Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test Day 3 at Nagpur: Visitors cornered at stumps after Kohli, Rohit show

Watch our correspondent Devdutt Kshirsagar analyse 3rd Day’s play between India and Sri Lanka from VCA stadium Nagpur

That’ll be it for today, ladies and gentlemen. Karunaratne and Thirimanne introduced some sanity after that shocker of a decision from Sadeera Samawickrama. But leave this particular phase behind and Sri Lanka would be scratching their heads. They have to bat out two frigging days against Ashwin-Jadeja and a Ishant, who seems to have discovered great rhythm not to forget Umesh Yadav, who would be itching to get among the wickets at his home ground. It’s going to be a ardous task for Lanka. Let’s hope they recover well and come back fully charged tomorrow.

After 9 overs,Sri Lanka 21/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 11 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Jadeja gets introduced into the attack for the ninth delivery of the innings. Superb stop by Pujara at mid-on after a drive by Karunaratne, saving a potential boundary for his side and earning plaudits from his teammates. And its stumps at the end of the over, as Sri Lanka head to the fourth day on a shaky score of 21/1.

Ravindra Jadeja handed the ball with stumps just around the corner.

After 8 overs,Sri Lanka 21/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 11 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Ashwin concedes just one leg-bye off his fourth over, having bowled a tight spell so far. The partnership is now worth 21.

After 7 overs,Sri Lanka 20/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 11 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Ishant gets another crack at the cherry, with a couple of minutes to go before stumps, and collects his first maiden this innings.

The odd ball is gripping and turning. That’s not good for the batsmen. They won’t know which to play and the ones to let alone.Lanka have lost an early wicket and are under pressure. It could be worse for them tomorrow first session

Karunaratne and Thirimanne have made sensible decisions. Sri Lanka looking much better now. They need continue this for another three overs though.

After 6 overs,Sri Lanka 20/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 11 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Ashwin into his third over. Unleashes a ripper off the third delivery that nearly turns square. Second consecutive maiden for the off-spinner.

After 5 overs,Sri Lanka 20/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 11 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Ishant bowls his third over of the innings, with Karunaratne glancing the ball off the third delivery to collect a single, the only run scored off the over.

After 4 overs,Sri Lanka 19/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 10 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Ashwin, bowling with two slip fielders in place, bowls the first maiden of Sri Lanka’s second innings, as Thirimanne chooses to stay defensive in this over.

Sri Lanka have been put into bat following the declaration  at a very awkward moment. The stadium stands’ shadow is creeping over the pitch, the players have been kept on the field for two days and would be weary, mentally more than physically and now they have to survive jittery moments before close. Ishant accounted for opener Samarawickrama, a victim of poor judgement. Must have been mentally fatigued.  Lanka under tremendous pressure to not lose another wicket

After 3 overs,Sri Lanka 19/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 10 , Lahiru Thirimanne 9)

Six collected by the current pair off the third over of the innings, including a boundary off the third delivery of the over as Thirimanne clips one towards the cow-corner boundary. Ishant has leaked 14 off the two overs that he has bowled so far.

FOUR! The Sri Lankans have quietly been slipping in the boundaries every now and then. Karunaratne collects his second four with an on-drive off the fourth delivery of the third over. SL 19/1

‘Have they changed the pitch mid innings?’ jokes a spectator. India are creating chances regularly and Sri Lanka are facing the heat. Won’t be surprised if they are three down at stumps.

After 2 overs,Sri Lanka 13/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 5 , Lahiru Thirimanne 8)

Ashwin gets the new ball, bowling the second over of the innings. Appeals for an lbw as well as a catch at short-leg off the first two deliveries of the over, with Kohli pondering over DRS after being turned down on both occasions. Karunaratne gets off the mark with a well-timed drive through extra-cover off the third delivery of the over. Collects a single off the last delivery of the over to retain strike.

FOUR! After a couple of animated appeals by Ashwin and the rest of the Indian team, Karunaratne decides to give it back with a well-timed drive through the covers off the third delivery of the second over. SL 12/1

Ravichandran Ashwin introduced from the other end, with two left-handers at the crease right now.

After 1 overs,Sri Lanka 8/1 ( Dimuth Karunaratne 0 , Lahiru Thirimanne 8)

Samarawickrama and Karunaratne walk out to bat at the start of the Sri Lankan innings, with around 30 minutes left in the day’s play. Samarawickrama walks back in just the second delivery, with the right-handed opener opting to leave a sharp inswinger that clips the top of his off stump. Thirimanne walks out to bat, and ends the over with successive boundaries, including a thick outside edge that carries all the way to the third man fence.

No they can’t!!! Have you seen a more obvious set up? Think this might be the Sadeera’s last Test for a while. An outswinger followed by the one which seams in as Samawickrama loses his off pole. The Indian team wont hear the end of it from Ishant Sharma. I can vouch for that.

When you leave the wrong ball then that type or result you deserve at the end. Ishant Sharma draws the first blood for India in form of Sadeera Samarawickrama. India would like to take one or two more wickets before the close of play today for sure.

FOUR! Thirimanne tucks a rising delivery off his hips, guiding it towards the fine-leg fence to get the visitors off the mark in the second innings. SL 4/1

Samarawickrama and Karunaratne take guard at the pitch, as Ishant gears up to bowl the first over of the Sri Lankan innings. An early wicket or two could potentially seal the deal for the hosts today.

Can Sri Lanka play out nine overs without losing any wicket? Let’s find out.

FOUR! Thirimanne tucks a rising delivery off his hips, guiding it towards the fine-leg fence to get the visitors off the mark in the second innings. SL 4/1

This is India’s fourth highest score against Sri Lanka at home in Tests. The highest is 726/9d at Mumbai in 2009.

