Highlights India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Day 5 in Delhi: Match drawn, hosts win series 1-0

Virat Kohli, India captain: It has been a personally satisfying series for me. It was kind of a revelation that I can play in Tests the way I can do in ODIs. When I wasn’t captain, it was difficult to think of situations. When I was finding my feet in Test cricket, I was under pressure. When I got to a milestone, I relaxed. Now, it’s a lot different. We’ve always believed that Rohit can change the game in the lower middle order. He’s grabbed his chances really well. (On the fielding in the slips) Ajinkya has always been a gully fielder because you need to have good reflexes in that position. You can teach players to field at slips but it is difficult to learn that at gully. (On resting for the limited overs series) Last time I took a break, it was very difficult to handle. But my body is wanting it right now. It has taken a toll in the last couple of years and right now is the perfect time to take a break before South Africa.

Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka captain: It was a really good series. Apart from the Nagpur Test, we played some really good cricket. Most important thing was to execute the plans. (On Angelo Mathews’ form) Of course, we got Rangana and Mathews, who are the most experienced in the team. Every player looks up to him. When Angelo performs well, the youngsters will watch him how to go about it. (On youngsters) Credit goes to Dhananjaya and Roshen Silva. They played some really good cricket. Really happy with the way we played. (On his form) Before I came here, I did a lot of hard work and changed my technique a bit and finally it has paid off for me. (On the playing conditions in Delhi) It was a tough time. In Sri Lanka, we aren’t used to this, so we struggled for the first two days. Today is a fantastic day. Feels like Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli wins the man of the match and the man of the series awards for his excellent batting display.

Well played to Sri Lanka.... last of the six Tests this year... but they finally came to the party. India should think hard about their slip cordon ahead of SA tour. #IndvSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) December 6, 2017

The players are shaking hands. Sri Lanka have drawn the Test match and this has been a commendable performance from them. They put up a gritty performance in Kolkata before collapsing in the last few sessions, were miserable in Nagpur but in Delhi they have been absolutely magnificent. All the batsmen stood up right from Dhananjaya de Silva to the debutant Roshen Silva. India might have felt that they have a chance when de Silva retired hurt but Dickwella and Roshen stitched up a solid stand.

After 103 overs,Sri Lanka 299/5 ( Roshen Silva 74 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 44)

Dickwella goes for wild slog sweep, only he knows what he was thinking there, missed the ball, fortunately for him it was away from his off stump. Plays one uppishly on the off side that goes to the point fielder on the bounce. Sweeps the fourth ball to the square leg fielder. Blocks the fifth calmly and cuts it through cover point for one. He will retain the strike.

After 102 overs,Sri Lanka 298/5 ( Roshen Silva 74 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 43)

Before the start of the over, the umpire has a word with Kohli, surely it has to do with time and how long they plan to stretch the game, less than 40 minutes remaining.Dickwella takes a single to deep mid wicket, the only run off the over.

After 101 overs,Sri Lanka 297/5 ( Roshen Silva 74 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 42)

Ashwin into his 32nd over. Silva waits for the ball to turn and calmly and tucks it around the corner for one. Dickwella’s premediated sweep shot could have been fatal for him as it ballooned off top edge, but with no square leg in place it means the players can only exchange a single.

After 100 overs,Sri Lanka 295/5 ( Roshen Silva 73 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 41)

Players long shadows can be seen beside the pitch as Jadeja begins his 37th over. Dickwella sweeps the first ball for no run to square leg. He missed the sweep on the third ball but because Jadeja is over the wicket to the left hander bowling into the rough it is difficult for him to bring it into the stumps, no harm done. Dickwella picks two with another sweep to backward square leg. Jadjea fired the last ball, which Dickwella fails to cut and Saha cops it on his body as the ball bounces off the rough.

After 99 overs,Sri Lanka 293/5 ( Roshen Silva 73 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 39)

Silva stonewalls Ashwin for six deliveries as the match is inching towards what looks like a certain draw now. The duo has added 88 runs so far.

After 98 overs,Sri Lanka 293/5 ( Roshen Silva 73 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 39)

Jadeja gets some turn as his flights one, but it way outside off stump going further away, easy leave for Silva. Rarely we get to see Jadeja toss one. Back to darting into the batsmen as Silva pushes for one through cover point. Dickwella is sweeping with much ease for single, he took it from outside the line of stumps, so it was a safe shot. The fifth ball stayed very low, almost sneaked under Silva’s bat if not for the bottom edge. Silva gets to pitch of the ball and takes one to long off.

After 97 overs,Sri Lanka 290/5 ( Roshen Silva 71 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 38)

Dickwella blocks the first ball, shoulders arms to the second, tried to work one on the on side but a leading edge from his bat falls safely on the offside. Plays his favourite sweep for a single to square leg for one. Roshen Silva returns the strike with a single to long leg.

Sri Lanka need 122 to win the Test, will they fancy to knock a few to level the series? Surely not, but, imagine having that thought…

After 96 overs,Sri Lanka 288/5 ( Roshen Silva 70 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 37)

After blocking a couple of deliveries, Silva turns the strike to Dickwella, who takes his time to mark his guard, post which he sweeps it to fine leg for another single. A push to mid on by Roshen Silva to finish the over.

