SL v IND, 2nd Test Day 1 as it happened: Rohit falls in last over as India finish at 319-6

STUMPS: What would have been a fairly even day, tilts in favour of Sri Lanka as Rohit falls in the 70s in the last over of the day. India’s tail is exposed now while Sri Lanka’s (tail) is up. 319/6 after 87.2 overs. A fascinating day’s play started in the hosts favour with two early wickets. A big partnership between Kohli and Rahul followed, and India looked set for a big total by tea. Sharma resurrected the innings but it was not to last for the Mumbaikar. 

Rohit's fall at stroke of close makes it even stevens on day 1. But India must still push for 450 from here to feel secure

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

OUT! Oh, dear! Rohit Sharma falls to Mathews – trapped in front off an in-dipper. Set him up with the balls outside off that held their line. Big, big blow for India as this tilts the balance in favour of the hosts. Those five mins extra could make a big difference in this match.

That’s STUMPS in Colombo

After 87 overs India 319-5 (Rohit 79, Saha 19)

Not the last over – trying to account for the five mins lost to rain – but Saha plays out a maiden. 

Mathews, definitely, with the last over..

After 86 overs India 319-5 (Rohit 79, Saha 19)

Mathews manages to beat Rohit again outside off but no more scares in that over. Picks up a couple.

Kaushal to Saha for the last over of the day, perhaps.

After 85 overs India 317-5 (Rohit 77, Saha 19)

Two runs from the Herath over as he tries to push the newer ball quicker. Saha watchfuly plays it out.

After 84 overs India 315-5 (Rohit 76, Saha 18)

Maiden over from Mathews as Rohit hogs the strike with the new ball. He was beaten outside off from a good length ball but steady otherwise – a well-timed cover drive finding the fielder.

Herath will get a new-ish ball.

After 83 overs India 315-5 (Rohit 76, Saha 18)

This was not a bad over by any means from Dhammika – good off-stump line – but Rohit still gets nine from it. A front-foot defence is guided to the third man with soft hands and a shorter ball is delicately pushed past point for another four. Takes the single off the last ball to take strike against Mathews.

Day watchman, eh?

Half Century for Rohit Sharma and Partial Credit should go to Ajinkya Rahane for protecting his wicket initially..#SLvsInd

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) August 20, 2015

After 82 overs India 306-5 (Rohit 67, Saha 18)

Mathews again takes the new ball like he did at the start of day’s play and continues with his military medium, nagging off and outside-off line. Saha plays out a maiden.

After 81 overs India 306-5 (Rohit 67, Saha 18)

Oh, lovely Rohit Sharma. Prasad with the new ball and the second ball – short on the hips – is dumped over fine leg with efforless ease for a maximum. He follows that up with a hook in front of square through midwicket for four.

Pedestrian from the bowler, elegant from the batsman.

Lovely Rohit. #SLvIND

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 20, 2015

After 80 overs India 296-5 (Rohit 57, Saha 18)

Rohit plays the late cut, Saha paddle sweeps well. 5 runs from the Herath over.

And it’s time for the new ball in Colombo. Hold on to your hat, folks. This is a real test for Rohit and Saha

After 79 overs India 291-5 (Rohit 54, Saha 16)

Herath’s over just goes for one run. Kaushal has a huge appeal for LBW turned down. The ball pitches on the fourth stump, good length and turns square, with Rohit well-beaten. Hits him in line with the off-stump but the forward stride and the amount of turn might have saved him there. I would have given it out – tells you what I know. Three runs from that over.

Controlled half ton from @ImRo45. Always pleasing to see when he gets going. But team needs big knock. Dare say he needs it for himself too

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

50 for Rohit Sharma! A good innings – bit of a redemption for Rohit here. Plays a gentle cover drive for a single to bring up his third 50+ scores. Really needs more than that here though, you get the feeling.

After 77 overs India 287-5 (Rohit 50, Saha 16)

Decision on India coach will be taken before South Africa series in September: Anurag Thakur – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

After 76 overs India 285-5 (Rohit 49, Saha 15)

Saha is taking calculated risks here – quickly up to 15. Sweeps Herath brilliantly for his third boundary of the innings. Drinks at Colombo.

40 minutes left, 14 overs to be bowled. Can’t see that happening.

So the feed is back.

