Highlights India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Day 3 in Delhi: Visitors 356/9 at stumps

Watch as our correspondent Amit Banerjee reviews Day 3 at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

And so ends a day that was mostly dominated by the Sri Lankan’s, but saw the Indian attack play catch up later with a flurry of wickets. Chandimal weathered the storm in the final session, at a time when the likes of Shami and Ishant we’re getting ferocious swing, and will look to go the distance on the penultimate day.

Stumps, Day 3: The umpires don’t think its safe enough to continue. Bad light has forced early stumps. Chandimal remains unbeaten on 147 and partnering him is Sandakan. Sri Lanka still trail by 180 runs. The visitors were slowly but gradually crawling their way back but they lost far too many wickets in the final session to hand back the ascendancy to India. But nonetheless, it has been a terrific day of cricket. Sri Lanka put up a great fight and if they want to bounce back, they must produce a great performance with the ball as well. But before that they should look to reduce the deficit as much as possible.

After 130 overs,Sri Lanka 356/9 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 147 , Lakshan Sandakan 0)

THe lightmeter is out and the umpires ask the players to continue after being satisfied with the reading. Chandimal thrashes one over midwicket and takes a single off the fourth ball. Can Sandakan not lose his wicket for the next two balls? Yes, he can!

SIX! Chandimal shimmies down the track and whips Ashwin aerially over midwicket. The ball lands just on the rope and the umpire raises both his arms.

After 129 overs,Sri Lanka 349/9 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 140 , Lakshan Sandakan 0)

Sri Lanka still trail by 188 runs and the deficit comes down by one run in Jadeja’s 44th over.

After 128 overs,Sri Lanka 348/9 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 139 , Lakshan Sandakan 0)

How long can the pair of Sandakan and Chandimal survive? Only time will tell but they have seen through this over by scoring five runs.

The end is nigh for Sri Lanka despite skipper Chanimal trying to prolong their innings. Gamage found in front of the stumps by Jadeja. No support forthcoming for the skipper. Even DRS does not come to the aid of Lanka.

FOUR! As expected Chandimal is upping the ante. Waltzes down the track and whips it over midwicket.

After 127 overs,Sri Lanka 343/9 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 134 , Lakshan Sandakan 0)

The umpires have suggested Kohli that the light isn’t good enough for a pacer to bowl and so Jadeja returns. His first ball is flat and on the pads, Chandimal wrists it behind square for a single. Jadeja gets rid of Lakmal and Sandakan buries the sixth ball right under his eyeline. Sri Lanka trail by 193 runs.

OUT! Jadeja strikes! The umpire has ruled Gagame out LBW. But Sri Lanka review. Replays show that there is no wood. Ball tracking indicates that it would’ve clipped the middle stump. So Lakmal has to walk back for 1.

Almost looks as if India is hosting its first-ever day-night Test, is the playing conditions at the moment are to be considered. The umpires have the light meters out, and a few round of discussions could happen soon.

Thankfully for the Sri Lankan’s, they won’t have to bat again for now. The possibility of a draw still lingers on.

After 126 overs,Sri Lanka 342/8 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 133 , Lahiru Gamage 1)

Eighth maiden for Ashwin. He began the over from round the wicket and changed the angle on the final delivery.

After 125 overs,Sri Lanka 342/8 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 133 , Lahiru Gamage 1)

With only two wickets left, Chandimal should look to adopt an aggressive approach and reduce the deficit as much as possible. Eight runs come off this over.

FOUR! Short and angling in, Chandimal whips it off his hips to deep fine leg.

FOUR! Sri Lanka avoid the follow-on. Chandimal edges a drive and it goes between third slip and gully.

Another good catch by Saha. Luckily the edge by Lakmal off Shami did not go to the slip fielders. Suddenly wickets are falling all around skipper Chandimal. Sri Lanka still trail by 205 runs.

After 124 overs,Sri Lanka 334/8 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 125 , Lahiru Gamage 1)

Three singles in the over. Sri Lanka are 2 runs away from avoiding the follow-on.

After 123 overs,Sri Lanka 331/8 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 123 , Lahiru Gamage 0)

The question is will India enforce follow-on? They have lost eight wickets and I reckon they won’t. One run and a wicket off this over.

OUT! Sri Lanka lose their eighth wicket. On a length and outside off, Lakmal goes for a drive and edges it to Saha, who dives to his right and pouches it. Lakmal falls for 5.

After 122 overs,Sri Lanka 330/7 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 122 , Suranga Lakmal 5)

Tight bowling from Ashwin. After conceding five off two balls, he beats Lakmal on the outisde edge.

FOUR! Ashwin lets out a freebie, outside off, Lakmal goes back and cuts it through the vacant cover region.

After 121 overs,Sri Lanka 325/7 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 121 , Suranga Lakmal 1)

Two leg byes in the over. India in total ascendancy at the moment.

Sri Lanka are undoing all the good work from the first two sessions. 477 balls between Mathews and Chandimal and now 3 wickets in 17 balls.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2017

Quick dismissals have put the Indians right back into the game. And with Dickwella getting dismissed for a duck by Ashwin, the Sri Lankans are into the tail right now. With Chandimal around though, the possibility of avoiding the follow-on remain high.