We are into the last hour of play. Can India still sneak in a couple wickets and send panic amongst the Lankan camp?

Jadeja to continue post drinks.

After 95 overs,Sri Lanka 286/5 ( Roshen Silva 69 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 36)

After playing dots to the first two deliveries, Silva tucks it through square leg for a single. Dickwella takes the ball on the full and carves it to square on the off-side a single as players take drinks for the one final time in this Test series.

After 94 overs,Sri Lanka 283/5 ( Roshen Silva 67 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 35)

Jadeja continues round the wicket with footmarks outside Dickwella’s of stump.One that turns it slightly sharply is tapped down, which could have easily gone back onto the stumps, but he stood tall to protect his wickets. Dickwella perempts to play the paddle off the last ball but didn’t get it right.

After 93 overs,Sri Lanka 283/5 ( Roshen Silva 67 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 35)

Ashwin continues as India look to break the partnership that has already work 70.

Roshen Silva picks one off the back foot to the square of the wicket. One slip and forward short leg and slip for Dickwela. The southpaw pulls it off his hips for a couple behind square, plants his front foot across the line and paddles it round the corner for a single. Ends with a boundary ball.

FOUR! Ashwin drops it short again and He has been whacked through cover point rightfully.

India’s last chance might well have slipped through wicket-keeper Saha’s gloves. Misses an easy stumping of Dickwella as he fails to collect a Jadeja delivery with batsman stranded well down the pitch.

After 91 overs,Sri Lanka 270/5 ( Roshen Silva 57 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 32)

Jadeja to Silva. A four through point off the second ball. The last ball produces a golden opportunity for the Indians. Dickwella comes down the track and is beaten. Stumping missed. When wickets are key with time running out, it is a terrible miss. The ball spun away from the rough making it difficult for Saha, but that chance should have been taken by a wicketkeeper of the calibre of Saha.

FOUR! Silva cuts a wide one from Jadeja and gets an easy boundary.

FOUR! Dickwella gets a four with a sweep shot that could well have gone to the fielder at backward square leg.

Some more entertainment at Kotla as a stray kite lands near Kohli. Meanwhile, the floodlights are in full use, and light could possibly a factor henceforth.

Gritty stuff from the Lankan middle-order, with debutant Roshan Silva rising to the occasion in the absence of Dhananjaya, getting his maiden half-century in the process. India’s body language starting to go negative now. The momentum in the visitors’ favour at the moment.

After 90 overs,Sri Lanka 261/5 ( Roshen Silva 53 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27)

Jadeja continues. There is a kite on the field and Kohli has it! Nothing much happening with the cricket. The kite and Kohli trying to control it attracts a lot of mirth in the stands. One run from that over. The reserve official takes the crumpled kite away.

After 89 overs,Sri Lanka 260/5 ( Roshen Silva 52 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 27)

Ishant to Dickwella. Round the wicket. Cramps Dickwella for room. It will be interesting to see how long India persist with a pacer, given the fading light in the smog-clad Delhi. Back to over the wicket for Silva. Some awkward footwork by the extra cover fielder. The last delivery is slow, loopy and full. Played away quietly. Only two runs from that over.

After 88 overs,Sri Lanka 258/5 ( Roshen Silva 51 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 26)

Spin for the first time after tea. In comes Jadeja. He has already taken three wickets in this innings and a lot will depend on how he goes now. Two fours in that over, as Roshen Silva brings up his first Test fifty. Jadeja comes back to beat Silva’s outside edge with some turn. Eight runs from that over.

Sri Lanka have exceeded expectations. A score of 250 for 5 is excellent for a last day rearguard action. India need a surge going into the last hour to have any chance of winning this.

FOUR! Another boundary for Silva and that is his first Test fifty.

FOUR! The first ball is on-driven with ease by Silva. Jadeja is greeted with a boundary.

After 87 overs,Sri Lanka 250/5 ( Roshen Silva 43 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 26)

Ishant to Silva. Starts with a full delivery, but soon that customary short ball comes out. Silva ducks underneath. The next ball is full and Silva hangs his bat at it. Fine diving stop by Ashwin at backward point. Single nevertheless, and that brings up Sri Lanka’s 250. Ishant back to round the wicket for Dickwella. Short of a length. Played away to midwicket for no run. Solid defence off he last ball. Just a single off that over.

After 86 overs,Sri Lanka 249/5 ( Roshen Silva 42 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 26)

Shami round the wicket to Dickwella. The first ball slants away from the left-hander. The next ball is fuller. Left alone. That is followed by a snorter, but very well played by Dickwella. Arches back and brings out the ramp shot. Collects four at third man. Good cricket all round. Shami switches to over the wicket. Sprays one full and wide. Dickwella square drives. Ishant looks ungainly at the fence, but cuts off the four. One run. A single to Silva off the last ball. Six runs from that over.

India desperately need a breakthrough at this stage. The second new ball was the last throw of the dice and Kohli needs a far more attacking field to apply pressure and get the wickets.

FOUR! Ramp shot from Dickwella off a short delivery from Shami. Boundary at third man.

After 85 overs,Sri Lanka 243/5 ( Roshen Silva 41 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 21)

Ishant to Silva. A full delivery followed by a shorter one that holds its line outside off stump. Then gets the ball to nip back in. The crowd is getting behind the local boy. Two more deliveries that comes back into the batsman. He is getting the ball to nip back into the Lankan batsmen sharply. The last delivery holds its line outside off. Maiden.

