Lanka has lost both its openers and two senior players Mathews and Thirimmane in the centre. Bhuvneshwar and Shami will be ready to test them with a barrage of short deliveries after the 20-min break. But Virat Kohli’s magnificent century has taken the possibility of Sri Lankan win out of the equation.

Players take Tea on Day 5. Sri Lanka need 223 more. Well, that’s not important, as India are merely 8 wicket-taking balls away.

Tea on Day 5. India have got an ideal start and will be the happier unit walking back towards the pavilion.

After 7 overs, Sri Lanka 8/2 ( Lahiru Thirimanne 2, Angelo Mathews 5)

Thirimanne is playing it safe. Leaves a couple of deliveries and blocks the rest. Kohli deploys an attacking field, with a man at short cover. Maiden over from Bhuvi.

India are now well ahead in the match after taking the wickets of both the openers in quick succession and almost in the same fashion. Angelo Mathews will be a key player for Sri Lanka if they want to make a 10-overs stand.

After 5 overs,Sri Lanka 2/2 ( Lahiru Thirimanne 1 , Angelo Mathews 0)

Third maiden on the trot. Kohli is asking the crowd to get behind the Indian team. A couple of overs before tea. The short break will help Sri Lanka regroup.

Lanka are known to collapse inexplicably. Could this be another such collapse? They’ve lost 2 for 2 and batting in the last session of the Test at Eden Gardens, and to hold the demons in the pitch will be a challenge for them. The Indian bowlers too will be pressing for victory. If the light holds good, Lanka would be severely tested right through the rest of the match.

After 4 overs,Sri Lanka 2/2 ( Lahiru Thirimanne 1 , Angelo Mathews 0)

A wicket maiden for Shami. Sri Lanka must be feeling the pressure right now. They have to play sensibly till tea now.

OUT! Sri Lanka lose another. Both the openers got out in the same manner. Karunaratne pokes at a nothing ball and drags it onto his sticks. The Eden Gardens is buzzing at the moment. Karunaratne out for 1.

All happening here! Angelo Mathews walks out. Karunaratne the man to depart. Big wicket for India looking at his past record in the 2nd innings.

It’s a different mood altogether here at the Eden Gardens.

After 3 overs,Sri Lanka 2/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 1 , Lahiru Thirimanne 1)

Bhuvi angles across a length ball, which swings away, Thirimanne leaves it alone. Then he taps one towards point. Goes round the wicket. Play and a miss! Thirimanne looks to punch one but the ball whizzes past his outside edge. Gets beaten once again on the fourth ball. Ball five: Thirimanne plays inside line and then he blocks the sixth delivery.

The captain is orchestrating the cheering. He is asking the crowds to rally behind the team as soon as the bowler is on the mark. Great use of the ‘12th man’. And no one denies the captain. 

After 2 overs,Sri Lanka 2/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 1 , Lahiru Thirimanne 1)

Karunaratne scores the first run of the Sri Lankan innings. A single to midwicket. Thirimanne blocks the fourth ball to point for another run. Two off it.

After 1 overs, Sri Lanka 0/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 0 , )

A poor start for Sri Lanka. And Samarawickrama has to be blamed here. He played a needless shot at a wrong time. They have got one wicket. Can they scalp one more before tea?

Eden roars! Samawickrama is gone for a duck. Bhuvneshwar with a beauty to disturb the batsman’s woodwork.

What a ball. Whatt a start. Whattay match!

OUT! Uh-h. A bad start for Sri Lanka. Samarawickrama looks to cut and chops on. It is a shot which is not recommended at any stage, more so in this situation. Bhuvi strikes in his first over!

A Test, hampered by rain for the most part of the first two days and later by light on the third and fourth day, is well and truly alive even in the last couple of hours. The Sri Lankan openers have about 15 minutes to bat before players take tea and head into the final session. Bhuvneshwar will begin from high court end and little doubt over Shami bowling from the other end.