After 120 overs,Sri Lanka 323/7 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 121 , Suranga Lakmal 1)

This is turning out to be a great spell from Ashwin. Has already scalped two wickets and is looking good for more. One run and the wicket of Dickwella in this over.

Terrible shot by Dickwella. What was he thinking? With his skipper at the other end batting brilliantly Dickwella essayed two aggressive shots, both very chancy. He got away with the first, then lost his off stump to the second.  A Terrible cut shot attempted to ball on the stumps.

OUT! Sri Lanka are losing their way in the final session. Rips out a slider and Dickwella tries to cut t only to miss it altogether and get castled. He perishes for a 4-ball duck.

After 119 overs,Sri Lanka 322/6 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 121 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Chandimal is playing a lovely hand. It’s been a pleasure to watch him bat. Scores a delectable cover drive but then edges the final delivery. But it falls short of a diving Saha.

FOUR! Length ball, outside off, Chandimal lunges forward and drives it on the up.

After 118 overs,Sri Lanka 318/6 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 117 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Niroshan Dickwella is in. Expect some strokeplay. 1 run and a wicket from this over.

Ashwin strikes again. Thankfully it is a very simple catch. So no chance of dropping it. Roshen Silva caught bat-pad at short leg. Ball ballooning up to gently to land in Dhawan’s lap.

It’s drinks at Kotla. India slowly finding their way after two insipid sessions. 1 run and a wicket so far in this over. Ashwin will complete it post drinks.

OUT! Debutant Silva goes for a duck. Ashwin gets him caught bat-pad at short leg by Shikhar Dhawan. India finally holding on to their catches.

After 117 overs,Sri Lanka 317/5 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 116 , Roshen Silva 0)

Eventful over this. Started with 5 overthrows to Chandimal on the first ball, but ultimately ends in Ishant’s favour. India get Samarawickrama. Debutant Roshen de Silva is in.

Brilliant catch by Saha, diving low to right to latch on to Samarawickrama’s edge off Ishant. The batsman made 33 in a 61-run partnership.

OUT! Finally India take a catch! Ishant induces an edge from Samarawickrama and Saha dives to his right to send him back. He falls for 33.

Four! Samarawickrama times one through midwicket

Surprising Kohli is not using non-regular bowlers Rohit Sharma, himself, Murali Vijay to try and break partnerships. Would help to lower Chandimal concentration too.

After 116 overs,Sri Lanka 308/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 111 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 29)

Ashwin continues. Chandimal plays one towards mid on where Kohli fields and fires a throw at the non-striker. It hits Samarawickrama on the arm. Kohli apologises; smiles all around. Samarawickrama reaches his highest score of the series.

After 115 overs, Sri Lanka 305/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 110, Sadeera Samarawickrama 27)

Ishant returns to the attack. Remember he got Samarawickrama in Nagpur. Starts with a disciplined line outside off-stump. Late inswing on the penultimate ball. Maiden over.

After 114 overs,Sri Lanka 305/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 110 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 27)

Chandimal plays out Ashwin’s 27th over.

After 113 overs,Sri Lanka 305/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 110 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 27)

On the second ball, Jadeja drifts one around leg, Chandimal clips it front of midwicket for a quick single. A tossed up delivery outside off, Sadeera gets his stride forward and pushes it towards covers for another run. Slightly flat from Jaddu and Chandimal defends it off his backfoot. Chandimal nudges the sixth ball to square leg to retain the strike.

After 112 overs,Sri Lanka 302/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 108 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 26)

Ashwin is keeping Samarawickrama at bay but the youngster is not hiding his attacking intent whatsoever. One run off the over.

After 111 overs,Sri Lanka 301/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 107 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 26)

Chandmial immediately gets off the strike after that first-ball boundary. And Samarawickrama almost chops on! Looks to cut a ball very late but inside edges it onto the pitch. Close shave that!

FOUR! Streaky! Chandimal goes forward to defend one but outside edges it to the third man fence.

After 110 overs,Sri Lanka 296/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 102 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 26)

This Ashwin vs Samarawickrama battle is becoming intriguing. Ashwin is tempting him and Samarawickrama is looking to play his shots. Collects a four off this over too.

FOUR! Samarawickrama taking his chances and he is having a field day as of now. Waltzes down the track and slogs it front of square on the leg side.

This Kotla pitch looks so dead that whoever thought this would be a good pitch to prepare for South Africa must look quite silly. It is unlikely there will be such a flat pitch even in India, let alone South Africa. Just 11 wickets have fallen in nearly three whole days of play.

After 109 overs,Sri Lanka 292/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 102 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 22)

Some ‘yes-no’ between Chandimal and Samarawickrama but it doesn’t lead to a mix-up. But a maiden over for Jadeja.

After 108 overs,Sri Lanka 292/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 102 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 22)

Chandimal bunts the second delivery to long on for a single and Samarawickrama late cuts Ashwin for a boundary behind point.