India declare! They lead by 405 runs. Sri Lanka have to survive for a little over two days. Rohit Sharma bags a golden opportunity with both hands. Not that he was a doubt for the South African tour but this knock has just cemented his place in the squad.

After 177 overs,India 610/6 ( Rohit Sharma 102 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 1)

Just one delivery bowled in the 177th over, with Rohit guiding the ball towards sweeper cover to collect a double, and bring up his first Test century in four years! Skipper Virat Kohli declares the innings after Rohit’s century celebrations, with India posting a mammoth 610/6 in reply to Sri Lanka’s modest 205, a lead of 405. 

The selectors will have a lot more headache looking at the batting combination for the South Africa tour now.

This is the second time that four of the top-six Indian batsmen have scored a century in same Test innings. The other instance came against Bangladesh at Dhaka in 2007.

CENTURY NO 3 FOR ROHIT SHARMA — his first in the format in four years! Gets there in 160 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six along the way.

Has been raining tons for the Indians in this innings, with Rohit being the fourth. The Mumbai Indians skipper brings up the milestone with a double in the 177th over! And skipper Kohli declares the Indian innings at 610/6, with a mammoth lead of 405!

After 176 overs,India 607/6 ( Rohit Sharma 99 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 1)

Rohit skips down the track off the third delivery of the over, hammering it down the ground. Collects a quick double and a single off the next two deliveries to move to 99, with seven runs being scored off the over.

FOUR! Rohit canters down the track, and lofts the ball over the umpire’s head to move to 96! India 604/6

After 175 overs,India 600/6 ( Rohit Sharma 92 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 1)

India cross the 600-run mark for the 30th time in Test cricket, with Rohit collecting a single off the fourth delivery of the over to bring up the milestone. Three singles collected off the over.

After 174 overs,India 597/6 ( Rohit Sharma 90 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 0)

Good over for Perera, with just two runs coming off it along with the wicket of Ashwin, who misses the pitch of the delivery while attempting a drive, and gets his off-stump rattled in the process. Third wicket for Perera, which would have been impressive had it not been for the fact that he has leaked nearly 200 runs already. Wriddhiman Saha, the keeper-batsman, joins Rohit at the centre.

Nope. No declaration. Let’s wait for Rohit’s ton then. Dilruwan disturbs Ashwin’s furniture. He exits. Saha walks in.

It’s obvious that India is waiting only for Rohit Sharma to get to his hundred. The declaration will come as soon as he gets to the milestone. He needs to get to it in the next over or two so that India’s bowlers have a meaningful go at the Lankan batsmen this evening.

Most double centuries in Tests for India:

6 – Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar 
5 – Rahul Dravid, VIRAT KOHLI* 
4 – Sunil Gavaskar 

Most double centuries by captains in Tests:

5 – Brian Lara, VIRAT KOHLI*
4 – Don Brdaman, Michael Clarke, Graeme Smith

BOWLED EM! Perera collects his third wicket as Ashwin gets his off-stump rattled while looking for a cover drive. India 597/6

Ashwin b Perera 5(14)

After 173 overs,India 595/5 ( Rohit Sharma 89 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

Four runs collected off the 173rd over, including a double off the third delivery in which Rohit guides the ball towards the leg side.

Dasun Shanaka returns to the attack in the 173rd over, with Sri Lanka sticking to their ploy of a spinner and a seamer in tandem.

It was probably the first ball that Virat Kohli miscued and Dilruwan Perera got a wicket. Virat Kohli missed a triple century there. India now will wait for Rohit Sharma’s century and then may think of declaring to have a go at Sri Lanka in the last few moments of the day.

After 172 overs,India 590/5 ( Rohit Sharma 85 , Ravichandran Ashwin 3)

Four singles collected off the 172nd over, with India 10 short of the 600-run mark at the end of the over. Time for the players to have a drink now. India need another 15 to stretch their lead to 400, and judging by the amount of time that they have at their disposal, they could get a lot more than just that before stumps today.

His timing was immaculate throughout the innings. Even the reverse sweep before his dismissal raced to the fence. But the first ball he miscues ends up in long on’s hands. Terrific knock. A couple of opposition players congratulate him as he goes back to the hut.

His timing was immaculate throughout the innings. Even the reverse sweep before his dismissal raced to the fence. But the first ball he miscues ends up in long on’s hands. Terrific knock. A couple of opposition players congratulate him as he goes back to the hut.

Kohli’s terrific innings comes to an end. He single handedly boosted the run rate from late afternoon yesterday and carried on the same tempo today. It mattered little that he was approaching his 100 or 200 landmark. Kohli still played the aggressive shots and ensured that the Lankan bowlers and fielders had no respite. His brilliant, rapid 213 has put India in a great position. They are close to 400 runs ahead and have two whole days to bowl out Lanka.

After 171 overs,India 586/5 ( Rohit Sharma 83 , Ravichandran Ashwin 1)

Bit of confusion between Ashwin and Rohit in the third delivery, after Ashwin is sent back by Rohit after guiding it straight to cover, with the new batsman being a denied a run off the overthrow as well. Four off the over, with Gamage getting struck above the dodgy right knee off a throw in the penultimate delivery.

After 170 overs,India 583/5 ( Rohit Sharma 81 , Ravichandran Ashwin 0)

Kohli reverse-sweeps a full delivery along the middle-stump, guiding it towards the vacant third man region to collect his 17th boundary. He suffers a lapse of concentration later in the over, hitting off the toe-end of the bat while dancing down the track and looking for a big hit, getting caught by Thirimanne at long-on as a result. Six runs and a wicket off the over. Ashwin walks out to bat, with Rohit batting on 81 at the other end.