After 75 overs India 280-5 (Rohit 49, Saha 10)

There were a couple of boundaries for Saha in that little break of telecast. Can’t help you guys out with much else.

The live telecast has decided to give up on us, fellas. Waiting for images to come back.

Never looked like he was comfortable out there..

Binny's mode of dismissal shouldn't surprise anyone...remember Lord's? #SLvInd

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 20, 2015

After 73 overs India 269-5 (Rohit 47, Saha 1)

Wriddhiman Saha the new man in. Just two singles from that Kaushal over – three balls each. Rohit continues to show patience, defending with good forward strides.

OUT! Wicket for Herath straight away – this is really poor from Stuart Binny as he steps down to a flighted ball, gets the bottom of the bat and lands in the hands of long-off fielder. Wicket = thrown. Binny gone for 10. Never looked settled.

After 71 overs India 266-4 (Rohit 45, Binny 10)

Silly from Binny that over as he tries to take on Kaushal over long-on but drags it over mid-wicket and it falls just short of the fielder on the line. Three runs from that over.

Herath from the other end..

Some Bengaluru love from Anil Kumble…

A superbly constructed 108 from the #Bengaluru boy @klrahul11.. Well played and keep it going!

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 20, 2015

After 70 overs India 263-4 (Rohit 43, Binny 9)

After a single-run over from Kaushal, Prasad continues. He goes a tad short despite getting the fuller balls to move, and Rohit pounces on it off the front foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for four. Binny gets into a tangle off the last ball as he is caught in two minds trying to leave or play at a short ball outside off – the ball ends up hitting the bat.

ESPNCricinfo have come up with a term in honour of Sanga. But doesn’t this hold for every Test ‘keepr ever?

The Sangappeal. A loud appeal made when the batsman is clearly not out, followed by disbelieving looks when the umpire rules so #Cricinfo

— Narayanan S (@narayanantweaks) August 20, 2015

After 68 overs India 256-4 (Rohit 38, Binny 7)

Definitely reversing for Prasad now. After a (very) optimistic appeal for a leg-before against Binny, he gets off strike with a single through covers off the third ball. Rohit decides to leave a ball outside off on good length – the ball moves in late viciously, past stumps and Chandimal is stumped. Parried off his gloves and down to the boundary for 4 byes.

After 67 overs India 251-4 (Rohit 38, Binny 6)

Prasad bowls a maiden despite straying one on the pads that goes for four leg byes. A steady line as usual from Prasad and he beats Binny with an excellent in-dipper – perhaps reverse? Kaushal’s worked around in his next over for 4 singles.

After 65 overs India 243-4 (Rohit 36, Binny 4)

Kaushal to continue after drinks. Rohit gets forward nicely and defends the fuller balls comfortably. The last ball lands on middle and turns past leg and beats everything and everyone to trickle down to fine leg for four.

Prasad to continue..

Genuine relief there on Rahul’s face but I’d bet he will be kicking himself for playing that shot…

Well done, KL Rahul! Second Test century for the young lad. #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/9q7KTbh7ev

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2015

After 64 overs India 239-4 (Rohit 36, Binny 4)

Great over from Kaushal! First beats Binny with a near-perfect doosra – angles in from over the wicket and it holds line. Binny lucky to get away without an outside edge. Rohit then survives a massive LBW shout, tying to sweep a full ball from outside off. The ball turns, beats the bat, crashes into the pads but might – just might – be hitting outside off-stump. Good call from the umpire, it looks like.

Prasad comes back into the attack and bowls a steady over for 3 runs. Binny more comfortable against the pace on offer from Dhammika as he sees out the last over before drinks

After 62 overs India 234-4 (Rohit 32, Binny 3)

Kaushal troubles Binny in his first go at the new batsman. Binny is more comfortable driving the fuller balls but the moment he doesnt get to the pitch he looks tentative. A caught behind appeal and an LBW appeal come to nothing. Just one run off it.

Chameera from the other end is breathing fire. Starts off round the wicket (with the short-leg) and keeps bowling the bouncers that Binny ducks and dodges. The ball of the over came when he went back over the wicket – a bouncer again but that one just kept raising and coming into him, Binny almost gloved it but drops his hands and evades it at the last minute.

After 60 overs India 232-4 (Rohit 32, Binny 1)

The short-ball strategy has worked like a charm for Chameera and Mathews. The ball before the mistimed hook, Rahul ducked well but the persistence paid off. Chameera continues with the same tack for Binny – in the midst of a good spell.