The players are out for Sri Lanka’s chase and we’ll be off in a couple of minutes.

How much the game has changed is unbelievable. The match has swung from one end to another. Surely, India clearly ahead with 230 on the board.

The bowlers are quickly out and practising on the side wickets.

India cross 350-run mark and no surprises when Kohli decided to declare the innings. Giving Sri Lanka 231 to win in 30 odd overs with light to come into play at some point.

So the declaration is here. Make it about 30-35 overs max. Some excitement but Sri Lanka will have to be dire to get bowled out in that much.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 20, 2017

November 20, 2009: Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score 30,000 international runs

November 20, 2017: Virat Kohli became the joint fastest player to score 50 international centuries.

In International cricket,

Sachin Tendulkar:

Matches – 664, Centuries – 100

Virat Kohli:

Matches – 318, Centuries – 50

Kohli really made a statement with that superb century of his. He had to combat the pressures of wickets falling at the other end, the pitch doing a bit for the bowlers, his none-too-impressive Test record at the Eden Gardens and of course the second new ball. He handled each of the issues with aplomb, finally finishing with a superb uppishly driven six over the cover boundary. Masterly knock under pressure.

In the context of how match transpired, terrific century from @imVkohli. India were in a pickle after poor first session today

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 20, 2017

Most international centuries by captains in a calendar year:

9 – Ricky Ponting, 2005
9 – Graeme Smith, 2005
9 – Ricky Ponting, 2006
9 – VIRAT KOHLI, 2017*

Most centuries by Indian players in a calendar year in international cricket:

12 – Sachin Tendulkar, 1998 
10 – Rahul Dravid, 1999
9 – Virat Kohli, 2017

Most centuries by Indian captains in Test cricket:

11 – VIRAT KOHLI*
11 – Sunil Gavaskar 
9 – Mohammed Azharuddin 
7 – Sachin Tendulkar

That’s the shot! The legend of Virat Kohli has a test century in the 2nd innings at one of the most historic venues in Indian cricket. The crowd understandably goes berserk.

CENTURY! Kohli tonks it over the cover fence. Celebrates in grand fashion. He is extremely happy and why not he has just hit his  50th international century and his 18th Test ton. The declaration follows. Sri Lanka need 231 runs to win.

Slip, midwicket and cover in the ring. The other six Sri Lankan fielders are right on the fence.

After 88 overs,India 344/8 ( Virat Kohli (C) 97 , Mohammed Shami 11)

Kohli guides the first ball to third man for a single. Shami pushes one through covers to give the strike back to Kohli. Came down the ground to play a big shot but Gamage bowls it way outside off, Kohli reaches out for him and squeezes it to sweeper cover. Single taken. The over ends with two boundaries, thanks to Shami.

FOUR! Another one for Shami. Shami swivels and pulls it to the long leg fence.

FOUR! Brute force! Shami pulls it in the air and the red cherry rolls towards the midwicket fence.

Many in the crowds are setting their camera to focus to capture the moment. So are the official cameramen who have got off from their seats. What an atmosphere!

Crowds urged him for two and Virat wasn’t going to hold back. Is he going to do it with a six?

Fine leg, long leg, long on, long off, deep point and third man on the boundary.

After 87 overs,India 333/8 ( Virat Kohli (C) 95 , Mohammed Shami 2)

India are accelerating at the right moment and it is the captain who is leading from the front. 11 off this over and the lead is now 211.

SIX! Wow! What a shot. A couple of steps forward and Kohli drives the ball in the air and over the covers fence. He is into the 90s.

Leg slip in place. If Shami has to hit big, he must pull, hook or get a top edge over the keeper.

After 86 overs,India 322/8 ( Virat Kohli (C) 86 , Mohammed Shami 1)

Swing and a miss. Quite a few of them. Bhuvneshwar is in the mood to slog a few but loses his wicket in the process. Shami joins Kohli at the crease and takes a single on the last ball as India’s lead extends to 200.