FOUR! Well played! Ashwin darts it outside off, Samarawickrama waits for it and guides it behind point.

After 107 overs,Sri Lanka 287/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 101 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 18)

Chandimal opens the bat face and pats a flatter delivery towards the off side for a single. Samarawickrama charges down the track on the final delivery and has a wild go at it. Luckily for Sri Lanka, the ball falls in no man’s area and he collects a brace.

After 106 overs,Sri Lanka 284/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 100 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 16)

Drift. Loop. Flight. This over had it all but Samarawickrama backed himself to play it in a self-assured away.

After 105 overs,Sri Lanka 284/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 100 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 16)

Chandimal is suffering from cramps. The physio comes out. But nothing else has changed. Jadeja continues bowling maidens.

The Sri Lankans did not have a single century to their credit until today. And now two of their best batsmen have crossed the three-figure mark in a space of a couple of sessions. Another standing ovation from the spectators, this time for the Sri Lankan captain, who has been the most consistent from his side so far.

After 104 overs,Sri Lanka 284/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 100 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 16)

With Samarawickrama at the crease, the Indian spinners need to bowl carefully. He loves playing his shots and has already began doing that. Collects his fourth boundary, five off the over.

Chandimal reaches his 10th Test century. What a fighting knock it has been for the skipper. India were walking all over Sri Lanka these last few months and this century would have done a world of good for the skipper.

FOUR! Samarawickrama is not holding himself back. Comes down the track and slashes it through covers.

CENTURY! Superb knock! Chandimal brings up his 10th Test ton with a single. He celebrates with his arms aloft. But deep down he must be aware that the work is not done yet. He will have to stay around more.

After 103 overs,Sri Lanka 279/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 99 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 12)

Bad start for India. Jadeja concedes nine runs off the first over after lunch.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Samarawickrama plays the cut shot again to the same area.

FOUR! Jadeja bowls it short and Samarawickrama rocks back to cut it behind point.

Good day thus far for Sri Lanka. A tea score of 270 for 4 far exceeds expectation. Skipper Chandimal with 98 not out showing the way along with Mathews who was dismissed after making his ton.

Tea on Day 3. A session that was going Lanka’s way until Ashwin set Mathews up and got him caught behind. The 181-run stand between Mathews and Chandimal (98 not out) though has put the visitors in a position from where they can target going beyond 400, something that few would have thought to be possible when they lost two early wickets. The final session, for all we know, could set the tone for the rest of the game — whether it veers towards a draw or an Indian win. A Sri Lankan victory though seems very unlikely at this stage.

After 102 overs,Sri Lanka 270/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 98 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 4)

The last over before tea. Chandimal nudges one around the corner for a single. Two runs away from a century. Can he get there before tea? No, he can’t as Samarawickrama faces the next five balls. Time for tea!

After 101 overs,Sri Lanka 269/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 97 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 4)

Five runs off Jadeja’s 36th over.

FOUR! Samarawickrama opens his account with a slice through point.

After a marathon vigil of 268 balls and 377 minutes, Mathews is at last dismissed for 111. Ashwin, bowling around the wicket had him snicking a delivery going across his body. Outer edge comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Saha. The fourth-wicket partnership was worth a massive 181 runs.

After 100 overs,Sri Lanka 264/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 96 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 0)

Samarawickrama will have to be careful early on. Hasn’t been among the runs and is lacking in confidence. He plays against Ashwin cautiously. However, four byes come off the over after Saha fails to collect a leg side delivery cleanly.

After 99 overs,Sri Lanka 260/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 96 , Sadeera Samarawickrama 0)

Samarawickrama comes out to bat. Had India kept a gully, Chandimal could’ve been dismissed. He edges one past Rahane at first slip and the ball rolls away to the fence.

Finally a wicket for the Indians! The first on the third day. Just when we were staring at another dominant session for the visitors, in comes Ashwin with the breakthrough, getting Mathews caught-behind with 10 minutes left for tea. The energy has returned in the stands now!

FOUR! Chandimal goes for a drive but it takes a thick outside edge and flies to the right of Rahane at first slip and races away to the fence.

After 98 overs,Sri Lanka 256/4 ( Dinesh Chandimal (C) 92 , )

Ashwin is back. Let’s see some off breaks. Pithces it up and the ball keeps low, Mathews gets his willow down in time and keeps it out. On the fourth ball, Mathews dances down the track and lofts it towards long on for a run. Chandimal taps the penultimate delivery to cover for another run. Ashwin strikes! Mathews has to depart.

OUT! Ashwin breaks the stand. It was his first over with the new ball and he has hardly taken any time to make an impact. From around the wicket, he fires one around off, Mathews played for the turn, but it went with the angle, took the outside edge and Saha took a sharp catch. The crowd is up on its feet. Mathews falls for 111.

After 97 overs,Sri Lanka 254/3 ( Angelo Mathews 110 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 91)

Jadeja bowls a shortish delivery and it grips, takes Mathews’ outside edge and rolls past the slip cordon. They run one.