After 84 overs,Sri Lanka 243/5 ( Roshen Silva 41 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 21)

Shami continues. Two runs off the first two balls. Shami then bowls one short of a length and induces an edge from Dickwella, but much to the Indians’ dismay, the ball flies between the second slip and gully and runs to the fence. Dickwell lives dangerously. Two more runs off the next three balls.

FOUR! Edged by Dickwella and the ball flies to the fence through slip and gully.

After 83 overs,Sri Lanka 236/5 ( Roshen Silva 39 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 16)

Ishant to bowl the next over. Round the wicket to the left-handed Dickwella. The first ball is short and wide and moving further away. Dickwella throws his bat at it and the ball flies to the backward point fence. Streaky boundary to start the over. The next ball is full and moving away. The third ball comes back and Dickwella is caught in two minds. Wanted to leave that, but ends up stabbing the ball down. A single off the fourth ball. Ishant switches back to over the wicket to Silva. Loses direction and the ball runs away for four byes. A single off the last ball. Ten runs from that over.

FOUR! Wayward from Ishant. Wide on the leg side, the ball averts the batsman and ‘keeper and runs away to the fence. Byes.

FOUR! Dickwella slashes a wide and short one from Ishant and fetches a boundary at backward point.

After 82 overs,Sri Lanka 226/5 ( Roshen Silva 38 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 11)

Right then, we are back after Tea. Sri Lanka have thwarted the Indians so far, and will look to somehow conserve these five wickets. The loss of Chandimal and Mathews were massive from the Lankans’ point of view. Shami starts off proceedings and the first delivery is short of a length. Roshen Silva hops back to defend. Good variation of length. The next two balls are pitched up, looking to induce the batsman into a false shot. The fourth ball is short again, followed by a fuller delivery, which is quietly played away by Silva. The last ball moves a shade away after pitching. Maiden to start off.

Sri Lanka might have lost only a wicket in the session, but it is Dhananjaya de Silva’s lost due to injury that will hurt them the most. The young batsman went on to notch a fantastic ton in the fourth innings of the match, shame that he had to walk off after suffering from cramps and back issues. 

Fortunately for Lanka, Roshen Silva has looked extremely good in the middle with Dickwella coming out for the last 15 minutes of play. Virat Kohli and company will try and knock visitors out in the final session. India have 184 runs in the bank, which Lanka are unlikely to get, expect the home side to resort to very attacking tactics for the final session.

Sri Lankan fan Gayan Senanayake led the crowd seated at the old clubhouse in a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Jadeja, fielding at extra cover. The birthday boy responds with a little dance of his own. Doesn’t hurt having a bit of fun in a crucial session.

A lot of discussions and planning in both dressing rooms right now, I would imagine

After 81 overs,Sri Lanka 226/5 ( Roshen Silva 38 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 11)

Only one over with a new ball for India. As Sri Lanka battle out another session losing only Chandimal’s wicket. Ishant completed his ninth over of the innings giving away a boundary off the first ball as Dickwella plays out the rest of the over safely.

FOUR! Dickwella finds the gap. Solid hit through the covers, Vijay could have put in the dive to stop that, he chose simply to escort the ball to cover fence

Second New ball taken. Ishant Sharma will have a go with brand new cherry.

Floodlights starting to come on at the Kotla right now, with a few minutes to go for tea. Has been another superb session for the visitors in the current scheme of things, led by the heroic efforts of Dhananjaya, who retired hurt a while ago after completing his ton.

Also getting pretty cold out here, thanks mainly to the overcast conditions and the breeze. Wonder what it will be like in Dharamsala and Mohali, which lie further north.

After 80 overs,Sri Lanka 222/5 ( Roshen Silva 38 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 7)

Jadeja comes back after going for the boundary off the first ball. He lines up five dots post the four. Sri Lanka are gunning down over by over as another session coming to its end. Couple of more overs remaining before players take tea. This very mature batting from the Lankans. The pitch isn’t the best for the bowlers but still to grind it out against some world class bowlers is commendable.

FOUR! Again! Nice use of the feet by Silva to come to the pitch of the ball and whip it through mid wicket for a boundary, after beating the diving Ashwin.

After 79 overs,Sri Lanka 218/5 ( Roshen Silva 34 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 7)

Dickwella begins with sweep for a boundary, he picks it from the stumps, he finishes the Ashwin over with another flat batted sweep through mid wicket for a couple.

After 78 overs,Sri Lanka 210/5 ( Roshen Silva 33 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Silva is looking really good here. Nimble footwork by Silva, who thrashes a boundary through covers. He too is gaining confidence as he spends more time in the middle. Sri Lanka has some really good talent in their team, it has finally come to fore.

Dhananjaya retiring hurt at this stage of the game should pep up the Indian bowling attack. It is a lucky break and they should now take advantage of it. Promptly skipper Kohli has brought back his main bowler Ashwin.

After 77 overs,Sri Lanka 206/5 ( Roshen Silva 29 , Niroshan Dickwella (W) 0)

Dickwella joins Silva in the middle. As Ashwin comes back into the attack. Silva takes a single off the first ball and Dickwella calmly plays out five deliveries, remember he is still on a pair.