In walks comeback man Stuart Binny. His fourth Test match.

OUT! Short-ball from around the stumps at Rahul has done the trick for Chameera – a well-directed bouncer angling away from him induces Rahul into the pull and the top-edge falls in the hands of Chandimal behind the stumps. Great innings but the wrong time to throw his wicket away.

After 59 overs India 231-3 (Rahul 108, Rohit 32)

Chameera goes round the wicket for Rahul and over the wicket for Rohit – perhaps to attack the set batsmen with the short stuff. Rahul plays the bouncer well. Two runs from Kaushal’s next over.

After 57 overs India 227-3 (Rahul 106, Rohit 30)

Chameera with an uneventful over as Rohit takes a couple of the third ball and a single off the last to retain strike. And then he goes after Kaushal in the next over. Gets six for his lofted on-drive over long on but that was not a very clever shot to play. This was timed well but hit flat but had the fielder been all the way back, it was straight down his throat. As it stands, it just about clears his head. Couple of singles after that. 

Rohit’s into the 30’s now. Defintely counts as a start this, will he manage to not throw it away?

Two times he has gone past 50, two hundreds. Wonderful habit to get into.

Well played K L Rahul, super century. Selectors will now be forced to look elsewhere to accommodate another batsman...

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

After 55 overs India 216-3 (Rahul 105, Rohit 20)

Rahul brings out a beautiful off-drive to end that over from Kaushal – special effort from the opener after India were down to 12-2. Really did not have to take that second run though, looked like he would struggle to make it. Wonder what Mubarak is thinking.

Chameera to continue..

CENTURY FOR KL RAHUL! A bit of a scare there as Rahul plays a sweep (took his gloves?) and comes back for a risky double, but slides in on time. Well played! That’s his second Test hundred in 4 Tests.

After 54 overs India 207-3 (Rahul 98, Rohit 18)

Just one run from Chameera’s over as Rohit took the single off the first ball. Rahul plays out 5 dot balls without any nervousness – evidently. Still on 98.

Kaushal from the other day.

Rain in Colombo but that was exactly during the tea break. When its Sangakkara’s retirement even nature obeys. Great sense of occasion. Just a brief delay, as players are back out in the middle.

TEA in Colombo: India reach 206/3 and that’s another session that belongs to the visitors. Rahul is batting on 98. Rohit Sharma, after a shaky start, seems to have gotten some momentum going – taking 10 runs off one Herath over – with a six and a four. Kohli was the only wicket India lost, thanks to a remarkable catch by Angelo Mathews. 

Apologies for the lack of updates for the last 20 mins or so.

After 50 overs India 191-3 (Rahul 94, Rohit 6)

Prasad concedes two singles off for the first two balls. Four dot balls follow but Rohit looks more comfortable in defence with pace on offer. Rahul sweeps Herath handsomely for a four to move into the 90’s.

After 48 overs India 185-3 (Rahul 89, Rohit 5)

Bit of a lull in proceedings. Steadying themselves India, understandably, after losing Kohli. Two runs from Kaushal and one from Herath’s over. Rohit looking tentative in defence (or assured, I am not sure anymore with him), watchfully playing out dotballs.

Time for pace, Prasad from the other end.

A deep cover for new batsman Rohit Sharma? And then easy single given. Mathews needs to attack more.#SLvIND

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 20, 2015

After 46 overs India 182-3 (Rahul 88, Rohit 3)

Kaushal continues to toss it up a bit too full but Rahul and Rohit just play him around for singles. Four from that over. Herath seems to be causing problems from the other end as Rahul steps down to a ball that was not there and the edge goes past silly-point. Just two runs there.

Heck, Kohli goes completely against run of play. Super catch by Mathews at slip. In comes Rohit with everybody's eyes on him...

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

After 44 overs India 176-3 (Rahul 85, Rohit 0)

After 6 runs from Kaushal’s over, with a late cut for four from Rahul. The shot that incidentally brought about Kohli’s downfall in Herath’s over. Tha catch gets better with every viewing. Rohit Sharma is already a lucky man as a inside-edge bat-pad falls in the vacant silly-point region. Strange from Mathews.

OUT! A Stunning catch from Angelo Mathews at first slip brings an end to a fantastic knock from Kohli. An attempted late cut off Herath is taken by Mathews, diving full length low to his right. Big wicket! Kohli gone for 78 (107).