After 96 overs,Sri Lanka 253/3 ( Angelo Mathews 109 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 91)

Chandimal gets a freebie and righly puts it away for a boundary. Once again, he receives a long-hop, outside off and Chandimal cuts it away through cover-point for a couple. He is into the 90s. India might just get a different ball. But they will have to wait for some more time. A boundary and a couple off the over.

There’s hardly any decent bounce on this Kotla pitch. So surprising to see Ishant Sharma banging the ball short repeatedly.  The ball is rising to chest height at best and Chandimal has helped himself to crucial runs to get closer to his century.

The Mathews-Chandimal partnership now nearing the 200-run mark. The Lankans haven’t been in control of the proceedings like they are now since the first couple of days of the Kolkata Test. For the first time, there are folks out here who are talking about the possibility of a draw.

Meanwhile, the sun is playing hide-and-seek right now, with the floodlights being switched on at the venue.

FOUR! Short ball, around leg, easy to put away and Chandimal does. Pulls it to the fine leg fence.

After 95 overs,Sri Lanka 247/3 ( Angelo Mathews 109 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 85)

Chandimal nudges the fourth ball, which is flatter and on middle, to square leg for one. These two have now consumed over 450 balls and batted more over five hours.

After 94 overs,Sri Lanka 246/3 ( Angelo Mathews 109 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 84)

Ishant Sharma replaces Mohammed Shami. Ishant’s second delivery is in on the off stump, Chandimal clips it through midwicket for a single. Mathews is happy to see off the rest of the over without scoring a run.

After 93 overs,Sri Lanka 245/3 ( Angelo Mathews 109 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 83)

The trail is below 300 runs now. Another 92 runs to avoid the follow-on. These two have batted magnificently well. Dickwella, Samarawickrama and Roshen Silva should raw inspiration from them and look to continue the momentum if a wicket falls.

Will India go through two whole sessions without capturing a single wicket? Seems that is a possibility as Angelo Mathews and Chandimal have really dug in. India’s poor catching has contributed no doubt, but the fifth wicket pair has also batted well to get into this situation.

After 92 overs,Sri Lanka 244/3 ( Angelo Mathews 109 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 82)

Ishant Sharma is seen talking to the umpires. He is unhappy with the shape of the ball. Out comes the ball gauge and the umpires think its good enough to continue. The fourth and fifth deliveries of Shami’s 22nd over go for singles.

After 91 overs,Sri Lanka 242/3 ( Angelo Mathews 108 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 81)

Jadeja continues. With no or very less spin on offer, he is sticking to a tight line and waiting for the batsmen to commit mistakes. Mathews and Chandimal are denying him that. A leg bye off Jadeja’s 31st.

After 90 overs,Sri Lanka 241/3 ( Angelo Mathews 108 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 81)

Chandimal scores a beautiful boundary to enter the 80s. He is 19 away from a ton. Unlike, Mathews, his innings has been chanceless.

Another dropped catch. This time by substitute fielder Vijay Shankar. A difficult one at long off. Shankar stretches as much as he can but the ball goes through his hands.

FOUR! Wondeful shot! Chandimal stands tall and punches it through the vacant cover region.

After 89 overs,Sri Lanka 237/3 ( Angelo Mathews 108 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 77)

Kohli goes back to spin and tosses the ball to Jadeja. He starts with two dots. Then Chandimal punches one to cover for a single. DROPPED! Mathews gets down the track and looks to loft one over mid off, but Vijay Shankar at that position fails to catch it after getting his fingertips to it. To add insult to the injury, the ball runs away to the long off fence. Five off the over.

After 88 overs,Sri Lanka 232/3 ( Angelo Mathews 105 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 76)

One-run over from Ishant Sharma. And its time for drinks. Sri Lanka are yet to lose a wicket and the frustration might be getting to India now. They have created chances, though, but the fielders put them down.

Mathews looks like he is in for the long haul. Eschewing risks and grinding it out. India have gone through two drinks breaks and one lunch interval without separating this fourth wicket pair. Chandimal too is slowly getting to his individual century. India need a quick wicket to get on top of the Lankans all over again.

After 87 overs,Sri Lanka 231/3 ( Angelo Mathews 105 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 75)

Shami is changing his angles constantly. The fielders are not set for short balls. Wonder what is he trying to do. Nonetheless, he concedes two singles off this over.

After 86 overs,Sri Lanka 229/3 ( Angelo Mathews 104 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 74)

Chandimal is leading from the front here, along with Mathews. Even after facing 208 balls, he has been careful with his shot selection and waited for the poor ball. He did get one and Chandimal rode the bounce to slash it through covers.

FOUR! Shortish delivery, seventh stump line, Chandimal’s eyes light up and he slaps it in front of square on the off side.

Mathews and Chandimal have already added 150 runs for the unfinished 4th wicket. They have led a charmed life, especially Mathews but they have kept the Lankan spirits up on what has been a miserable tour.  Mathews is former skipper of the team while Chandimal is the current one. So they are taking their responsibility seriously.

After 85 overs,Sri Lanka 225/3 ( Angelo Mathews 104 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 70)

Short delivery which keeps rising, Chandimal looks to pull but misses and Saha fails to collect it cleanly. The partnership between Mathews and Chandimal is now worth 150 after Chandimal sneaks in a leg bye to fine leg.