OUT! Lapse of concentration by the Indian skipper brings his innings to an end, as he perishes while looking to accelerate the innings in the final session of the third day. Gets caught by Thirimanne after lobbing the ball high in the air off a bottom edge. Also brings to an end the 173-run stand for the fifth wicket. India 583/5

Kohli c Thirimanne b Perera 213(267)

FOUR! Reverse-swept away by Kohli towards the vacant third man boundary off Perera! India 583/4

197….. 198….. the fans are getting involved with every run. They have seen Kohli school Sri Lanka and thoroughly enjoyed it. He ran the 199th run hard and wanted to come back for the second. Rohit refused. He wouldn’t want to be the person who runs out his captain on 199!! And it has come. The double century which has electrified the atmosphere in the stadium. Effortless innings this from Kohli but humble celebrations.

After 169 overs,India 577/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 208 , Rohit Sharma 80)

Kohli smacks the second delivery of the 169th over wide of the extra-cover fielder, collecting his 16th boundary in the process. The Indian skipper guides the ball through point off the penultimate delivery to collect a couple of runs. 10 off the over.

This partnership is the last nail in the coffin for Sri Lanka. Kohli’s terrific double hundred, along with Rohit’s substantial knock has already added over 150 runs for the fifth wicket. Kohli’s double hundred is yet another reminder that the batsman is at the peak of his batting prowess and in the form of his life. The double hundred, Kohli’s fifth in Tests, came off a mere 259 deliveries. What a batsman, what consistency

FOUR! Effortlessly punched through the gap between extra-cover and mid-off by Kohli! This is now the highest Test score at the VCA Stadium!  India 572/4

After 168 overs,India 567/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 200 , Rohit Sharma 78)

Four singles collected off the 168th over, including one off the penultimate delivery by Kohli that brings up the fifth Test double-hundred for the Indian skipper! The crowd erupts in unison after the milestone.

DOUBLE-CENTURY FOR VIRAT KOHLI! His fifth in Tests, all of them as captain, and his second this year! Even though the Sri Lankan attack has looked dull this innings, Kohli has exuded class in his strokes and the construction of his innings. Gets there with a single in the 168th over, taking 259 balls to the magical figure. The captain punches the air in delight after getting to the milestone.

After 167 overs,India 563/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 198 , Rohit Sharma 76)

Five singles off the 167th over, which witnesses Gamage return to the attack. Kohli, meanwhile moves to 198 at the end of the over, with the crowd waiting with bated breath for his double ton.

What a shot by Kohli. Super fast bat speed to take the ball from off and hit the off spinner Pereira with the spin over mid-wicket for a superb six. He is great touch alright

Lahiru Gamage returns to the attack in the 167th over, replacing Lakmal.

After 166 overs,India 558/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 195 , Rohit Sharma 74)

Kohli collects a single off the third delivery to bring up the 550 for India. The captain later rolls his wrists to flick the ball towards the midwicket fence — such is his timing that he actually manages to clear the rope. Nine scored off the over.

Some spin on offer for Dilruwan Perera. Ominous signs for Sri Lanka though. India may declare soon and they will have to face the pair of Ashwin-Jadeja on day four or possibly 5, but the chances are remote.

SIX! That had class stamped all over it! Kohli crouches low, and uses his wrists to flick the ball over the midwicket boundary! Sensational stuff from the Indian captain! India 557/4

After 165 overs,India 549/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 187 , Rohit Sharma 73)

Bit of a delay before the 165th over, with the umpires changing the ball. Animated lbw appeal by Lakmal off the fourth delivery of the over, though Rohit got an inside-edge on that occasion. Four singles off the over.

Absolute run feast at Nagpur. Rohit Sharma too is partaking of the Lankans offerings with delight. He might well be the fourth century maker of the innings if he keeps going at the same rate. Skipper Kohli is in line to get the equivalent of Lanka’s first innings total.

After 164 overs,India 545/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 185 , Rohit Sharma 71)

Four singles collected off Perera’s 39th over, with Rohit advancing down the track looking for another big hit, but landing the ball short of the man at long-on.

After 163 overs,India 541/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 183 , Rohit Sharma 69)

Six runs collected off the 163rd over as Suranga Lakmal returns to the attack, including a boundary by Rohit off a short-arm jab towards the backward square-leg fence.

FOUR! Rohit goes for a short-arm jab off a rising delivery from Lakmal, placing it beyond fine-leg’s reach. India 541/4

Suranga Lakmal returns to the attack in the 163rd over of the innings, replacing Shanaka.

After 162 overs,India 535/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 182 , Rohit Sharma 64)

Rohit hands the strike back to his skipper with a single off the first delivery of Perera’s 38th over. Kohli collects a double after guiding the ball towards third man. Five off the over.

After 161 overs,India 530/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 179 , Rohit Sharma 62)

Good over for the Indians, with eight coming off it. Rohit guides the ball off the third delivery towards deep midwicket, where a diving fielder pulls the ball back to save two runs for his side, before pulling the next one towards the cow-corner fence.

Lovely stop by the fielder in the deep. But Rohit follows that ball up with an unstoppable pull. Shanaka bowling a barrage of rubbish deliveries. Needs to get his act right quickly.

FOUR! There’s no one to stop this powerful whack from Rohit’s bat off a well-timed pull. India 529/4

After 160 overs,India 522/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 178 , Rohit Sharma 55)

Just two runs conceded off Perera’s over, with Kohli and Rohit collecting one each for themselves. The scoring rate has been impressive for the Indians in this session so far.