After 42 overs India 170-2 (Rahul 80, Kohli 77)

India continue to look positive against the spinners. After missing out on Kaushal’s half-volley off the first ball, Kohli puts away the next one with ease  – a wristy off-drive past deep mid-off. Seven runs from that over. Herath follows that up with a maiden.

After 40 overs India 163-2 (Rahul 79, Kohli 71)

Spin from both ends now as India strengthen their hold of this game. Kaushal has his field pushed behind and five runs come easy in that over – no risks. Herath from the other end. Rahul fetches a wide half-volley from outside off and sweeps it brilliantly for a four through square leg. Six runs from that. Scoring rate continues to increase. Excellent partnership this is turning out to be, very similar to the first innings in Galle.

After 38 overs India 152-2 (Rahul 70, Kohli 69)

Rahul finally makes his intent count against Herath. After finding the fielders repeatedly, he dances down to great effect this time, as an effortless flick of wrists sends the ball over long-on for his first six. Eight runs from that over. Time for drinks in Colombo..

After 37 overs India 144-2 (Rahul 63, Kohli 68)

Rahul continues his brisk scoring after lunch. An attempted bouncer is pulled handsomely – and uppishly – over mid-wicket. Kohli had taken a single off the first ball. Another over with five runs.

Herath to continue..

After 36 overs India 139-2 (Rahul 59, Kohli 67)

That bottom-hand, wristy cover drive – the signature Kohli drive – is out in full view off Herath’s first ball back. The spinner gets his line and length right  after that – just a single after that. India getting a move on after lunch.

After 35 overs India 134-2 (Rahul 59, Kohli 62)

Mathews comes back into the attack perhaps looking for some control to the proceedings. Starts off with a maiden to Rahul.

Herath from the other end.

Kohli had been a little edgy since that 50. Then those two fours in the last over to break the shackles. #IndvsSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 20, 2015

After 34 overs India 134-2 (Rahul 59, Kohli 62)

Kohli gets a move on in the second session after a quiet few overs, targeting Chameera. A flick through midwicket and a forced cut off the backfoot fetches his a couple of two’s. What follows are two exquisite – and very similar – flicks through midwicket for back-to-back fours as Chameera goes full and on the pads.

Thirteen runs from that over.

After 33 overs India 121-2 (Rahul 59, Kohli 50)

Prasad continues. Rahul after defending the first three balls to the offside, plays a good cover drive for a couple of runs. Prasad bends his back to test Kohli with a bouncer but sails way over for a wide.

After 32 overs India 118-2 (Rahul 57, Kohli 50)

Chameera goes around the wicket for Rahul to start the over but the bouncer isn’t forthcoming. Rahul pushes an angled ball to the covers for a single. Back over the wicket for Kohli, who plays out the over watchfully, ducking under the bouncer off the last ball.

After 31 overs India 117-2 (Rahul 56, Kohli 50)

Maiden over and a good one from Prasad. Couple of scares in that over for Kohli. A tentative push off the back-foot falls short of slips and off the last ball (an effort ball from Pradeep) takes the inside edge, hits the pads, loops up but there is no short-leg to capitalise.

After 30 overs India 117-2 (Rahul 56, Kohli 50)

Chameera continues as Sri Lanka go for pace from both ends. Chameera mixes up the full deliveries with the odd bouncer. Rahul plays out five dot balls before taking two runs of the last ball.

Partnership is past 100 now. 105 runs at over 4 RPO.

Shot of the day by Rahul to bring up 50. #SLvIND

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 20, 2015

Prasad from the other end and Rahul brings up his 50 with a gorgeous cover-drive, played on the up. Was dropped earlier but has looked confident throughout. Follows up his fifty with another excellent cover drive but straight to the fielder. A good looking straight drive is misfielded for a single.

After 29 overs India 115-2 (Rahul 54, Kohli 50)

Kohli brings up his half-century to continue his rich vein of form in Tests with a single of the first ball of Chameera’s over. Has taken him just 63 balls – some calculated aggression from the captain.

Rahul inches closer to his landmark as well. Plays a neat guided shot to third man to four and follows that up with a pull for the same result, takes a single to move to 49.