After 84 overs,Sri Lanka 224/3 ( Angelo Mathews 104 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 70)

The slip cordon gets shuffled again. Pujara is back. Mathews mistimes a flick to Saha’s left and runs one. Chandimal, after playing four dots, retains the strike after milking a single to midwicket.

Fine century from Mathews, regardless of the two dropped chances at the slips, the last one occurring with him on 98. A three-digit score has been long due from him — a senior in the transitioning Sri Lankan side who is supposed to anchor the side out of the mess they find themselves in right now.

Heartening to see spectators around here standing up to applaud Mathews after the latter’s ton. A day ago, the venue was ringing with boos and ‘Loser’ chants.

After 83 overs,Sri Lanka 220/3 ( Angelo Mathews 101 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 69)

The new ball might give you wickets but it also presents an opportunity to the opposition to score quick runs. Two boundaries off Shami’s 18th over.

FOUR! Full and outside off, Chandimal leans forward and drives it to the cover fence.

FOUR! On the pads from Shami and he wrists it to backward square leg.

India have taken the second new ball. But with fielders dropping catches it may be a meaningless move. The hard new ball will only fly off the bat like it did for Mathews to reach his ton or Chandimal to drive.

India’s slip fielding is a complete mess. It looks like they don’t have a single person who can take catches consistently. Rohit, Kohli and Dhawan have all dropped simple catches. Rahane too has dropped catches in the past, so he is not a sure-fire option. Doesn’t augur well for Indian cricket on their overseas tours.

After 82 overs,Sri Lanka 212/3 ( Angelo Mathews 101 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 61)

DROPPED! Ishant Sharma creates a chance with the first delivery itself and Rohit Sharma, at second slip, puts Mathews down on 98. India have been dropping catches at second slip since yesterday. Dhawan dropped one, Kohli put one down and now Rohit. Anyways, they have run a single. Chandimal also hands back the strike to Mathews instantly. And Mathews gets to his hundred with a single to square leg.

Yet another catch dropped in the slips. This is really a shame. A simple edge at catchable height saw Rohit Sharma dropping yet another catch at second slip.  Mathews on 98 gets away. Two balls later Mathews gets his first century in two years, his 8th Test ton in all. Very poor work by India.

CENTURY! After a wait of two long years and 37 innings, Mathews finally reaches the 100-run mark. Look at him celebrating! His captain and coach pointed out his form after the Nagpur Test and he has bounced back in a calamity. The chips were down, the Lankan team were booed at Kotla and Sri Lanka were facing another innings defeat. But Mathews stood up and has played more than 230 balls and has grown in confidence. This knock is as resilient as it gets. It is his eighth ton.

The second new ball has been taken. Ishant Sharma is back into the attack.

Mathews and Chandimal are Sri Lanka’s best batsmen. They are at last coming to the party. This substantial fourth wicket partnership has really revived Lanka’s flagging spirits.

After 81 overs,Sri Lanka 208/3 ( Angelo Mathews 98 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 60)

Chandimal flicks the first ball, which is flat, in front of square on the leg side for a couple and plays out the remainder of the over.

NGT slams Delhi govt for not filing action plan to counter air pollution, asks why cricket match with Sri lanka was held in capitalhttp://www.firstpost.com

Given Kotla farce, Delhi must be denied any international sporting action unless its air quality improveshttp://www.firstpost.com

The second new ball is available now. But don’t think India will look to take it immediately as Ashwin and Jadeja are bowling well and are in rhythm.

After 80 overs,Sri Lanka 206/3 ( Angelo Mathews 98 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 58)

The session is progressing very slowly. India are not alloiwng any easy runs and Sri Lanka are refusing to take any risks. One run off Ashwin’s 18th over.

After 79 overs,Sri Lanka 205/3 ( Angelo Mathews 98 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 57)

Another maiden from Jadeja. His teammates, Saha particularly, are praising him for his accuracy.

After 78 overs,Sri Lanka 205/3 ( Angelo Mathews 98 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 57)

Chandimal pushes the fifth ball past forward short leg and collects a run. On the final delivery, Mathews runs down the track and whips it to long on for a single.

After 77 overs,Sri Lanka 203/3 ( Angelo Mathews 97 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 56)

Mathews moves to 97 after a genuine thin edge nutmegs Saha and travels to the fence. It was a very tough chance.

FOUR! Edged! Jadeja darts it on middle and the ball turns late to take Mathews’ outside edge and the ball goes between Saha’s legs to the fence.

After 76 overs,Sri Lanka 199/3 ( Angelo Mathews 93 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 56)

The commentators are discussing India’s decision to review and it seems that Rahane suggested that it was going down the leg side. Even Saha wasn’t quite sure but he along with Ashwin convinced Kohli to opt for it. Anyways, two runs off this over.

After 75 overs,Sri Lanka 197/3 ( Angelo Mathews 92 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 55)

Jadeja is bowling a stump-to-stump line. Not giving too many options and the senior batsman plays it out.