After 159 overs,India 520/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 177 , Rohit Sharma 54)

Shanaka returns to the attack in the 159th over of the innings. Kohli smacks the third delivery of the over towards the leg side, clearing the midwicket boundary after one bounce. Bye conceded by the Lankans after quick collect-and-throw by keeper Dickwella at the striker’s stumps, with no fielder standing on the other side for backup. Nine off the over.

FOUR! Stand and deliver by Kohli! Swipes his bat towards the midwicket boundary, where the ball bounces once before crossing over the rope. India 516/4

Shanaka returns to the attack for the 159th over of the innings, replacing Gamage after tea.

After 158 overs,India 511/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 173 , Rohit Sharma 52)

Rohit collects a single off the second ball of the over, and is refused a second run rather shrillly by Kohli. The Indian skipper collects a double off the penultimate delivery of the over, guiding it towards extra-cover, to bring up the centur stand for the fifth wicket. Four off the over.

Century partnership up between Kohli and Rohit off 169 deliveries, with the former driving the ball through extra-cover and coming back for a second run. India 511/4

The players walk back to the pitch, with Perera getting ready to bowl another over. Kohli on strike at the moment.

The players walk off and the groundsmen enter to do their work. If Rohit’s ultra defensive approach in the final few overs is a sign then the declaration ain’t coming right after tea. Only one wicket in the session. The gulf between both the nations is so much that Sri Lanka have hardly had any chances. India lead by 302. Another 50 and they should ideally declare. But will that happen? Come back after 15 to find out.

India won yet another session in the Test and now they lead by 302 runs. Virat Kohli is on the verge of scoring another double ton while Sharma will feel that a century is here for the taking. The question will now arise that when India will declare.

After 157 overs,India 507/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 170 , Rohit Sharma 51)

Three singles collected off the 157th over, which is the last over before tea, as Kohli and Rohit further consolidate India’s position in the ongoing match. India now boast of a 302-run lead, with the current partnership worth 97. The visitors, on the other hand, seem to be fizzing out with each passing session.

Nine balls on 49! Rohit Sharma seems to be in no hurry to get to his fifty. He is also making the crowd anxious. Make it eleven. And there it is a push to covers to make a solid statement on his comeback. He missed a lot of action in white clothes and that fifty would make him feel better.

After 156 overs,India 504/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 168 , Rohit Sharma 50)

Rohit lobs one over to the vacant short-leg region off the fourth delivery of the over. Would’ve been the simplest of catches had there been a fielder for that. After having a rough outing so far in the innings, Perera suddenly has back-to-back maidens. India’s lead though, now sits at the 300-run mark.

This is the third consecutive fifty-plus score for Rohit Sharma in Tests. He scored two such scores against New Zealand last year.

After 155 overs,India 504/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 168 , Rohit Sharma 50)

Gamage returns to the attack in the 156th over, having left the field earlier in the session due to a knee pain. Two sinlges off the over, the second one of which is collected by Rohit off the last delivery to bring up a fine comeback half-century.

Gamage is back! Good news for Sri Lanka. India, though, are three runs away from taking a 300-run lead.

And it’s a half-century for Rohit Sharma, and a fine one indeed! Making an entry into the playing XI after sitting out at Kolkata, it has been a fine comeback of sorts for him in the Test format. Takes 98 deliveries to bring up the milestone.

164* by Virat Kohli is now the highest by an Indian captain in a Test innings against Sri Lanka. The previous highest was 163 by Kapil Dev at Kanpur in 1986

Dilruwan Perera returns to the attack in the 154th over of the innings, replacing Herath.

After 154 overs,India 502/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 167 , Rohit Sharma 49)
 
Perera returns to the attack in the 154th over, and collects his first maiden of the Indian innings, having conceded 155 runs for the wicket of Rahane.

Chandimal tosses the ball to Karunaratne because Gamage is not available. A fan behind me tells me Karunaratne’s only Test wicket is Pujara. The medium pacer had dismissed him in Sri Lanka. That guy is well aware of his numbers!!

After 153 overs,India 502/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 167 , Rohit Sharma 49)

Rohit collects a single off the second ball of the 153rd over, bringing up the 500 for the hosts. Four runs off the over, with Rohit one short of his half-century at the end of it.

After 152 overs,India 498/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 165 , Rohit Sharma 47)

Just two singles collected off the 152nd over, with Rohit inching closer to his eighth Test half-century now. That, however, isn’t the only milestone that’s approaching for the Indians, who are closing in on the 500-mark, the 300-run lead and the century stand.

After 151 overs,India 496/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 164 , Rohit Sharma 46)

Karunaratne gets introduced into the attack for the 151st over. The ball brushes past Rohit’s pad and runs towards fine-leg, allowing the batsmen to collect three leg-byes. Seven runs collected off the over, including a single each off the last four deliveries.

Change of bowling. SL skipper Chandimal opts to bring military-medium pacer Dimuth Karunaratne into the attack.

More fans in the stands today as compared to the first two days. It might look empty but they are making a lot of noise.

After 150 overs,India 489/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 162 , Rohit Sharma 44)

Stifled appeal from the keeper off the first delivery of the over after Rohit misses and gets rapped on his front pad. Just one off the 150th over of the Indian innings. Another 11 runs for the Indians to breach the 500-barrier.

After 149 overs,India 488/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 162 , Rohit Sharma 43)

Kohli opens the face of his bat, and guides the ball towards third man for a couple of runs off second delivery of the over. Five off the over, with three singles also being collected.