After 76 overs,Sri Lanka 205/5 ( Roshen Silva 28 , )

Virat Kohli comes on to bowl now. The home crowd loves it! Roshen Silva takes a single to square leg and after defending couple of deliveries. He is walking off  the field. Huge moment in the match. Dhananjaya de Silva leaves the field due to cramps and issues in his lower back

After 75 overs,Sri Lanka 204/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 119 , Roshen Silva 27)

Vijay bowls the first ball with the cap on. Single on offer on the first ball but rejected it as Dhananjaya’s health doesn’t permit it. They exchange a couple of singles before Roshen Silva taps one to long on for a single but his partner struggles his way to the other end, he has put in the dive to get home.

Massive cheer from the crowd as Kohli takes the ball with another 25-odd minutes left for tea. Maybe grabbing a wicket or two will complete a memorable outing for the skipper.

Well, well, Murali Vijay is brought into the attack!

After 74 overs,Sri Lanka 201/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 118 , Roshen Silva 25)

De Silva comes down the pitch and hits it over Jadeja’s head, bounces a couple of times before going over the boundary line. Sri Lanka past 200.

After 73 overs,Sri Lanka 197/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 114 , Roshen Silva 25)

Good over by Ashwin! Only one run off it. Dhananjaya’s discomfort clearly visible now. No assistance for the spinners from the Day 5 pitch.

After 72 overs,Sri Lanka 196/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 113 , Roshen Silva 25)

Tidy over by Jadeja, only three singles off it, bringing the 50-run stand. These two have done it in good time as well. Silva is running out of steam here, needing the physio to come out again, after receiving some attention, he is still out there fighting for Sri Lanka.

After 71 overs,Sri Lanka 193/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 111 , Roshen Silva 24)

Nine runs off the over.  Couple of boundaries for Silva as the partnership moves towards the 50-run stand. Runs have flown from Ashwin’s end, just under 4 runs an over.

Would be a good idea to try non regular bowlers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or Murali Vijay to lower the batsmen’s guard and also a change of approach.

FOUR! Don’t know if this round the wicket angle is working for Ashwin, as he drags it down the ground that has been put away throufh covers.

FOUR! Roshen whips it away off his legs for another boundary.

After 70 overs,Sri Lanka 184/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 110 , Roshen Silva 16)

Jadeja goes to over the wicket after starting from round the stumps, the angle doesn’t work as Silva paddled him for a boundary, the only scoring shot of the over.

FOUR! Jadeja tries to go over the wicket and Silva is happy to get down on knee and paddle it round the corner to collect a four to fine leg.

After 69 overs,Sri Lanka 180/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 110 , Roshen Silva 12)

Ashwin keeps checking his hand after coping a powerful hit from De Silva. He gives away one leg bye and a single off the final two balls off the over. The partnership is gradually building into a healthy stand

A quality innings from Dhananjaya, as he collects his third Test century while keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes of salvaging a draw alive.

The Delhi crowd has been sporting enough when it comes to acknowledging milestones among the opponents. Less than 40 overs left in the day’s play. It will be a moral victory for the Lankans if they can pull it off from here.

DROPPED! De Silva comes down the track and looks to nail it down the ground but hits it straight back to the bowler. Ashwin is unable to hold on to a shot that was hit powerfully. De Silva gets a reprieve at 110.

After 68 overs,Sri Lanka 178/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 110 , Roshen Silva 11)

Just change of ends for Jadeja. He is back to the bowling crease as Shami is off the attack. A couple off the last ball to mid wicket after five dots.

After 67 overs,Sri Lanka 176/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 110 , Roshen Silva 9)

Ashwin is back into the attack. Only over for Jadeja. De Silva survived a close lbw shout as the ball spun slightly more than expected. Case of lapse in concentration from him. He gets down on his knee to smash a sweep for a boundary. Takes two more which is worked around the corner.

Big innings by Dhananjaya. A 222-minute vigil. Big step forward in coming along as a Test asset for Lanka. He has handled pressure very well.

After 66 overs,Sri Lanka 168/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 102 , Roshen Silva 9)

Shami’s reverse swing is met well by De Silva’s straight bat. De Silva flicks one off his legs for a couple to backward square leg. Shami tests him with a well-directed short ball. He drops his wrists and gets out of the way. Takes the three through cover point to get to his landmark.

Hundred! Dhananjaya de Silva is a relived man! He knocks it for three through cover point to bring up his third century, becoming ninth Sri Lankan to score a ton in the fourth innings.

Shami continues after drinks the interval.

After 65 overs,Sri Lanka 163/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 97 , Roshen Silva 9)

Jadeja bowls his 12th maiden of the 24 overs he has bowled in the second innings. Lankans are in no hurry. Roshen Silva has displayed stern defence so far. But can he tick the scoreboard against quality Indian bowlers is something we will have to wait and see. Umpires have called for drinks.

Jadeja is back into the attack. Change of ends as replaces Ashwin.

After 64 overs,Sri Lanka 163/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 97 , Roshen Silva 9)

Shami begins with a back of a length delivery, but realising the ball has started to curl in and reverse a bit he tries to keep it up for the rest of the over. Finishes with a slower that was intended to be a yorker, ends up as a full toss which was tapped defensively. Maiden for the Indian quick.