After 74 overs,Sri Lanka 197/3 ( Angelo Mathews 92 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 55)

Ashwin drops it short and around off, Chandimal punches ti through the cover region for a brace. Huge appeal for LBW after Chandimal gets rapped on the pads. India opt for the DRS! Replays show that it would’ve missed leg comfortably. India waste a review. Two runs off it.

After 73 overs,Sri Lanka 195/3 ( Angelo Mathews 92 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 53)

From the other end though, Jadeja has started in typical fashion. Six dots.

After 72 overs,Sri Lanka 195/3 ( Angelo Mathews 92 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 53)

A positive start from Sri Lanka. They used their feet and played their shots off the back foot confidently. Three runs came off them.

Welcome back. Sri Lanka won the first session thanks to Mathews and Chandimal. Can they continue from where they left off? Let us find out. Mathews and Chandimal are at the crease. Ashwin to begin the second session’s proceedings.

After the farce we saw on Day 2, maybe the authorities should consider renaming the fielding positions at the Feroz Shah Kotla taking the air pollution into consideration. Here are a few ideas. 

Superb session for the Lankans, with 66 runs coming off 26.3 overs sans the fall of a wicket. A rare occasion where the visitors are the ones dominating a session. The Sri Lankan camp still have a lot of expectations from Mathews and Chandimal, including a three-digit score or two.

Meanwhile, we have Sudhir Gautam and Gayan Senanayake, the Indian and Sri Lankan superfans, getting mobbed by accompanying spectators at the lunch interval

After 71 overs,Sri Lanka 192/3 ( Angelo Mathews 90 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

Uh-oh. Turn and bounce for Jadeja. Slightly short from Jaddu, the ball grips and spins away from the batsman. The ball brushes Mathews’ thumb and hits his back arm. But it falls safely. He gets off strike on the fourth ball. The sixth delivery is full and safely negotiated. That’ll be lunch! Sri Lanka take the honours and the batsmen walk back happily.

After 70 overs,Sri Lanka 191/3 ( Angelo Mathews 89 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

India are doing what they do when wickets elude them. Build pressure! Too many dot balls in the last few overs. It has also got to do with how Sri Lanka are approaching the last few overs before a break. They certainly don’t want to lose a wicket before lunch. Another maiden for Ashwin.

After 69 overs,Sri Lanka 191/3 ( Angelo Mathews 89 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

A maiden and a chance in Jadeja’s 23rd over. Mathews succumbed to the pressure ot short-in fielders and looked to loft one over covers aerially. He failed and instead got a thick outside edge, but the ball landed well short of Murali Vijay at point.

After 68 overs,Sri Lanka 191/3 ( Angelo Mathews 89 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

Ashwin is bowling from around the wicket. A leg slip has been deployed. Mathews wrists the third ball past leg slip for a single. One run off the over.

After 67 overs,Sri Lanka 190/3 ( Angelo Mathews 88 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

A no ball makes it one off the over. Sri Lanka trail by 346 runs.

This is the kind of determined, controlled batting that Sri Lankan fans would have been waiting for. Not been easy for Mathews and Chandimal but have played like batting leaders should.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2017

After 66 overs,Sri Lanka 189/3 ( Angelo Mathews 88 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 52)

Yesterday, Mathews displayed aggressive intent to disrupt Ashwin’s rhythm. Sri Lanka tried doing that in the Nagpur Test too but the execution was horrible. Today also he is adapting a similar approach. Mathews scores a boundary on the third ball and then Sri Lanka milk two singles. A good over for the Lankans.

FOUR! Ashwin bowls it slower through the air and around leg, Mathews kneels and lap sweeps it fine.

After 65 overs,Sri Lanka 183/3 ( Angelo Mathews 83 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 51)

Is Shami losing his patience? Tried too many things. Seven came off the over.

FIFTY! A patient, gritty knock from the Sri Lankan captain. Chandimal gets there with a streaky boundary to deep point. It is his 16th in Tests and third successive 50.

The partnership’s in excess of a 100 right now between Mathews and Chandimal. The Lankan super fans sitting a few rows away from me have been quite vocal and entertaining since morning. The flourishing partnership will only add to their cheer. One wicket at this stage though will bring the Indians right back into the game.

And now Chandimal gets a half-century for himself — his 16th in Tests. He’s been having a decent series so far, having waged a lone battle at Nagpur as well.

After 64 overs,Sri Lanka 176/3 ( Angelo Mathews 81 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 46)

Chandimal brings up the century stand between him and Mathews with a tap to cover. Flicks the second ball through square leg. One run taken. Ashwin keeps Chandimal at bay for the rest of the over.

Ravichandran Ashwin finally comes into the attack. A slip and short leg has been deployed.

After 63 overs,Sri Lanka 174/3 ( Angelo Mathews 80 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 45)

India appeal for a caught behind albeit with little excitement. It was a short ball and Mathews tries to pull it lazily. The ball goes over his bat. There was no connection between the bat and ball. Sri Lanka milk three singles off the next three balls. Short ball, angled into the body, Chandimal hops and tickles it to the right of leg gully for a run. The over ends with an innocuous bouncer.