After 28 overs India 110-2 (Rahul 49, Kohli 50)

After 27 overs India 99-2 (Rahul 40, Kohli 49)

Kaushal with the first over. Just a couple of singles as both batsmen play well on the front foot reaching out to the pitch.

Kohli one short of half-century..

Alright, the players walk out for the second session. Rahul and Kohli set to resume the recovery..

Looking dapper there, Mr. Anurag Thakur..

BCCI Secretary @ianuragthakur speaking to @sanjaymanjrekar and Sunil Gavaskar during the Lunch break #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/z8TJ03G31O

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2015

Kohli needs to play a big innings here with the pitch settling down..

Authoritative batting by @imVkohli leads fine recovery by India after 2 early wickets. Rahul, lucky with a dropped catch splendid in support

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

LUNCH: Kohli & Rahul ensure no further damage as India go to lunch 97-2 with an unbeaten 85-run stand. Vijay and Rahane (yes, he was at no. 3) are back in the pavilion after Dhammika Prasad stuck early. Rahul was put down at gully by Mubarak but he has played some confident shots, sometimes struggling to find gaps. But Kohli has looked in excellent touch. Join us in 30 mins for the second session. 

Virat (48*) and Rahul (39*) have taken #TeamIndia to Lunch with a solid unbeaten 85-run stand. #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/BPAHVC8XwQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2015

After 26 overs India 97-2 (Rahul 39, Kohli 48)

One bad ball that over from Herath but good fielding at covers saves three runs as Rahul couldn’t capitalise. A single each from that over.

And that’s LUNCH in Colombo.

After 25 overs India 95-2 (Rahul 38, Kohli 47)

Kohli drives Kaushal well – two cover drives to deep extra cover for two runs. Takes a single off the fourth.

Herath with the last bover before lunch

After 24 overs India 89-2 (Rahul 38, Kohli 41)

Kaushal contines and keeps his foot behind the line that over. Length is still a bit too full and already has a deep cover to account for the full outside-off balls that he bowls. Three singles in that over. Herath from the other mixes up his pace – just a single from that over.

And seems the sun is back out. Well done, cross-winds.

With less than 10 mins to go for the lunch, one can only hope the rain has some sense of timing.

Huge cloud cover rolling in from behind the stadium. Gentleman sitting next to me says rain is imminent. #IndvsSL

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 20, 2015

After 22 overs India 86-2 (Rahul 37, Kohli 39)

Change of ends for Herath. Steady over – just two singles. Rahul gets an outside off the fifth ball that doesnt carry to slips. 

Partnership up to 73 runs now. Good recovery by these two.

After 21 overs India 84-2 (Rahul 36, Kohli 38)

And promptly starts with a no-ball, Kaushal – a problem that he had avoided in that excellent second innings. Rahul and Kohli work him around for a couple of singles each – there was one full toss to that Kohli couldn’t put away.

Kaushal no-ball count: 1

Thick cloud cover across PSS Oval.

*Dusting off that no-ball counter from the last match as Kaushal comes on to bowl*

After 20 overs India 79-2 (Rahul 34, Kohli 36)

Prasad continues. Kohli starts the over with three runs with a push past mid on. Rahul gets a couple off the last ball with a loose cover drive that took the edge.

Tharindhu Kaushal in to the attack.

After 19 overs India 74-2 (Rahul 32, Kohli 33)

Kohli does what Rahul tried all last over from Herath. Steps down and lifts it handsomely behind the bowler for the first six of the innings. Defends watchfully after that and takes the single off the last ball when Herath goes just a tad short.

After 18 overs India 66-2 (Rahul 31, Kohli 26)

Herath continues to flight and keep it full on the stumps. Rahul shows intent stepping out on multiple occasions but cannot find the gaps – gets a couple of the second ball with a drive past midwicket. Prasad from the other end is not getting much movement now. Rahul brings out his cover drive off the third ball – that was full and wide outside off – and put away well. Another off-drive is fielded well by Angelo at mid-off as he saves three runs.

Herath continues..

After 16 overs India 58-2 (Rahul 24, Kohli 25)

Maiden over from Dhammika but Virat survives a huge appeal for LBW. A good length ball jags back in and beats Kohli’s edge but hits him just above the knee roll on the back pad. Good call. Kohli leaves the outswingers well.

Another valid point. Just a mess, that No. 3 slot for India.