After 63 overs,Sri Lanka 163/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 97 , Roshen Silva 9)

After starting the over with a boundary, Ashwin gives away only a single to de Silva, which he collects left of mid off. He has moved to 97 now. Roshen Silva is calm enough to play the last three balls of the over to safety.

FOUR! De Silva pounces on the short and wide ball by Ashwin to smack it to extra cover fence.

What was Dhananjaya trying, reverse sweeping Ashwin when on 90. He has batted so well last evening and again today till that stroke. A case of nervous 90s?

After 62 overs,Sri Lanka 158/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 92 , Roshen Silva 9)

Silly mid off, short mid on and a slip in position. De Silva taps the ball on his head for a single on the offside to move eight closer to his ton. Shami goes round the wicket to Silva for two deliveries. The silly mid off is taken off and there is a wide second slip. Shami switches his angle again for the last two balls. Silva times one perfectly to collect a boundary off the last ball.

FOUR! WOW! Shami got some inward movement and Roshen Silva simply times it, a gentle push down the ground for a delicious looking four

Dhananjaya starting to have some real issues with his back right now. The physio walks out for the second time in 10 minutes to attend to him. A young bloke sitting a few rows away from me yells “nautanki!”

“Expect the slow bowlers to bowl around his off-stump more often. They might place a few fielders around the cover arc and maybe bring in a silly point,” says a spectator sitting next to me, who plays for a local cricket club as a leg-spinner.

Bowling change – Mohammad Shami into the attack.

After 61 overs,Sri Lanka 153/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 91 , Roshen Silva 5)

Some extra bounce for Ashwin. Some purchase off the surface for the spinner. De Silva got a tickle and had the leg slip interested for a moment, Pujara shakes his head, indicating it fell just short off him, the batsmen run a single.

After 60 overs,Sri Lanka 152/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , Roshen Silva 5)

The Indian spinners have stacked up few good overs on the bounce. Barely giving Sri Lanka anything. The early attack from the Lankan batsmen has taken the back seat since Chandimal’s wicket. Jadeja completes successive maidens.

After 59 overs,Sri Lanka 152/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , Roshen Silva 5)

Stifled appeal for a leg before off the first ball but he was down the wicket and it looked as if it would miss leg. Roshen Silva works out a single to forty-five.

After 58 overs,Sri Lanka 151/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , Roshen Silva 4)

Jadeja bowls another maiden comprising of his in-darting deliveries pushed through the air. The physio runs out as Dhananjaya requires some more attention. He will carry on.

After 57 overs,Sri Lanka 151/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , Roshen Silva 4)

Silva is off the mark in Test cricket, he manoeuvred inside the crease to deflect the off break off his pads past the leg slip. Streaky, but he has got his innings going.

FOUR! Silva gets first runs in Test cricket and through a nervy boundary. He deflected it from his hips as the ball was turning into him, there was a leg slip waiting to pounce on it, but evaded him, not by much though.

Both Dhananjaya and Chandimal were attacking the spinner right from the start of the session. The latter pays the price while going for another gamble, as he gets his off stump clipped while going down the track.

The breakthrough has been achieved. Time for Kohli to go for the jugular.

Dhawan was busy entertaining the East Stand while fielding at deep mid wicket a while ago, breaking into an impromptu dance.

After 56 overs,Sri Lanka 147/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , Roshen Silva 0)

Roshen Silva walks out to the middle. The debutant is on a pair but he won’t be on strike. De Silva is clearly in some pain but he wants to bat on and get his ton. He is happy to play out a maiden to Jadeja.

After 55 overs,Sri Lanka 147/5 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 90 , )

De Silva seemed to have been suffering from cramps it seems as the physio did come out to provide him some treatment. He continued to struggle while running between the wickets. He takes the couple on the onside and run a bye off the fifth ball. Ashwin gets the wicket off the last ball.

OUT! Bowled! Through the gate! Ashwin tosses it up, invites Chandimal and he has taken the bait. He looked to play it through the midwicket, with the spin, but the spin sneaks through the gap between bat and pad. India strike back. Ashwin has his first wicket off the innings. Beautifully bowled by the India’s premier spinner.

D Chandimal b Ashwin 36

After 54 overs,Sri Lanka 144/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 88 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 36)

Chandimal also using his feet well, gets to the pitch off the ball and works it through mid wicket for two runs as Pujara chases it down. India must be frustrated with this partnership.

After 53 overs, Sri Lanka 142/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 88, Dinesh Chandimal (C) 34)

De Silva times it nicely through extra cover for two off the second ball. Ashwin changes his angle and goes round the wicket to curb the room and not allow him to free his arms, well he was successful in blocking the runs as he follows it up with four dots.

After 52 overs,Sri Lanka 140/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 86 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 34)

Jadeja delivers a maiden, the first one in the afternoon session. At his usual best with bowling it flat and quick. Chanimal shouldered arms to a ball that was pretty close to the off stump, but seems like he had it covered.