After 148 overs,India 483/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 159 , Rohit Sharma 41)

Rohit guides the ball behind point off the third delivery of the over for a couple of runs. Herath fires a flatter one off the fourth delivery, with Rohit bringing his bat down just in time to defend it. The Mumbai Indians captain collects a single off the last ball to retain strike for the following over, with three coming off Herath’s 37th.

After 147 overs,India 480/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 159 , Rohit Sharma 38)

Kohli times his straight drive off the penultimate delivery perfectly, and would have got a boundary for that on any other day. Except Chandimal acts as the barrier, allowing the Indian captain only a single. Rohit pulls the last ball towards the leg side to retain strike for the following over, with four coming off it.

After 146 overs,India 476/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 157 , Rohit Sharma 36)

Kohli grabs a single after guiding the ball down the ground off the first ball of the over. Rohit then skips down the track off the penultimate ball, and flicks it towards the vacant midwicket fence to collect his fifth boundary. Five off the over.

Sri Lanka had a silly mid on, midwicket and long on and still Rohit danced down the track and whipped it to find the deep midwicket fence. He is already on 36 and if he goes on score a 50, it will be his 4th consecutive half-century in Tests. His last three had come against New Zealand in 2016.

FOUR! Rohit Sharma and his unmatched talent! Shuffles down the track once again, making the job of flicking the ball towards the vacant deep midwicket region against a spinner of Herath’s class look like child’s play. India 476/4

After 145 overs,India 471/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 156 , Rohit Sharma 32)

Shanaka continues from the other end, with Rohit and Kohli rotating the strike between themselves, collecting three of them, before the former guides the last delivery of the over towards fine-leg for a couple of runs. Five off the over.

After 144 overs,India 466/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 154 , Rohit Sharma 29)

Herath is brought back into the attack in the 144th over, which turns out to be a good one for the Indians, with Rohit Sharma hitting two boundaries off this over, bringing up the fifty-stand with Kohli as a result! Barring the dismissals of Pujara and Rahane, which happened within a space of a few overs of each others, the Sri Lankans have hardly stood a chance so far in the Indian innings.

FOUR! Make that two boundaries for Rohit in this over, the Mumbai batsman flicking it through the midwicket region on this occasion. India 466/4

FOUR! Rohit dances down the track, and smashes the ball over the bowler’s head, with the ball travelling one bounce over the ropes. Also brings up the fifty-stand with Kohli in style! India 462/4

After 143 overs,India 458/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 154 , Rohit Sharma 21)

Shanaka resumes after the drinks break. Just two singles off the over, With India’s lead now in excess of the 250-run mark.

Most 150-plus scores by Indian captains in Tests:

6 – VIRAT KOHLI*

5 – Mohammed Azharuddin 

5 – Sunil Gavaskar

Are you one of those doubting Rahane’s abilities?

People debating Ajinkya Rahane's "form".... let me just stop you right there. Don't waste your time... 12 overseas Tests coming up. He is irreplaceable! #IndvSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 26, 2017

India lead by 251 runs at drinks. They would ideally aiming to get 300-350 on board. Don’t think they are gonna declare. Rohit and Kohli might change gears in the second hour though.

After 142 overs,India 456/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 153 , Rohit Sharma 20)

Perera continues from the other end. Kohli pats the second delivery of the over down the ground for a single, with Rohit opting to stay defensive for the remainder of the over. Time for the players to have a drink now.

After 141 overs,India 455/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 152 , Rohit Sharma 20)

Shanaka returns to the attack for the 141st over, and starts his new spell off with a maiden. The current partnership meanwhile, is touching the 50-run mark already.

Change of bowling. Dasun Shanaka replaces Suranga Lakmal.

First aerial stroke for Kohli and that brings up his 150! It’s crazy but without taking any risks or playing the ball in the air, his strike rate has been above 75. Excellent batting!

After 140 overs,India 455/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 152 , Rohit Sharma 20)

Kohli advances down the track off the second delivery, and clears a leaping fielder at long-on to bring up his 150, as well as guide the hosts past the 450-run mark. Eight off the over, including singles off the last two deliveries.

SIX! Kohli advances down the track and smacks the ball over long-on, where the fielder leaps in vain. What a way for the Indian skipper to bring up his 150, as well as guide the hosts past the 450-run mark. India 453/4

After 139 overs,India 447/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 145 , Rohit Sharma 19)

Kohli nudges the second delivery of the over towards the midwicket region for a single, the only run collected off the 139th over, bowled by Lakmal.

After 138 overs,India 446/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 144 , Rohit Sharma 19)

Just one run off Perera’s 31st over, with Kohli running the ball down the ground for a single off the third delivery. Kohli, meanwhile, is now the top-scorer so far in the innings.

Dilruwan Perera has been all over the place throughout this innings. The stage was set for Rohit Sharma to have a look in and then go for it and he is doing it now as India approach 450.

After 137 overs,India 445/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 143 , Rohit Sharma 19)

Rohit’s luck shines bright for him in the third delivery when a thick inside-edge off his bat carries all the way to the fine-leg fence instead of hitting timber. Seven off the over, with three singles coming off it other than the boundary.

FOUR! Rohit gets a thick inside-edge that runs away to the fine-leg fence instead of hitting timber. India 443/4

After 136 overs,India 438/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 141 , Rohit Sharma 14)

Kohli collects a single off the third delivery of the Perera over, and it would have been a tight one had it not been for Rohit advancing down the pitch, and smashing the ball beyond the long-on fence for a monstrous six. Seven collected off the over.