Kumar not holding back either. Despite Chandimal’s men patrolling the boundary, he is going after it, making India’s intention clear

And as I write this, he perishes. Next man in is Shami. This should be fun

OUT! Nothing shot! Bhuvi backed away looking to pull but Gamage follows him and a leading edge travels towards Perera in the slip cordon.

After 85 overs,India 321/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 86 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 8)

India cruising at the moment. Kohli and Bhuvi are enjoying a laugh at the centre. With 199 on board now, the hosts are trying to score as much as possible before a brave declaration. Drinks taken.

Players take a much-needed drinks break before we get into next action packed 45 minutes before Tea.

So Kohli has taken the aggressive approach and rightly so as he knows that anything can happen on the other hand. He will now eye another century and he should get it as he has been brilliant.

Don’t know whose favour the match is in? Is the lead good enough for Indian bowlers to rattle out Lanka? Is Virat looking to add 40-50 quick runs and declare? Phew! The match is swinging more than the ball did on Day 1 under those grey skies. Thrilling contest!

FOUR! Bhuvi joins the party. Rocks back and punches one between cover and point.

Kohli reprieved by the DRS. He had nicked the ball. Faintly. But good enough for the umpire to reverse his LBW decision. What a cheer to greet it. Kohli now coasting at 78.India get past the 300-run mark.

Even though it’s not a huge crowd in terms of the number they are making a lot of noise today. Every run, every four as India cross three and take the lead close to 200. Virat is fast approaching his century as well.

39 more overs to play.

After 84 overs,India 314/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 86 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1)

Alright then, Kohli is teeing off and displaying clear intent. Pulls the short one away to the fine leg fence and then flicks one through mid off. He also looked to pull the last ball but failed to put bat on ball. 13 off the over.

FOUR!  Brilliant from Kohli! Hops down the pitch and hits it through midwicket.

FOUR! Kohli whips it off his hip to square leg as Lakmal dives in vain to prevent the boundary.

After 83 overs,India 301/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 78 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 0)

What an eventful over! TWo boundaries and a successful review. Kohli was given LBW by Joel Wilson and he opted for a review instantly. Replays show that there was a tiny edge. Kohli survives and India score 10 off Lakmal’s 22nd.

Sri Lanka have taken the second new ball as soon as it is due and have handed it over to their best bowler, Lakmal. The pacer has already picked up three wickets. If Lanka can wrap up the innings quickly, they can have a go at the target in the time remaining. Might still be a very absorbing Test finish.

FOUR! Ah! Can watch this shot on a loop all day long. Hit as straight as an arrow. And guess what the ball sneaked in between the umpire’s legs. My colleague has already called it a nutmeg.

FOUR! Beautiful! Half-volley outside off and Kohli plays a outstanding square drive.

Joel Wilson will have to overturn his decision and the crowd has gone nuts. They know the importance of this wicket. Could have been the match.

After 82 overs,India 291/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 68 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 0)

The onus is now on Kohli to do the bulk of scoring. He scores five in this over.

FOUR! Sumptuous stroke. Waits for the delivery, leans forward and creams it through covers.

After 81 overs,India 286/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 63 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 0)

Sri Lanka opt for the second new ball instantly. The thing with new balls is that as good an opportunity it provides to take wickets, it also leaks runs. The first ball of the 80th over goes for a boundary. Then Kohli pushes one towards the off side and collects a single. Bhuvi gets beaten twice on the outside edge successively on the 4th and 5th ball.

Drama! Before Saha has to make the long walk back.

Kohli is running out of partners. Bhuvneshwar Kumar can surely hang around but the two players that come in next are not known to really grind it out. If Sri Lanka want to win, they need to bowl out India in next 10 overs and not leak more than 35 runs.

FOUR! Kohli looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge to the third man fence.

India’s lead is just 159 runs and they have lost Wriddhiman Saha. India now will bank on Kohli to score some quick runs or he will adopt a different strategy altogether. Only time will give the answer. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s temperament as a batsman will also be examined.