After 51 overs,Sri Lanka 140/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 86 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 34)

These two continue to attack the spinners, and the Indians would believe a false stroke is around the corner. Chandimal turns the strike off the first ball and a couple off the second ball, helps these two to bring 100-run stand for fifth wicket. De Silva in particular has looked extremely positive in defence as well as offence

FOUR! De Silva plays the sweep to good effect to long leg boundary after these two have added more than 100 runs for the 5th wicket

After 50 overs,Sri Lanka 133/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 80 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 33)

Jadeja drops it slightly short, allowing Chandimal to rock back and slap it through cover point for three. De Silva continues to give the charge to Jadeja, defends a couple of times before whipping it over mid wicket for four. They have looked very positive so far.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet by Dhananjaya, gets to the pitch of the ball to whip it over mid wicket for another boundary. Into the 80s.

After 49 overs,Sri Lanka 126/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 76 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 30)

Ashwin has a leg slip and short leg and leg gully in position. He begins his 15th over with a couple past mid wicket as Chandimal adds to more to his score. Chandimal gets to the other end with a single off the fourth ball. Three off the over.

Ashwin to bowl from the other end.

After 48 overs,Sri Lanka 123/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 76 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 27)

Dhananjaya starts the session with a boundary straight down the ground to catch Jadeja unawares. Struck it straight as an arrow. Jadeja keeps it flat and quick as he defends the remaining deliveries. Four off the over.

FOUR! Didn’t see that coming! Dhananjaya skips down the track to smash it through Jadeja. Hit with power, hit straight, the ball nutmegged Jadeja.

Jadeja to begin to Dhananjaya

Players are back on the field for the afternoon session. Do Sri Lanka have enough in them to bat out this crucial session, India just a wicket or two away from sneaking into the tail.

Lucky reprieve for Chandimal as Jadeja oversteps while producing a jaffa that grips and turns, rattling the Lankan skipper’s stumps. Just when we thought the Sri Lanka were dealt with another massive blow, in comes Lady Luck to their rescue. Good session for the visitors, losing just one wicket while adding 88 to their overnight score, with Dhananjaya setting his sights on a ton now.

Let’s see how long the Sri Lankan’s can keep their fight going. The current partnership certainly has made things a lot more interesting.

After 47 overs,Sri Lanka 119/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 72 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 27)

They do. Sri Lanka should be proud of the way they have played. Yes Chandimal was dismissed but remember the visitor lost Mathews off a no ball. So that evens out that decision. Dhananjaya de Silva has been very impressive and is batting on 72. Sri Lanka need 291 runs. And it’s time for lunch.

Inexcusable, the no-ball by Jadeja. His second wicket-taking no ball of the day Got away with the first. Found out this time. Chandimal survives.

After 46 overs,Sri Lanka 117/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 71 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 26)

Jadeja continues and has dished out another maiden. We are nearing lunch. Can Sri Lanka go to lunch with six wickets in hand?

After 45 overs,Sri Lanka 117/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 71 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 26)

Sri Lanka collect two singles in Ashwin’s 13th over.

After 44 overs,Sri Lanka 115/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 70 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 25)

Jadeja bowls two deliveries in the fourth stump line, Dhananjaya offers front foot defence. He drills the third to long off for a single. Where has that come from? Jadeja lets out an absolute peach to castle Chandimal. He pitched it on leg, opened up Chandimal and the ball spun past him to disturb the furniture. Chandimal is befuddled. But hold on, Wilson has taken his upstairs to check whether its is legitimate delivery. Jeez the third umpire is seeing the replays multiple times as it is very close. The decision has come and Wilson calls it a no ball. Jadeja got lucky with Mathews’s dismissal but not with Chandimal.

After 43 overs,Sri Lanka 112/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 69 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 24)

After the first-ball boundary, Sri Lanka run three successive singles to make it seven off the over.

FOUR! Wow! Audacious stroke. Ashwin loops one on the stumps, Dhananjaya shuffles across and scoops it fine.

After 42 overs,Sri Lanka 105/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 63 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 23)

Over the wicket to de Silva. Jadeja darts it on the pads and de Silva wrists it to backwrad square leg for a single. He changes the angle for Chandimal. A quick finish to the over. A single came off it.

After 41 overs,Sri Lanka 104/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 62 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 23)

Yes, spin from both ends indeed. Chandimal works around the second ball through midwicket for a single. De Silva sweeps the third behind square and runs one. It is a fifth day Indian track but the spinners are not getting much assistance. Two singles.

After 40 overs,Sri Lanka 102/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 61 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 22)

Spin from both ends? We will find out. For now, Jadeja is back into the attack. Bowls three quick deliveries, all on the sticks. His fifth ball is short and outside off, de Silva punches it to sweeper cover for a brace.

After 39 overs,Sri Lanka 100/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 59 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 22)

Ashwin continues. Dhananjaya whacks it through extra cover and Pujara runs after it to keep it down to three. Chandimal steps out and drills the third ball to long on for another single and de Silva hands back the strike to his captain. Five in the over.  Sri Lanka have reached the 100-run mark.

After 38 overs,Sri Lanka 95/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 55 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 21)

The over starts with two singles. Chandimal drives the third ball wide of mid off, where Dhawan chases it and his throw hits the cover fielder, which allows Sri Lanka to sneak in the second run. Shami gifts a hit-me ball to Chandimal and he doesn’t miss out. Eight off the over.

FOUR! Shami tries to bowl a yorker but it ends up being a low full and Chandimal puts it away behind square leg.