After 62 overs,Sri Lanka 170/3 ( Angelo Mathews 78 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 43)

Mathews pushes the first ball to cover and runs a sharp single. Shami offers width, Chandimal doesn’t oblige and drives it through covers. Shami goes around the wicket. The fourth ball: Shami bangs one short around Chandimal’s hips and the batsman rides the bounce and glances it. However, the ball falls short of Rahane at gully. Five off the over.

FOUR! Full and outside off, Chandimal reaches out and drills it through covers. Sweetly timed.

Shami is back. Ashwin is yet to bowl this morning…

After 61 overs,Sri Lanka 165/3 ( Angelo Mathews 77 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 39)

Ishant goes back to over the wicket. Two bumpers, both around leg. Mathews pulls the second ferociously to the long leg fence, Murali Vijay at fine leg had no clue whatsoever. Mathews clips the third delivery to square leg for a single. Just five off the over.

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FOUR! Short and around leg, Mathews stays back and pulls it with fast hands to the long leg fence.

After 60 overs,Sri Lanka 160/3 ( Angelo Mathews 72 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 39)

Both the batsmen have been adept against Jadeja this morning. One run off the over.

BCCI release: Indian team selection for South Africa Test series today after day's play.

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) December 4, 2017

After 59 overs,Sri Lanka 159/3 ( Angelo Mathews 71 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 39)

Ishant continues. Chandimal pats the third delivery, which is short, to cover-point and a single. Oh well, what do weh have here? Ishant changes his angle after the fourth ball. Leg gully in place. Expect a lot of short balls. Mathews pulls the sixth ball to fine leg for a single. Two off the over.

Good session so far for the Lankans, with the Mathews-Chandimal partnership now worth 82 runs. Mathews has already surpassed Rangana Herath’s 67 for the highest score by a Sri Lankan this series. Chandimal himself is nearing a half-ton. Let’s see how Kohli plans the breakthrough.

One thing about the low turnout at the Kotla today — the boos from the stands won’t be as stinging today.

After 58 overs,Sri Lanka 156/3 ( Angelo Mathews 70 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 37)

Five dots and a single off the over. Time for drinks. Mathews and Chandimal have been quite confident this morning and should look to continue for another hour.

After 57 overs,Sri Lanka 156/3 ( Angelo Mathews 70 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 37)

Mathews wrists the first ball to mid on and sets off for a single. And Nigel Llong hands him a first official warning for running on the pitch. Chandimal nudges the third bal behind square for a run. Meanwhile, Kohli is off the field and Rahane is making the calls in his absence. Just two off the over.

After 56 overs,Sri Lanka 154/3 ( Angelo Mathews 69 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 36)

Jadeja darts it around middle and leg, Mathews offers front foot defense. Similar approach and shot on the second ball. Action replay on the third. The fourth ball is quicker and outside off, Mathews gets forward and guides with an open bat-face to the off side. Mathews pushes the fifth ball down the ground and Jadeja doesn’t stop it cleanrly which helps Mathews to exchange the strike with Chandimal. Chandimal nudges the sixth ball to square leg for no run.

After 55 overs,Sri Lanka 153/3 ( Angelo Mathews 68 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 36)

Ishant comes back. Mathews edges his first ball towards gully. His second delivery full and on the pads, Mathews clips it with soft hands towards mid on and steals a single. A well-directed bouncer, around chest-height and Chandimal drops his wrists and sways out of the line. Ishant’s next ball, as expected, is full and on the sticks, Mathews keeps it out safely. One off the over.

After 54 overs,Sri Lanka 152/3 ( Angelo Mathews 67 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 36)

Jadeja floats it up and Chandimal pushes it to mid off. He comes down the ground the next ball, tries to drive but it takes a thick edge and rolls away to the cover fence. The final ball has turned from the rough, Chandimal looked to nudge it away but edges it towards the off side.

FOUR! Chandimal gets to the pitch of the ball and drills it between covers and point.

After 53 overs,Sri Lanka 148/3 ( Angelo Mathews 67 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 32)

Mathews clips a full length ball to square leg and sets off for a run. Chandimal yells after seeing Dhawan charge at the ball and asks him to go back. Lovely bowling! Shami pitches it up and Mathews decides to defend it late only to get beaten on the outside edge. He has bowled a few beauties this morning and is mixing it up. His fifth delivery is a short ball and Mathews lets Saha do his work. The last ball had a good shape to it, Mathews stayed in his crease and blocked it offering full face of the bat.

After 52 overs,Sri Lanka 148/3 ( Angelo Mathews 67 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 32)

Jadeja floats it up around off, Mathews pushes it towards mid off. Angelo steers the second ball towards third man. One run taken. Chandimal pushes the third delivery to covers. Dinesh looks to flick the fourth ball but it takes the leading edge and rolls towards covers. Jadeja finishes the over with two more dots. Only one off it.

Slight delay in play as Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal is seen complaing of breathlessness. The physio rushes out.