After 80 overs,India 281/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 58 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 0)

Kohli taps the first ball to backward point for a single. Saha leaves the second ball alone. And Shanaka gets rid of Saha. India in slight trouble now. The lead is only 159 runs.

This is turning out to be a close call for India. Saha’s dismissal has opened up possibilities for Lanka. Do they have the imagination and gumption to go for it? India, after all, are just 159 runs ahead. If Lanka is the weaker bowling attack, what does it say of India’s batting?

OUT! Saha drives it tentatively towards covers and Samarawickrama takes a good catch diving forward. He is claiming it but the umpires want to check the no-ball. Safe! Shanaka has a part of his boot behind the line. Saha perishes for 5.

After 79 overs,India 280/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 57 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 5)

A 3-run over. The Indian batsmen are showing more intent now. The lead is now 158 runs.

After 78 overs,India 277/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 56 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 3)

This was a busy over for the Indians. Three singles and a brace. Saha also opened his account with a run to midwicket.

Will Sri Lanka take the 2nd new ball as soon as it is due? It would help polish off Indian resistance. Would be interesting if Lanka make a fist of things today.

India must look to play time as well. With 45 overs remaining in the day even if the duo out in the middle, followed by the tail can play out 15 overs (+2 overs for innings break) and add 50 runs, Sri Lanka will have a target of 200 runs in 28 overs with the daylight fading.

After 77 overs,India 272/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 54 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

First maiden for Rangana Herath. Saha is yet to get off the mark.

After 76 overs,India 272/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 54 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

India have 148 runs in their kitty. Sri Lanka need four wickets and the second new ball will be due soon. This match is heading for an exciting finish but one side will have to make a move.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s wicket has opened the match and now all the three results are possible but for that to happen, it’s important for Sri Lanka to get the wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli as early as possible. It is difficult as he is well set but not impossible though.

Dhawan might have taken on Herath when he came onto bowl but the 39-year old has contributed tremendously with the bat and the field. Might have passed some valuable inputs to Chandimal also. Same cannot be said about Indian bowling all-rounders.

After 75 overs,India 270/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 53 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Saha on strike against Herath. Quick wickets could put India in a fix. Important to play out time. Just the one single from Herath’s first over of the day.

India ahead by 148 runs. Not safe really. Lovely delivery from Shanaka to clean up Ashwin. Kohli is still around, which is a consolation. Today’s play has all been about Sri Lanka. It’s not an easy pitch to bat on now, with the ball going off the seam. But in these days of T20 cricket, teams know how to mount a chase. So India can’t take the Lankans lightly.

Shanaka enjoyed that! Ashwin’s middle stump goes for a walk and brings in Kolkata crowd’s favourite Wriddhiman Saha on the crease.

India have lost 6 before even crossing the 150-run lead. 

Ashwin has failed with the bat in two innings and hasn’t had a role to play with the ball.

After 74 overs,India 269/6 ( Virat Kohli (C) 52 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Sri Lanka have struck early after tea. Kohli wasn’t impressed when Ashwin failed to put bat to ball and got bowled. But Shanaka has picked up his second wicket.

OUT! Shanaka goes through Ashwin’s defence. The middle stump goes cartwheeling. Lovely full ball which jagged back and beat Ashwin’s inside edge. Ashwin out for 7.

After 73 overs,India 268/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 51 , Ravichandran Ashwin 7)

A maiden for Lakmal. His fourth. He really has been on the mark in this match, hasn’t he?

FIFTY! 15th Test 50 for @imVkohli #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/lHZMZzsU0z

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 20, 2017

Most fifty-plus scores in a calendar year in international cricket by Indian captains:

19 – Rahul Dravid, 2006
18 – VIRAT KOHLI, 2017*
17 – Sourav Ganguly, 2000

Kohli setting right the record at Eden Gardens. Strangely he did not have a great Test record at the Eden Gardens. This 50 under pressure sets right that anomaly. Kohli is too good a batsman not to have made some sort of batting impact on this famous Test venue.