SIX! Rohit advances down the track, and smashes Perera for a biggie over long-on! That’s the second big hit of the innings! India 438/4

After 135 overs,India 431/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 140 , Rohit Sharma 8)

Lakmal replacing a struggling Gamage, who appears to have hurt his right knee while attempting a dive in the previous over. Kohli starts the over off with a powerful loft down the ground, collecting a single off the next ball to hand the strike back to Rohit. Five off the over.

FOUR! Lofted down the ground by the Indian captain! Stand and deliver by Kohli! India 430/4

Sri Lanka’s misery worsens. Gamage lands badly on his knee and is walking off! Jeez he walked off with the support of his physio and a substitute. As things stand, the Lankans are a bowler short. He was looking sharp early on and Chandimal would hope it’s not serious.

Suranga Lakmal returns to the attack for the 135th over, with Gamage being taken off the field due to a recurring knee pain.

After 134 overs,India 426/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 135 , Rohit Sharma 8)

Kohli chips one off a leading edge towards the gap between extra-cover and mid-off, far from any preying fielder. Drives the fourth delivery towards the off side for a single. Gamage appears to have exacerbated the pain on his right knee after attempting a dive from mid-on off the last delivery of the over. Two off the over.

After 133 overs,India 425/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 134 , Rohit Sharma 8)

Rohit and Kohli rotate the strike between themselves with singles off the first three deliveries of the over, which are all that the current pair can collect off Gamage’s 30th.

After 132 overs,India 422/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 132 , Rohit Sharma 7)

Kohli guides the ball wide of the midwicket fielder off the second delivery of the over — the only run collected off the 132nd.

Ajinkya Rahane is making life tough for himself yet again. The next Test will be vital for him to keep his place in the team. The new batsman is Rohit Sharma who will once again try to cement his place in the Test side.

After 131 overs,India 421/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 131 , Rohit Sharma 7)

Rohit punches the ball through cover point off the fourth delivery of the over, with Lakmal cutting the ball off to save a run for the hosts. Kohli comes back for a second run after steering the penultimate delivery through cover. Ends the over with a single. Seven off the over.

After 130 overs,India 414/4 ( Virat Kohli (C) 127 , Rohit Sharma 4)

Eventful over by Perera. Not only does he dismiss a struggling Rahane cheaply, with the latter cutting it straight to backward point, thereby extending his lean patch. Rohit then walks out to the centre, and gets a boundary straightaway with a well-timed drive. Five runs and a wicket off the over.

One Mumbai batsman goes. Another one enters fray. Rohit Sharma seems to be a favourite here. ‘Rohitttttt, Rohittt’ chants have begun. Another poor outing for Rahane. Perera, after a dismal day 2, finds himself among the wicket charts. Can he continue?

FOUR! Rohit gets off the mark off the very first delivery that he faces, driving it wide of extra-cover. The fielder gives it a chase, pulling it back inside the playing area though his feet graze the padded cushion at the same time. India 414/4

OUT! Rahane departs early, holing out to Karunaratne at backward point while attempting to cut the Perera delivery. His stay at the crease today has been that of struggle. India 410/4

Rahane c Karunaratne b Perera 2(15)

After 129 overs,India 409/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 126 , Ajinkya Rahane 2)

Gamage continues after lunch. India score three runs in the over. Kohli and Rahane taking their time to settle after the restart

After 128 overs,India 406/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 124 , Ajinkya Rahane 1)

India take two singles in the over as the lead crosses 200. Virat Kohli will be eyeing a big one here, while Ajinkya Rahane will look to get among the runs

The onus will be on Ajinkya Rahane to get some runs under his belt here as India are in a strong position and the pitch is still good for batsmen.

Let’s switch back to India-Sri Lanka from Ashes, shall we? England’s situation currently is as grim as Sri Lanka’s. Two talking points in this session: Rahane’s approach and Kohli’s double ton!

Sri Lanka needed 3-4 wickets to bounce back in the session but they managed only one. Their approach from the start was slightly on the defensive. They didn’t have any slips for the pacers but that was also due to the batsmen. Both Pujara and Kohli were set. With Rahane at the crease, Sri Lanka must look to attack more. Kohli strolls back to the pavilion with his deputy. Another 200 seems to be the cards after Lunch. Don’t go away!!

After 127 overs,India 404/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 123 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Fine stop by Thirimanne at gully to prevent a single after a late cut by Kohli off the second delivery. Kohli smacks the ball down the ground off the penultimate delivery, and collects a boundary after a misfield by his Sri Lankan counterpart Chandimal. The umpires call for lunch at the end of the over, with India stretching their lead to 199 at the end of the session.

FOUR! Yet another petty misfield for the Sri Lankans, as the ball rolls through between Chandimal’s hands near mid-on, giving Kohli his 13th boundary. India 404/3

Rahane is taking his guard. The Indian vice-captain hasn’t been in the best of form in the longest format and is due some runs. With rumours floating around that Kohli might be given rest for the Delhi Test, Rahane may captain. So getting runs under his belt will give him some confidence.

Pujara must have got tired of batting against this Lankan team.  He batted on all the 5 days of the Kolkata Test. Here he had batted on day 1, 2 & now 3 for his 143 off 362 balls. Finally, just before lunch he got himself yorked by Shanaka. Had a massive 183-run partnership for 3rd wicket with skipper Kohli and it allowed a study of the contrasting fashion of batting between the two.

After 126 overs,India 400/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 119 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Kohli grabs a single off the second delivery of the over, bringing up the 400 for India. Rahane stays put at the crease for the remainder of the over. Another couple of minutes to go before lunch.

Cheteshwar Pujara was slightly late in bringing his bat down and that aided Shanaka to breach his defence. Sri Lanka finally got a wicket at the stroke of lunch.