After 51 overs,Sri Lanka 147/3 ( Angelo Mathews 66 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 32)

Peach! Shami bowls it fast and outside off, Mathews looks to drive without any feet movement and the ball roars past the outside edge. A silly mid off and silly mid on is in place. Mathews wrists the final delivery to deep square leg for a single.

After 50 overs,Sri Lanka 146/3 ( Angelo Mathews 65 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 32)

A slip, silly point and short extra cover deployed. Two tossed up deliveries outside off from Jaddu and Mathews drills the second one to long off for a single. Chandimal looks to nudge the third ball but it rolls towards the off side off a thick edge. The next ball he uses his feet to score a boundary. The over ends with two dots.

FOUR! Chandimal walks down the track and clips it crisply through midwicket.

First change of the third day. Ravindra Jadeja replaces Ishant Sharma.

After 49 overs,Sri Lanka 141/3 ( Angelo Mathews 64 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 28)

OUCH! Uneven bounce. Shami bangs one short and Chandimal thinks it will go over his head and ducks. But the ball hardly bounces and the Sri Lankan captain takes a blow on his arm. Shami follows up with a back of a length and a full ball, Chandimal dead-bats them. EDGED! Fuller delivery, outside off, Chandimal pokes and nicks it. But the ball dies on the first slip.

‘Monday Blues’ very much visible here at the Kotla on the third day — attendance today is less than half of what it was over the weekend. Still very smoggy out here, and I spotted one member of the Sri Lankan camp run out to the field in a mask.

Mathews and Chandimal are shouldering a massive responsibility right now, as this partnership holds the key towards a sizeable Lankan total.

After 48 overs,Sri Lanka 141/3 ( Angelo Mathews 64 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 28)

Bouncer. Full ball. Short of a length. Ishant is still finding the correct length. Chandimal and Mathews have looked assured so far. Dinesh clisp the fourth ball to long leg and calls Mathews cross. Steaming in, Ishant angles in a good length delivery in the fifth stump line, Mathews blocks it. Angelo leaves the final delivery alone, which was way outside off.

After 47 overs,Sri Lanka 140/3 ( Angelo Mathews 64 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 27)

So pace from both ends. Shami comes into the attack. Angles in a short of a length delivery, Mathews moves across and blocks it. Defends the second ball towards the off side. Then Mathews mistimes a pull to deep square leg but it falls safely, brace taken. He had miscued a pull last evening too. Point goes to covers and Kohli has positioned a short midwicket. Shami bowls a poor delivery and Mathews cashes in on it with a tuck to fine leg for a boundary. Six off the over.

FOUR! Shami slides one down the leg side, Mathews glances it to the fine leg fence.

After 46 overs,Sri Lanka 134/3 ( Angelo Mathews 58 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 27)

Ishant begins with a short of a length ball, outside off, Chandimal lets it go. Good length, outside off, Chandimal covers the line and lifts his bat. Ball three is full and outside off, Chandimal lunges forward to defend it. The Sri Lankan captain drives the fourth ball between the cover fielder and mid off and collects a single. Fifth delivery: full and outside off, Mathews leaves it carefully. Mathews pushes the sixth ball past cover-point and retains the strike.

Ishant Sharma will bowl the first (full) over of the day. Has two slips and gully in place.

After 45 overs,Sri Lanka 132/3 ( Angelo Mathews 57 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 26)

Starts with a floated delivery around middle, Chandimal prods forward in defence. Keeps it flat on the subsequent ball and Chandimal pushes it towards mid off. The final ball is flighted and on leg, Chandimal clips it through square leg to score the first run of the day.

Let’s start with the weather update. It is still hazy. The Indian players aren’t wearing any masks. Mathews and Chandimal resume the Sri Lankan innings. Jadeja will finish his over.

Our reporter Amit Banerjee previews the Day 3 of the third Test between Indian Cricket Team and Sri Lanka Cricket from outside the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

India vs Sri Lanka: Hosts’ top priority should be breaking Angelo Mathews-Dinesh Chandimal partnership on Day 3http://www.firstpost.com

Nothing in the pitch, nothing has happened. The grass is slightly drier and of course there a few footmarks. No devils in the pitch, the odd ball will turn, but the batsmen have to apply themselves, inform Sunil Gavaskar and Russel Arnold at the pitch report.

Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma were positively menacing on Sunday evening. The Lankans would have lost another couple of wickets but for some inept catching. Hopefully, the Indian slip fielders would have avoided handling butter during breakfast and hence would be able to catch better!

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The masked bandits might have robbed Kohli of a triple ton but they have dug a huge hole for themselves. Sri Lanka, caught off guard by the declaration, lost early wickets before Angelo Mathews and skipper Chandimal halted the carnage. But at 131 for 3 they have plenty of climbing to do on what might well be another smog-filled Delhi winter day. Would seem extremely strange if the batsmen complained about smog while bowlers are comfortable going about the task.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Day 3 action from the third Test involving India and Sri Lanka. After an eventful Saturday, India will now look to strengthen their position in the Test. Sri Lanka still trail by 405 runs and they have seven wickets in hand. It’s going to a tough task for the visitors to make a comeback in the Test, but cricket has seen quite a few bizarre things.