Tough morning for India. Just one wicket in the first 90 minutes. Dhananjaya is showing the way by digging his heels in. Chandimal and he have added over 50 runs already for the fifth wicket.

Dhananjaya has taken the attack right to the Indians, bringing up a fighting half-century in the process. With him and Chandimal at the crease and Dickwella to follow, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Lankans at the moment.

Earlier, Sudhir Gautam and company were heard singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Jaddu, who turns 29 today, shortly after the dismissal of Angelo Mathews.

After 37 overs,Sri Lanka 87/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 54 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 14)

Chandimal thrashes a full delivery through extra cover and collects two. Chandimal, on the fifth ball, intentionally edges it wide of slip and runs three. It also brings up the 50-run stand between Chandimal and de Silva.

.Dhananjaya has come through well in this Test. A  very impressive unbeaten half-century by the Lankan youngster has kept India at bay this morning. He’s played some lovely pulls and drives.

England are being as easily brushed aside by Australia in the Ashes series as Sri Lanka are by India here. At least Lanka would have lost 2 out of three Tests if they lose this match. England have lost both the Ashes Tests and both by huge margins.

After 36 overs,Sri Lanka 82/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 54 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 9)

Shami pitches three full deliveries, de Silva keeps out them. On the fourth ball, Shami nips one back in, de Silva looks to drive but gets beaten on the inside edge. Risky stroke. But then he recovers well and blocks the final two balls in an assured fashion.

A lot sunnier and clearer today; looks like the weather gods have suddenly tuned into the game, and make the conditions as lively as possible. Quite pleasant out here at the moment. Perfect setting for what should result in an Indian victory.

LIVE Cricket Score, Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Day 5 in Adelaide: Hosts win by 120 runs, lead 2-0http://www.firstpost.com

After 35 overs,Sri Lanka 82/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 54 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 9)

De Silva has completed his half century. Fine knock under circumstances. He has executed his plans really well. A boundary and a single in the over.

FIFTY! De Silva charges down the track and whips it over mid on for a boundary. Raises his 3rd half century.

After 34 overs,Sri Lanka 77/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 49 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 9)

Wonderful delivery. Shami angles it on a length, fourth-fifth stump line and the ball whizzes past the outside edge. A maiden over.

After 33 overs,Sri Lanka 77/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 49 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 9)

Chandimal bunts the second delivery to mid on for a single. And continuing his approach, de Silva sweeps it to the square leg fence. Five off it.

FOUR! Doesn’t get it off the middle of the bat but will be happy with the result. De Silva sweeps past the square leg.

After 32 overs,Sri Lanka 72/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 45 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 8)

Change of ends for Shami. And Chandimal welcomes him with a boundary. And after facing four dots, Chandimal retains the strike with a single.

FOUR! Short and outside off, Chandimal steers it to the third man fence.

After 31 overs,Sri Lanka 67/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 45 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 3)

Chandimal gets off the strike on ball one with a backfoot punch to cover. Ashwin drops it short, outside off, Dhananjaya plays a daring stroke. Goes back and cuts it very late to point where Pujara fumbles as Sri Lanka pick a couple. Three off the over.

Ravichandran Ashwin is into the attack.

After 30 overs,Sri Lanka 64/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 43 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2)

After bowling a slew of maidens early on, Jadeja has leaked a boundary each in last three overs. Four off his 12th over. And it’s time for drinks.

FOUR! Excellent use of feet. Dhananjya comes down the ground and flicks it through midwicket. Pujara gives it a long chase but comes second.

After 29 overs,Sri Lanka 60/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 39 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 2)

Sri Lanka have started to score more freely courtesy De Silva. A boundary and two singles off the over.

After 28 overs,Sri Lanka 54/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 34 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 1)

Jadeja slows it up through the air and Chandimal clips it to midwicket for a single. De Silva pulls the second delivery to the deep midwicket fence. He drives the fourth delivery past mid off but interestingly they decide against a single. Five off the over.

FOUR! Short from Jadeja and de Silva clears his front leg and pulls it over midwicket. Vijay, at short leg, then has a word or two with the batsman.

After 27 overs,Sri Lanka 49/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 30 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 0)

Ishant gets some rest. Shami replaces him. Two slips and a gully. A brilliant short ball and DDS tries to pull but he was late on it and gets beaten. Maiden for Shami.

Jadeja bowling very tight. Getting most of the balls to come in with the arm. The odd delivery is fired just outside the stump area, Keeping slip and keeper interested.

After 26 overs,Sri Lanka 49/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 30 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 0)

Dhananjaya is playing confidently. Uses his feet to score his third boundary and then rocks back to work one past midwicket for a single. Five off the over.

FOUR! Jadeja concedes his first runs of the day. Dhananjaya uses his feet and drives one back past Jadeja.

After 25 overs,Sri Lanka 44/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 25 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 0)

De Silva has scored the bulk of Sri Lankan runs this morning. He tickles the third ball fine for a single and Chandimal defends the rest of the over.

After 24 overs,Sri Lanka 43/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 24 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 0)

On the third ball, Jadeja drifts one back and Chandimal was not in a proper position to defend it cleanly, inside edges it just wide of the forward short leg. And as I complete the sentence, Jadeja has completed yet another maiden.