A pat on the back from Kohli and off walks Pujara. A Yorker out of nowhere and it has gone through Pujara’s defence. He was slightly flummoxed after the dismissal. But Shanaka lets out a roar. It was a well executed Yorker and he deserved the wicket. Given what happened yesterday, ( Shanaka was fined for ‘changing condition of the ball’) this dismissal will provide some relief to the Lankan all-rounder.

After 125 overs,India 399/3 ( Virat Kohli (C) 118 , Ajinkya Rahane 0)

Effective over for Shanaka, as he castles Pujara with a slower delivery that causes a momentary hush at the VCA Stadium. Pujara’s long vigil comes to an end, with Kohli patting him on the back as he walks back to the crease. Four runs and a wicket off the over, with Rahane the next man out at the centre.

BOWLED EM! Pujara’s 362-delivery, 500-minute long innings finally comes to an end as Shanaka rattles his stumps with a loopy delivery, to which the Saurashtra batsman is late in bringing his bat down! Also ends the 183-run stand. India 399/3

Pujara b Shanaka 143(362)

Cheteshwar Pujara is virtually impregnable and an unmovable obstacle for Sri Lanka. He is batting on another planet than Virat Kohli, but both are successful in their own ways.

A lot of chatter regarding another double ton for Kohli, who is now 83 runs away. 

Double Century Number 5 on the cards...Reminiscent of the Test in Indore #Kohli #IndvSL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 26, 2017

After 124 overs,India 395/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 142 , Virat Kohli (C) 116)

Kohli punches the first ball down the ground after Perera shortens his length a tad. Collects a single off the fourth delivery with a drive down the ground. Five off the over.

India look well en route to run up a lead in excess of 200 before lunch. The Lankan bowling is not troubling the batsmen at all on this pitch. Pujara and Kohli have batted in their wonted fashion without being tested. They could bring up the 200 of the partnership too before long

FOUR! Punched down the ground on the backfoot by Kohli! India 394/2

After 123 overs,India 390/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 142 , Virat Kohli (C) 111)

Kohli manages to goad Pujara into a quick single despite a fine stop by the fielder at short third man. Kohli rolls his wrists for a flick next ball, finding the midwicket boundary on this occasion. Good over for the Indians, with eight coming off it.

Talk about timing!!! Goodness me. The deep square leg fielder was not too far away from that ball but the red cherry beat him comfortably. Kohli had walked out to reach to the pitch of the ball and seeing that Dickwella has come up to the stumps.

FOUR! Flicked away towards the midwicket boundary by Kohli off Shanaka! The man at square-leg gives the ball a chase, and fails. India 387/2

After 122 overs,India 382/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 140 , Virat Kohli (C) 105)

The ball stays low off the second delivery of the over, with Kohli having to adjust in the last second before going for a cut. Appeal for a stumping off the penultimate ball, thanks to some sharp work by Dickwella, with the on-field umpire going upstairs. Kohli’s foot though, is firmly inside the crease. Just two off the over.

After 121 overs,India 380/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 139 , Virat Kohli (C) 104)

Shanaka bowls the over after Perera, with Chandimal opting to give his frontline pacers some rest. Three singles collected off the over, two of them picked by Kohli.

Kohli was unstoppable. The century was his for the taking and he achieved it in style. Kohli was untroubled right through the innings. He literally toyed with the Lankan bowling on this pitch to register his 19th Test century. Superb batting

Will be interesting to see how he approaches now…

100 for Virat Kohli! But you get the feeling he is just settling in to get a big one. #indvsl

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 26, 2017

Change from both ends now, as all-rounder Dasun Shanaka operates from the other end. Another 30 minutes to go for lunch today.

Virat Kohli forces us to replace consistency word with Virat consistency in dictionary. He constructed this innings like a boss. It was like a walk in the park for him.

Congrats @imVkohli the hunger is the most imp here. Poor bowling yes but you still need to have the passion to score a ton. @cricketaakash

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 26, 2017

After 120 overs,India 377/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 138 , Virat Kohli (C) 102)

Perera is brought into the attack in the 120th over, with both batsmen now boasting of a three-figure score. Gets some sharp turn straightaway, with the third delivery beating Pujara’s inside edge with some extra bounce at the same time. Four singles collected off the over.

Change of bowling, with Dilruwan Perera getting the ball for the first time today, replacing fellow spinner Herath.

He came. He saw. He yawned. Yawned a bit more. And then slammed a ton. Centuries are not inevitable but this one seemed to be so. He was hardly troubled and they call him The Run Machine for a reason. Second consecutive ton in this series for Kohli!

Most centuries by Indian captains in Tests:

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

Most centuries by captains in a calendar year in international cricket:

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

After 119 overs,India 373/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 136 , Virat Kohli (C) 100)

Kohli guides the second delivery of the over towards long-leg for a single, moving to 99. He brings up the three-figure mark for the 19th time in his career with a single off the penultimate ball of the over, stretching his century count to 10 this year. Four off the over.

CENTURY NO 19 FOR VIRAT KOHLI! Gets there with a single, taking 130 deliveries to get to the mark! Listen to the Nagpur crowd roar in delight! Has been an entertaining stay at the crease for him so far, getting 10 hits to the fence along the way. India 372/2

After 118 overs,India 369/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 134 , Virat Kohli (C) 98)

Maiden over for Herath, who has been very economical this morning, as Pujara sticks to blocking and defensively prodding the ball away in this over. The spectators at Jamtha, meanwhile, are preparing themselves for a collective roar, with Kohli just two away from yet another ton. The Indian captain, though, is starting to show some concerns with his hamstring.