The crowd is on to it’s feet to applaud the Indian captain who has brought up his half-century. Virat raises his bat and is back to the grind as there is still a lot of work to be done.

After 72 overs,India 268/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 51 , Ravichandran Ashwin 7)

After the boundary, Kohli takes a single. Ashwin leaves the third ball. Blocks the fourth ball with soft hands. He looks to drive the next ball but inside edges it to fne leg and collects a run. Kohli finishes the over with a boundary.

FIFTY! Kohli glances Gamage to the fine leg fence and brings up his 15th half century; his 1st at Eden Gardens.

FOUR! Kohli gets his stride forward and tries to drive but it takes the outside edge and runs away to the third man fence.

After 71 overs,India 258/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 42 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)

Ashwin hops and tickles ball one to fine leg. One run added to the total. The second ball is full and swinging away. Poor line and Kohli had nothing to lose. He defends the third ball on his front foot. Pats the fourth ball to covers and starts running immediately. Ashwin sends him back. Pulls the penultimate delivery of the over through midwicket and milks one. Good shape to the sixth delivery. Pitches on a length and the ball moves away a bit as Ashwin tried to defend.

After 70 overs,India 256/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 41 , Ravichandran Ashwin 5)

Ashwin scores his first boundary. A late dab to the third man fence. Gets off the strike instantly with a single to the off side. Five runs off the first over after lunch.

FOUR! Ashwin sees the width offered and then gently dabs it past gully.

Welcome back for the second session. Shanaka will kick off the proceedings for Sri Lanka.

The two batsmen make their way out for the 2nd session of Day 5. Here is when things happen. The next 30 overs will be key. Gamage to Ashwin from the pavilion end.

Ohh, wait. Llong doesn’t allow Gamage to bow as he had gone off the field before lunch. The rules say that you need to stay on the field for a couple of overs before you can bowl again. Shanaka runs in to bowl.

Who would have thought we would be saying this at the start of the series? In fact, no one in their wildest dreams fancied the idea that the home team would lose four wickets in the morning session after the way Rahul and Dhawan batted on Day 4 evening.

But now the narrative of the match has changed dramatically. Among the many, this is just one reason that makes the longer format such a chastening event to watch.

After 69 overs,India 251/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 41 , Ravichandran Ashwin 0)

Last before before Lunch on Day 5. Short, Short, full length and the bouncer again. Mixing it up well is Lakmal. Ends the over with a full delivery, Kohli leans forward in defence. The players are walking off. Lunch taken.

After 68 overs,India 251/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 41 , Ravichandran Ashwin 0)

Maiden over for Dilruwan Perera. Ashwin approaches the over with a defensive mindset and ends it successfully.

After 67 overs, India 251/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 41, Ravichandran Ashwin 0)

Lakmal back for another short burst. Kohli guides the third ball towards gully and a misfield by Perera allows Kohli to hare back for the couple. That was the only scoring option in Lakmal’s 17th over.

After 66 overs, India 249/5 ( Virat Kohli (C) 39, Ravichandran Ashwin 0)

Virat eases ball one to long on for a single. Just when the batsmen were looking to score more freely, Perera dismisses Jadeja for nine.

Just when you thought India were settling in, Jadeja walks back after an innings that lasted 41 balls. In comes Ashwin.

OUT! Dilruwan Perera provides the breakthrough. Extracts extra bounce and catches Jadeja off guard and the southpaw edges it. It lobs off Dickwella’s gloves and Thirimanne pouches it safely at slips. Jadeja departs for a patient nine.

Virat Kohli is now batting aggressively while Jadeja has adjusted himself beautifully while playing against his nature. The match is heading towards a draw unless and until Sri Lanka take two or three wickets before the lunch.

After 65 overs,India 248/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 38 , Ravindra Jadeja 9)

Kohli drives one down the ground but Shanaka stops it in his followthrough. Four runs saved! The Indian captain then drives the fifth ball in front of square on the off side for a single.