After 23 overs,Sri Lanka 43/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 24 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) 0)

Dinesh Chandimal walks out to bat. De Silva slams back-to-back boundaries. And what do we have here? Live pictures showed that Jadeja had overstepped on the delivery that got Mathews dismissed. The umpire Joel Wilson missed. How crucial will this howler prove to be? Meanwhile, the Indian players aren’t happy with the shape of the ball and it is being changed.

FOUR! Same shot. Same result. This time the ball travels more quickly to the fence.

FOUR! Brilliant shot! Ishant bangs it short and de Silva rides the bounce and pulls it crisply through square leg.

Bowler has to be lucky just once. Jadeja got Mathews to edge and Rahane took a smart catch at slip. Mathews poking at a wider delivery in anticipation of the ball coming in.

Clear winter skies. No need of masks thus far for the Lankans. They’ve run out of excuses. Only dogged approach to batting can save them in this test. The overnight batsmen almost saw through the day’s first 30 minutes of play before the Jadeja’s breakthrough to dismiss Mathews.

After 22 overs,Sri Lanka 35/4 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , )

Ravindra Jadeja has not yet conceded a run in the morning. Bowls five dots on the trot and then gets rid of Angelo Mathews. Lovely bowling from Jaddu.

OUT! Ravindra Jadeja draws first blood. Mathews succumbs to the Jadeja’s accuracry. Flirts with a delivery outside off and nicks it to Rahane at first slip. Jinx doesn’t drop those. The first innings centurion departs for 1.

After 21 overs,Sri Lanka 35/3 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , Angelo Mathews 1)

Good start! Ishant bangs it short and Mathews sways out of the line. Another beautiful delivery, short of a length which straightens after pitching and Mathews pokes at it. Could’ve very well nicked it. A run after three maidens, finally, Mathews tucks Ishant through midwicket for a single to get off the mark. Only one off it.

After 20 overs,Sri Lanka 34/3 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , Angelo Mathews 0)

Third consecutive maiden for India. Sri Lanka not being allowed easy runs.

After 19 overs,Sri Lanka 34/3 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , Angelo Mathews 0)

Mathews edges the first ball but playing with soft hands helped him and the ball falls short of the slip cordon. He pushes the second delivery to off side and works around the third to the leg side. A maiden for Ishant.

India opting for a pace-spin combination to start with. Ishant and yesterday’s destroyer Jadeja.

After 18 overs,Sri Lanka 34/3 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , Angelo Mathews 0)

Jadeja from the other end. Has a slip and forward short leg. Guess, Kohli doesn’t want to give any easy runs from the other end. And Jaddu, the birthday boy, does exactly that. Starts with a maiden.

After 17 overs,Sri Lanka 34/3 ( Dhananjaya de Silva 16 , Angelo Mathews 0)

Ishant starts with two back of a length deliveries. His third ball is full and outside off, de Silva looks to drive but it takes a thick inside edge and rolls through square leg. They run three. Mathews plays out the rest of the over.

Watch our correspondent Amit Banerjee preview Day 5’s play live from the Feroz Shah Kotla. 

A warm welcome to all the ardent cricket fans, who are preferring the Delhi Test over Ashes. The players are out at the centre. Three slips and a gully in place. Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews are the Sri Lankan batsmen. Ishant Sharma is the bowler. This session is very important and if Sri Lanka play it without losing a wicket, the attention will shift to Delhi from Adelaide, I promise. Here we go..

LIVE Cricket Score, Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Day 5 in Adelaide: Visitors resume at 176/4http://www.firstpost.com

Pitch report: Russel Arnold says it looks good for a Day 5 pitch, there are some footmarks which can be exploited by Ashwin. Sunil Gavaskar at the other end of the pitch says it is still a very good batting surface and Sri Lanka need to play each ball on merit.

Skipper Chandimal and experienced batsman Angelo Mathews batted superbly in the first innings. Spinners Ashwin and Jadeja will be the main threat for them today. Both bowlers are expected to get extended bowling on the wearing 5th-day pitch. Can Lanka hold them at bay for three sessions?

Shami bowled brilliantly on Tuesday. The fiery spell that he came up with brought him short only later when he threw up on the field, a victim of smog. But that did not prevent him from going flat out. It would be interesting to see how he handles himself today. Will he once again go flat out or pace himself keeping in mind his utility to the team later in the season?

India vs Sri Lanka: Draw will be moral victory for visitors; Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal need to firefighthttp://www.firstpost.com

Only two results are possible today: India win or Sri Lanka draw. The second option is exceedingly remote as the home team needs just 7 wickets on a 5th day pitch. Additonally it is doubtful if Lanka have the heart, stomach and importantly the lungs to grind it out. They are so preoccupied with Delhi’s smog that a long-drawn, tough fight would be the last thing they’d want. Thus the question for India would only be: When. When will the win come?

India vs Sri Lanka: Hosts nearing victory, but need to send back Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews early on Day 5http://www.firstpost.com

Hello and welcome to final day’s action at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium where Sri Lanka face a daunting task ahead.

Tottering at 31/3, the Lankans have their task cut out in front of a spirited Indian bowling attack who will want to get the job done as soon as possible and clinch the three-match series 2-0.

Join us for all the live scores and updates from Day 5