After 117 overs,India 369/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 134 , Virat Kohli (C) 98)

Pujara awkwardly pulls the penultimate delivery of the over towards midwicket, collecting a single. Kohli tucks the last ball towards fine-leg, where the ball rolls away to the rope despite an attempt by the fielder running in, completing the 150-stand between the current pair! Six off the over.

FOUR! What a way for Kohli to bring up the 150-stand with Pujara! Tucks this one towareds fine-leg, where the fielder running to his right attempts a dive, but is unable to prevent the boundary. The Indian captain now moves to 98. India 369/2

After 116 overs,India 363/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 133 , Virat Kohli (C) 93)

Sharp turn for Herath off the third delivery of the over, with slip fielder Mathews having to collect it. Just one off the over.

After 115 overs,India 362/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 133 , Virat Kohli (C) 92)

Lakmal continues after the drinks break, with just two singles being exchanged between Pujara and Kohli in the over. India’s lead currently stands at 157, with the partnership also touching the 150-mark at the moment.

India scored 48 runs in the first hour but the way in which they scored those runs matter. Kohli is eyeing another hundred and Pujara is standing in tent holding a bamboo.

Kohli stepping on it this morning. Lankans look dispirited.. Almost like going through the motions. Kohli was 54 at the start. Has raced to 91 in style. His ton should come after the drinks break at this rate

After 114 overs,India 360/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 132 , Virat Kohli (C) 91)

Three singles collected off Herath’s 32nd over, with Pujara collecting two of those, and the umpire signals drinks at the end of this over. The session has been India’s all the way so far, with the Sri Lankans desperately in search of some luck in order to stay afloat in the game.

After 113 overs,India 357/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 130 , Virat Kohli (C) 90)

A high scoring over for the Indians, with Kohli smacking two boundaries off it, including one that flies off the tip of his bat handle. The Sri Lankans also concede two doubles thanks to some clumsy fielding, with overthrows allowing Kohli, who is batting on 90 at the end of the over, to come back for an extra run. 12 off the over.

Think Sri Lanka are going to do a lot of leather hunting today. Both the batsmen have great opportunities to slam double tons. The highest 3rd wicket stand at this ground is 340 between Amla and Kallis. If Sri Lanka don’t come up with Plan B, continue sloppy fielding, that record of the South Africans might be in danger.

For once it would be good if Pujara can bat freely. Some flowing drives, some lofted shots, cuts and sweeps will do fine. Except that it would be uncharacteristic

FOUR! Some luck for Kohli as the ball glides away to the fine-leg boundary after deflecting off Kohli’s bat handle, with the Indian captain trying to leave a short ball along leg on that occasion. India 355/2

FOUR! Lakmal dishes this one at full length outside off, and Kohli doesn’t hesitate from leaning forward and driving it through extra-cover! Brings up the 350 for the hosts. India 351/2

After 112 overs,India 345/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 130 , Virat Kohli (C) 78)

Maiden over for Herath, bowling over the wicket this over, taking his tally to 10. Has been steady progress for the hosts this morning, with 33 runs being scored so far off 14 overs.

Cheteshwar Pujara is the 10th Indian batsman to score 3,000 runs in India in Tests and he is the quickest batsman to achieve the feat. He has achieved it in 53 innings while the previous record holder was Sachin Tendulkar who achieved the same in 55 innings.

After 111 overs,India 345/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 130 , Virat Kohli (C) 78)

Four singles collected off the 111th over, bowled by Lakmal, as Pujara moves past the 3,000-run mark on home soil in this over. The lead is now 10 short of the 150-run mark.

Well, the crowd has erupted after that synchronised sliding in the deep. The plan so far seems that Herath is going to bowl from one end continuously with Lakmal and Gamage taking chances to have a go at batsman. As good as it sounds, it hasn’t threatened Pujara and Kohli one bit.

After 110 overs,India 341/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 128 , Virat Kohli (C) 76)

Pujara steers the penultimate delivery of the over towards the cover boundary, with two fielders sliding collectively near the boundary rope and failing to prevent the boundary. Five off the over.

Both players are playing as per the gameplan today. Kohli is aggressive and Pujara is patient as ever.

FOUR! Pujara steers the ball towards sweeper cover, with Perera and Karunaratne both giving it a chase and diving together near the boundary rope, and looking at each other exasperatedly after failing to prevent the boundary. India 341/2

After 109 overs,India 336/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 124 , Virat Kohli (C) 75)

Suranga Lakmal gets introduced into the attack from the South End in the first bowling change on Day 3, getting a short cover in place. Pujara and Kohli collect a single each off the over.

First bowling change of the day as Suranga Lakmal replaces Lahiru Gamage.

After 108 overs,India 334/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 123 , Virat Kohli (C) 74)

Herath fires a few flat ones around full length, collecting his ninth maiden as Kohli remains firmly grounded at his crease in the over.

Kohli, as expected, is the aggressive one this morning. He’s outscoring Pujara 10:1.

After 107 overs,India 334/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 123 , Virat Kohli (C) 74)

Gamage goes round the wicket at the start of this over. Pujara steers the second delivery of the over towards cover for a single. Three singles collected off the over, including two off Kohli’s bat.

After 106 overs,India 331/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 122 , Virat Kohli (C) 72)

Some quick running between the wickets as Kohli works hard to come back for a second run after working the ball towards midwicket. The captain retains the strike for the next over with a single off the last ball.

After 105 overs,India 326/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 122 , Virat Kohli (C) 69)

Pujara collects his first run of the day after 23 deliveries, directing it towards square-leg and setting off for a quick single. Three runs collected off the over.