After 64 overs,India 247/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 37 , Ravindra Jadeja 9)

India, after a steady partnership, are looking for more and more scoring opportunities. The last three overs have gone for 17 runs.

FOUR! Perera bowls it flat and quick and Jadeja glances it to the fine leg fence.

After 63 overs,India 240/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 34 , Ravindra Jadeja 5)

Second boundary in second successive over for Virat Kohli. Is he making a move? Five off the over as India stretches lead to 118 runs.

FOUR! Gorgeous shot. Kohli offers full face of the bat and dispatches the ball down the ground.

After 62 overs,India 235/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 29 , Ravindra Jadeja 5)

This has been a marathon spell from Gamage. His 11th over on the trot. Kohli scores his fourth boundary and then hands Jadeja the strike on the third ball.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Kohli punches it through covers powerfully and beats the sweeper cover with consummate ease.

After 61 overs,India 230/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 24 , Ravindra Jadeja 5)

So India are playing out balls. They are batting for a draw as of now. Five dots and a single off this over.

After 60 overs,India 229/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 23 , Ravindra Jadeja 5)

Gamage hits the deck hard. Jadeja rides the bounce and keeps it down. Kohli wanted a single, Jadeja refused. It remains the same for the rest of the over as Jadeja maintains the strike.

After 59 overs, India 229/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 23, Ravindra Jadeja 5)

A few  ‘yes and no’s’ between Kohli and Jadeja. Both want to hog the strike. On the first ball, Kohli refuses a double and on the second the Indian captain comes back for a couple. A leading edge off Kohli’s bat goes towards covers but falls safely.

After 58 overs,India 226/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 21 , Ravindra Jadeja 4)

Two off the over. Good news for Sri Lanka is that Lakmal is back on the field. If Sri Lanka are to push for a victory they need his services.

With that crunching drive and an extra, India have extended their lead over 100. The Indian fans who had gone quiet get something to cheer.

There is a little over 45 mins for lunch and Virat and Jadeja need to hold fort.

After 57 overs,India 224/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 20 , Ravindra Jadeja 3)

Shanaka replaces Lakmal. Jadeja pulls ball one to square leg for a single. Kohli collects his second boundary and extends India’s lead to 100. Then, on the fourth ball, he nudges one to mid on. Single taken. Sri Lanka go up for a caught behind on the fifth but the ball was miles away from Jadeja’s willow. Seven off the over.

FOUR! In the air… but safe. Kohli drives aerially but the ball bounces just in front of the short cover fielder and rushes away for a boundary. India now lead by 100 runs.

After 56 overs,India 217/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 15 , Ravindra Jadeja 2)

A single off the first and the last delivery. Two off the over. India lead by 95 runs.

Lakmal is going off the field once again.

Lakmal relaxes in the golf cart that has brought out drinks and what I can make out from here is that they are eating as well. Looks like bananas, not quite sure though. Chandimal joins Lakmal for a quick chat.

Stutter turning into crisis with Rahane gone too. India badly need stability. Interesting to see Jadeja bat ahead of Saha and Ashwin!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 20, 2017

After 55 overs,India 215/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 14 , Ravindra Jadeja 1)

Lakmal raps Jadeja on the pads. Sri Lanka appeal but the umpire turns it down. Height was the issue. Leaves the next two balls. He pats the fifth ball towards point. And shoulders his arms to the final delivery.

Lakmal has breathed life into Lanka’s flagging hopes. The three wickets ensure that India can’t step on the gas without collateral damage. Need to preserve wickets awhile before thinking of a win. Sri Lanka are in a sound position.

The Sri Lankan camp is jubilant and why not!? The Lankan supporters who have come in also make their voices heard. Different energy on the ground as well, Chandimal rightly attacking with an extra slip can Lakmal get some support from the other end is the big question.

He has come back after sitting out in the previous over. Surely he has 1 or 2 overs left in this spell. India need to negate it out.