Ind seem so desperate to get Rohit in form that they're willing to change the slot of an in-form No.5; this, when squad has specialist No.3

— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) August 20, 2015

After 15 overs India 58-2 (Rahul 24, Kohli 25)

Herath starts off just as you’d expect him to – flighting it one the middle, at a full length from round the wicket. Rahul steps down to drive off the second ball which is just a few inches off the ground but goes to Herath on the full, it just hits his foot and goes for a single. Tough chance that. 2 singles off that over.

Prasad back in the attack.

After 14 overs India 56-2 (Rahul 23, Kohli 24)

A quiet over from Mathews goes for just one run. Chameera continues to generate good pace but the length is a bit all over the place. A short ball is put away with venom by Kohli as he pulls one to squae leg for four. Four dot balls later, he punches one to square leg for a couple. Goes past Rahul.

Herath for the first time this morning..

After 12 overs India 49-2 (Rahul 23, Kohli 17)

Another boundary to start the over but this one is streaky as Virat is late to withdraw his bat to a short of good length ball outside off and it hits the bat and runs down for four. Chameera hurried Kohli there. Another single in that over as Virat is back on strike.

Oh damn. Maybe we should have opened with night watchmen then? (I kid, I kid)

From Shiva: Ave p'ship for 1st wkt in 1st inngs of a Test at P Sara is 13.50, the lowest at a venue in last 10 yrs: http://t.co/YT6Hg5XDV6

— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) August 20, 2015

After 11 overs India 44-2 (Rahul 23, Kohli 12)

India dealing in boundaries here. Mathews comes back after drinks break and continues keep a steady lenght outside off and changing his angle of delivery from over the wicket. Rahul gets a boundary of the last ball but this was an uppish flick off the pads that went just past square leg.

After 10 overs India 40-2 (Rahul 19, Kohli 12)

Kohli turns on the style that over as he takes the attack to Chameera. After four dot balls to start (with a bouncer to begin) Kohli glances a overpitched ball on the stumps for four through fine leg and brings out a gorgeous off-drive to end the over with back-to-back fours.

Umpires looking to change the ball due to shape issues..

After 9 overs India 32-2 (Rahul 19, Kohli 4)

Dhammika continues and the Indian batsmen begin to play with a bit more freedom. Kohli confidently drives a full through the covers (away from his body though) for three runs off the first ball. Rahul flicks one to fine leg for four. Seven in that over.

Very true. Sri Lanka took some blinders in the second innings at Galle. That really was poor by Mubarak.

This series is all about taking tough catches and dropping simple ones. #slvind

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 20, 2015

After 8 overs India 25-2 (Rahul 15, Kohli 1)

Quite quick first over from the 23-year-old Dushmantha Chameera (playing his 2nd Test) anf he’d be gutted he doesn’t have his first wicket of the day. His length was a little inconsistent there as he starts short and ends up very full, the last ball driven away by Rahul handsomely straight behind the bowler. 5 runs from it with one no-ball.

Rahul gets a let-off! Chameera gets some pace and bounce straight away and Rahul cannot keep a cut down – flies to gully where Mubarak puts down a straight forward chance. 

Mubarak ho, drop huaa hai. #slvind

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 20, 2015

After 7 overs India 20-2 (Rahul 11, Kohli 1)

Kohli gets a single and gets off the mark of the second ball of the over. Rahul tries to relieve the pressure just a little bit there. Gets his first boundary of the morning with a nice on-drive.

The young quick Chameera is into the attack..

After 6 overs India 14-2 (Rahul 6, Kohli 0)

Mathews continues, no Chammera yet. He starts with a bounce to Rahul and follows that up with a in-swinger from good length that Rahul leaves well. Rahul defends solidly on the front foot and ends the over with a leaning cover drive for a couple.

Firstpost’s Jigar Mehta with a valid point.

2nd Test: India lost two early wickets on the first morning after won the toss and elected to bat . #SLvIND IND 12/2 pic.twitter.com/4DxTOjF7pC

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 20, 2015

After 5 overs India 12-2 (Rahul 4, Kohli 0)

Another successful over for Dhammika. The away swinger worked for him that over but Rahane will be gutted with that shot. Kohli retains his No,. 4 position and gets back behind solidly as he plays out the rest of the over. Horror start for India.

OUT! That Rahane experiment did not last long. Prasad gets his second – gets the away swinger a little closer outside off but Rahane chases it dwon and gets a thick outside edge to third slip. Played well outside his body there.

Virat Kohli at No. 4

After 3 overs India 12-1 (Rahul 4, Rahane 4)

Angelo Mathews keeps his discipline. Steady off-stump line through out for Rahul – its a maiden.

There is certainly a debate to be had about the conviction of the team management has in their own beliefs after having backed Rohit for that position.

Uncomfortable with chopping & changing top order. Is @ajinkyarahane88 permanent there? And does Rohit know his role? Tests about permanency

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 20, 2015

After 2 overs India 12-1 (Rahul 4, Rahane 4)

Wayward over from Prasad as he sprays the ball around in that over with away swingers way outside off. The in-dipper to end the over was down the leg. Not a great follow-up over that. Rahane gets off the mark with a leg glance for four.

Definitely a good move in my book. Not just for this match, for the long term.

Good move or shows the pressure in the Indian dressing room?

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 20, 2015

After 2 over India 7-1 (Rahul 3, Rahane 0)

Angelo Mathews brings himself on from the other end to exploit the swing on the pitch. Steady start with the first few moving in that Rahul negotiates. Gets a thick outside edge off one that moves away and it runs to third man for three. Rahane sees out the over.

After 1 over India 4-1 (Rahul 0, Rahane 0)

What a start for Sri Lanka. That’s exactly what Angelo Mathews wanted when he said he would have opted to bat first. Dhammika Prasad starts off hitting an excellent length on the off stump, with the first ball that moves away. Its followed by in-dippers – clear movement off the pitch – as India pick up a leg bye four. Vijay though was completely done in off the next ball – could be a marginal call as it could have just hit him outside the line of off.

And interesting (and a very good move, in my opinion) to see Rahane in at No. 3.

Well well, Ajinkya Rahane is in at No 3.

OUT! Oh dear, big blow for India. Murali Vijay is trapped plumb in front in the firsr over of the day. Good length ball moved in off the wicket. That’s the assistance Angelo Mathews was talking about.

Murali Vijay & KL Rahul are out in the middle at PSS, Colombo. Dhammika Prasad with the new ball. Rain in the air.

Play!

ESPNCricinfo reporting the covers are coming off. Should be set for a timely start. More as we know..

Oh, dear. Looks like one of those days..

Angelo Mathews says he would have bowled first on this pitch – because the PSS Oval always offers assitance to quicks early on. One change for the hosts – Nuwan Pradeep sits out with injury. Maverick quick Dushmantha Chammera is in.

Team changes: Three changes for India. Murali Vijay replaces Shikhar Dhawan, Stuart Binny in place of Harbhajan Singh and Umesh Yadav comes in for Varun Aaron

Just in: Virat Kohli has won the toss, and India are batting first

Best among the best, Sangakkara….

Highest Test ave
min 100 Tests
57.71 Sanga
55.37 Kallis
54.07 Younus
53.79 SRT
52.89 Lara
52.57 Miandad
52.31 Dravid
51.85 Ponting#IndvSL

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 20, 2015

It is also worth remembering that Michael Clarke – another modern great – begins his final Test later today.

Two greats take to the field... How will they both fare in their last Test Matches? #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/ol2ew8ACwV

— ICC (@ICC) August 20, 2015

And the felicitations begin…

BCCI Secretary @ianuragthakur presenting a memento to @OfficialSLC legend @KumarSanga2 #FarewellSanga #SLvsInd pic.twitter.com/cjTrIN25lH

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 20, 2015

The build up to this Test has been dominated, in the India camp at least, about the Galle debacle and Virat Kohli’s “aggressive” tactics. There was anothe blow for India when they found out that Shikhar Dhawan’s hand injury was serious than expected and he returned home for treatment. Murali Vijay, however, should be making his comeback into the XI.

India in Sri Lanka: Sangakkara’s farewell match will be a big test of Kohli’s aggression – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

As we wait for the toss and team news, here’s Jigar Mehta’s preview of the Test match.

133 Tests. 38 centuries. 11 Double Hundreds. 12,350 runs. A Test career spanning 15 years. As the coin goes up for a toss between Virat Kohli and Angelo Mathews in Colombo, it will mark the beginning of the end of Kumar Sangakkara’s glorious cricket career. Keeping loyalties aside, Sanga’s career is worth a celebration for every cricket fan.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval.