SL v IND, 2nd Test Day 2 as it happened: Stubborn SL finish day at 140 for 3

STUMPS: 9 overs short of the quota today due to some atrocious over rates from both sides. Another day where its tough to pick who would be happier at the end of play. India fought back with a rearguard effort from Saha in the morning to post a challenging total of 393. Sri Lanka were immediately pushed on the backfoot from an excellent opening spell by Umesh Yadav before Sanga and Silva steadied the ship. Ashwin then completed a hat-trick of Sangakkara dismissals before Mishra got rid of Silva. A stubborn and patient batting effort from the Lankans so far as they head back 252 runs behind India.

That image of Sanga batting with his picture in the background. PICTURE PERFECT.

India's patient bowling display has left Sri Lanka 140/3 and 253 runs behind on Day 2 of the 2nd Test #SLvInd pic.twitter.com/tfK0IPENPU

— ICC (@ICC) August 21, 2015

Too leg-sidish from Ashwin to Thirimanne from around the wicket. Too straight to trouble the left-hander who plays out a watchful maiden. 

That’s STUMPS in Colombo. Classic Test match action, even contest between bat and ball. 

Sri Lanka finish with 140-3 in 53 overs.

Two slips and a silly-point. Can Sri Lanka avoid Rohit’s fate from last evening?

After 52 overs SL 140/3 (Thirimanne 28, Mathews 19)

Umesh continues to come up with peaches to Mathews. Third ball of the over was an absolute gem and Umesh must be gutted for not having a wicket. Another one straightens from good length and beats the outside edge and misses the off stump by a whisker.

Ishant concedes 5 from his over as a full ball is driven back behind bowler beautifully by Mathews.

Ashwin to bowl the last over of the day..

After 50 overs SL 133/3 (Thirimanne 26, Mathews 14)

Ishant starts off with an angling wide and short ball that is put away by Thirimanne. But the bowler comes back well, as he gets the line closer to off-stump. Five dot balls.

Umesh to continue.

In case any of you wondering what I am thinking right now.

It absolutely doesn't matter what I think, I know. But I disagree with about 80% of Virat Kohli's bowling changes. #SLvIND

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 21, 2015

After 49 overs SL 129/3 (Thirimanne 22, Mathews 14)

Umesh Yadav back into the attack and shows Kohli right away what Binny can’t do. A beauty of an out-swinger beats Mathews all ends up off the first ball and the last ball. An outside edge goes to third man for a four followed by a more assured punch from Mathews through covers for another boundary. Granted there were 10 runs conceded, but that’s three wicket-taking balls in one over.

Mishra is taken off the attack now. Ishant brought back.

After 48 overs SL 119/3 (Thirimanne 22, Mathews 4)

Mishra with another excellent over. After a Mathews gets off strike off the third ball, he troubles Thirimanne too. Loud appeal off the fifth ball for LBW but the leg-break hit the left-hander just outside off stump. Ends the over with a quciker one that Thirimanne gets his bat to, just about.

He’s been economical Binny, yes. But he has bowled more overs than Ishant and Umesh now. Unless one of them is carrying a niggle, this is absurd captaincy from Kohli. In my humble opinion, if I may add.

After 47 overs SL 118/3 (Thirimanne 22, Mathews 3)

Mishra continues to test the right-handers with his flight and turn – a full ball flighted wide of off stump is driven uppishly and falls just short of point. Just a single fomr that over.

Meanwhile, Binny continues from the other end. (WHY VIRAT, WHY!?) Full for Mathews and he gets a single to midwicket.

Two modern greats undoubtedly..

Yesterday for Clarke, today for Sangakarra...'Guard of Honour' is letting us know that this game will be poorer next week. #champions

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 21, 2015

After 45 overs SL 116/3 (Thirimanne 22, Mathews 1)

After Mishra’s successful over, Mathews is now the new man in. Binny starts off much fuller to Mathews compared to the short of good length he was bowling at Silva. Finishes the over with a wide ball down leg side to Thirimanne. Might be the last we see off Binny with the new batsman in.

OUT! Mishra’s probing spell against Silva bears fruit as he gets the stubborn opener caught by Ashwin at short fine-leg. This one is beautifully flighted again, lands on middle and leg and turns. Silva tries to sweep, perhaps looking to break free, but is beaten by the turn the top-edge loops up. Well deserved for Mishra.

After 43 overs SL 111/2 (Silva 51, Thirimanne 17)

Much better from Binny to the right-handed Silva. Bowls a series of out-swingers (gentle ones, yes) a couple of which beat Silva’s outside edge. Then brings the last ball back in but Silva gets his bat on it just in time. If only he was a few yards faster. Few yards.

Drinks, the last one of the day.

After 42 overs SL 111/2 (Silva 51, Thirimanne 17)

Another probing over from Mishra to Silva after Thirimanne gets a single off the first ball. Good flight and loop for the leggie. Silva gets a single off the last ball tentatively leaning into a forward push.

Been that kind of a day for bowlers. Binny here, Finn in Edgbaston.

That's twice now that Finn has thought he has taken his 100th Test wicket - only to have overstepped.

— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) August 21, 2015

After 41 overs SL 109/2 (Silva 50, Thirimanne 16)

Entering the last hour play in Colombo. Binny goes back over the wicket to Thirimanne and the first ball induces a half-leave and half-backfoot-defence from Thirimanne that trickles down to slip. Gets a single off the fifth ball to deep point. Again, harmless from Binny.

After 40 overs SL 108/2 (Silva 50, Thirimanne 16)

Mishra, however,seems to be troubling Silva here. Thirimanne gets a single off the first ball and Silva is left guessing by Mishra as he flights and teases the right hander. Five dot balls ensue. Aakash Chopra seems terribly upset that Mishra didnt bowl the googly that over.

After 39 overs SL 107/2 (Silva 50, Thirimanne 15)

Harmless over from Binny, around the wicket to Thirimanne using the width of the crease. Strays on to the pads twice as Thirimanne gets three runs from that.

After 38 overs SL 104/2 (Silva 50, Thirimanne 12)

Amit Mishra is finally back into the attack after having bowled just one over so far. Starts short and wide but Silva cuts hit straight to cover. The fourth ball was an absolute ripper from Mishra as he gets one to turn from leg stump past outside off – misses outside edge. Kohli brings in a second slip immediately. Starts with a maiden, Mishra.

Stuart Binny from the other end. No spin in tandem for India.

After 37 overs SL 104/2 (Silva 50, Thirimanne 12)

Kushal Silva gets to his fifty in Ashwin’s over with a cover drive off the last ball. Ashwin got one to rip off the pitch earlier – wild turn the beat bat, keeper and slips for a couple down to third man. There was also a beautiful straighter one from over the wicket to Silva.

Ishant bowls a maiden over at Thirimanne – again leaves everything outside off.

After 35 overs SL 99/2 (Silva 48, Thirimanne 11)

Two singles from the over. Thirimanne leaves outside off and gets a single the moment Sharma strays on the pads. Kohli had an awkward fall in the first ball of the over trying to release half-balanced from mid-on. Seems okay though.

After 34 overs 97/2 (Silva 47, Thirimanne 10)

After four dot balls, Ashwin gets one to turn and bounce on Silva as he tucks one behind the wicket. A leg slip would have had an easy catch. Where’s Raina when you need him? Ashwin ends the over with the straighter one around the wicket to Thirimanne.

Atrocious over-rates from both sides. 

30 overs remaining in the day. 1 hour 40 minutes to go. #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 33 overs SL 96/2 (Silva 46, Thirimanne 10)

Eight-ball over from Ishant there – two no balls in that over. No Binny-esque consequences however. Good over otherwise as he works the angle from over the wicket at Thirimanne – a loud appeal from everyone but Saha for a caught behind, no response from the umpire. The one ball that’s strayed on the pads goes for a couple.

Drinks in Colombo..

After 32 overs SL 92/2 (Silva 46, Thirimanne 8)

Ishant a little wayward on his comeback to the attack, straying on Thirimanne’s pads – gets a single off the third ball. Silva plays out three dot balls as Ishant’s line is much more perfect for the right-hander. Still getting good carry.

Ashwin’s over goes for three runs. Again, an easy single on offer for the new batsman. Silva gets a couple by giving room and pushing against the turn towards third man.

That’s something Ashwin can be proud of for the rest of his life..

Sangakkara vs Ashwin in Tests:
Balls-53
Runs-20
Dismissals-3
Avg-6.66
SR-37.73#SLvsInd #INDvsSL

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 21, 2015

After 30 overs SL 88/2 (Silva 44, Thirimanne 6)

Maiden over from Yadav to Thirimanne as the pacer makes the new batsman play at all six balls. Ashwin with the next over concedes six runs as Thirimanne sweeps him over mid-wicket for a pressure-relieving four. Ashwin, who was tossing it up nicely before that, drags it just a little shot to Thirimanne and quicker too, to keep the batsmen guessing.

Ishant Sharma replaces Umesh Yadav

Seemed to be holding Sanga run-less at will Ashwin. 

Big breakthru for India. Sangakkara falls for 32. Fine diving, slip catch by Rahane. Ashwin always seemed to have the measure of the master

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 21, 2015

After 28 overs SL 82/2 (Silva 43, Thirimanne 1)

Ashwin gifts a single to Thirimanne to get off the mark with a single to long-on – yes, long-on for the new batsman and Gavaskar is not a happy man at all! Silva looks a bit edgy against the off-spin as he edges a couple of balls on to the pads but no where close to the short leg fielder on both occasions.

Seriously, why long-on for Thirimanne??

Sangakkara’s innings was treading a fine line between patient and very slow and the pressure built up by Ashwin paid off there. The off-break jumped on him just a bit and took the outside edge. Not enough adjectives to describe Rahane’s catching at slips.

Thirimanne is the new man in. Umesh Yadav from the other end. Good over but for one short ball which is put away through the mid-wicket for four. 

After 27 overs SL 79/2 (Silva 41, Thirimanne 0)

OUT! Ashwin gets Sangakkara for the third time this series! Silence followed by applause in Colombo. No mistake from Rahane this time as he takes a diving catch to his left at first slip. That’s a beautiful catch. 

Sanga walks out, perhaps for the penultimate time, to a warm round of applause.

After 25 overs SL 74/1 (Silva 32, Sangakara 36)

Ashwin gets a go at Silva but the right-hander glances one fine between keeper and slip to pick up a boundary. Uses his feet to get a single and get off strike. Back around the wicket for Sanga, who’s playing Ashwin as late as possible. Couple more singles, makes it eight from the over.

Yadav continues from the other end and bowls a maiden at Sangakkara who continues to leave the angled ball away. One short ball on the ribs induces a pull that seems to have clipped the thigh pad on the way to the keeper. Muffled appeal.

After 23 overs SL 66/1 (Silva 30, Sangakara 30)

Yadav goes back to bowling over the wicket for Sangakkara. Again good pace and length from Umesh but line is a bit wide for Sanga to bother hitting them.

After 22 overs SL 66/1 (Silva 30, Sangakara 30)

Ashwin gives just a single that over as Sanga plays him out watchfully – takes a single off the fifth ball as Kohli has a deep point now. Silva faces a rare Ashwin delivery as an off-break is tucked behind to square leg. 

Yadav from the other end, a change of ends for him

Ashwin to start after tea break. Sanga on strike.

Bhuvi’s stocks rising?

How do you mess up a 5 batsman, 5 bowler strategy? By shifting to a 5 batsman, 4 bowler, 1 Binny strategy.

— Nitin Sundar🎙️✒️🎦 (@knittins) August 21, 2015

That Rahane drop (tough one) and Binny’s wicket of a no-ball mean India will go to tea disappointed after a great start from Umesh and Ishant. Sanga looking solid. Join us in 15 mins.

After 21 overs SL 65/1 (Silva 30, Sangakara 29)

Mishra starts with a ball on the pads that doesn’t turn, as Silva gets off strike. Sanga uses his feet to get a single. Silva plays out four dots as Mishra is still looking for some turn.

That’s TEA at PSS, Colombo.

After 20 overs SL 63/1 (Silva 29, Sangakara 28)

Silva, who has been kept away from Ashwin by Sanga, takes the single off the first ball. Five more dot balls to Sanga from Ashwin but nothing dangerous in that over. A run out was averted as Sanga was halfway down the pitch but ball was not gathered at square leg.

Last over before Tea coming up. Amit Mishra with the ball..

After 19 overs SL 62/1 (Silva 29, Sangakara 28)

Binny losing the plot a bit here as Silva seems to be getting into the groove. A excellent cover drive for four and swivel pul to fine leg for one makes it five from the over.

After 18 overs SL 57/1 (Silva 24, Sangakara 28)

Five dot balls from Ashwin to start that over – the first ball holding its line from around the wicket and Saha gathers it inches away from the stumps as Sanga let it go. As pressure builds, Sanga steps down the track off the last ball and chips Ashwin straight past for a four.

You cannot keep a good man down for long, yes? Great contest between the two here.

After 17 overs SL 53/1 (Silva 24, Sangakara 24)

Maiden from Ashwin as he continues around the wicket to Sangakkara. After five innocuous deliveries, Ashwin produces a beauty to end the over. A tossed up ball on the off stump, turns and bounces past his outside edge as Sanga was trying to push at it.

Silva then breaks the shackles against Binny, taking on a short ball and dispatching it to midwicket. Saha goes back when Sanga on strike. 6 off that over.

After 15 overs SL 47/1 (Silva 19, Sangakara 24)

Another maide from Binny to Silva. More of the same from Stuart, beating him with the odd ball. Saha comes up to the stumps for the last two balls.

Yes, tough chance indeed.

Will be classified as a drop but too tough for Rahane that. Went very quickly, full blooded cut from Sanga. #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

Dropped! Rahane puts down Sangakkara at first slip. He tries to cut the ball late but the bounce is more than he anticipated and the edge flies to Rahane who parries the first touch with his left hand and the rebound falls away from him. Looked like he started to move towards the keeper a bit too early, could have gone with two hands. Tough, but could have been taken.

Over started with a gorgeous back-foot punch to the cover boundary. Fascinating period of play.

Eventful over from Ashwin. After 14 overs SL 47/1 (Silva 19, Sangakara 24)

After 13 overs SL 43/1 (Silva 19, Sangakara 20)

This what Kohli was talking about earlier when he said Binny will offer him control. A maiden over to Silva who is still tentative out there. Given Binny’s pace, the field is mostly in front of the crease on off-side. Beats Silva with a beautiful outswinger.

After 12 overs SL 43/1 (Silva 19, Sangakara 20)

Ashwin starts with good flight and drift. A full ball to Sanga is drive to mid-off for a quick single – would have been tight had Kohli gathered the ball. Last ball of the over to Sanga would have offered him some hope as there was hint of turn and bounce – not seen much so far in this Test.

India’s main-man Ravi Ashwin into the attack..

After 11 overs SL 41/1 (Silva 18, Sangakara 19)

Less threatening over from Binny there. With his pace, if he’s not swinging he’d rarely pose any threat for the batsmen. A square drive from Silva is uppish but finds the gap through a packed gully region.

After 10 overs SL 36/1 (Silva 14, Sangakara 18)

Sanga is driving well as Yadav continues from around the wicket, but finds the fielders. Ducks under a bouncer and then takes a single off the last ball after a push to mid-on where Kohli fields well to save three runs.

This is the last one I’ll post. Promise.

Respect... India give Kumar Sangakkara the perfect welcome to the crease #ShotOfTheDay #ThankYouSanga pic.twitter.com/oUJwl9MNd2

— ICC (@ICC) August 21, 2015

Oh, dear Stuart! He thinks he has his first Test wicket, but its not to be. A beauty of an out-swinger that gets faint knick of Silva’s bat and taken by Saha. But he has over-stepped! Foot lands on the line and the line belongs to the umpire. It really was a ripper but he only has himself to blame. 

Good start to his spell otherwise. Getting the ball to move away from the right-hander. Remains to be seen if he can generate a bit more pace.

After 9 overs SL 35/1 (Silva 14, Sangakara 17)

After 8 overs SL 33/1 (Silva 14, Sangakara 16)

India leaking runs a little bit here. 9 from that over but still a good one from Umesh Yadav. Starts from round the wicket to Sanga and strays on his pads, he flicks it with aplomd for his second boundary – again greeted with cheers from the fans. Silva is then squared up by an away swinger again before a fuller outswinger gets his inside edge and flies past the stumps for four. 

Stuart Binny for the first time this series..

After 7 overs SL 24/1 (Silva 10, Sangakara 11)

11 runs from that over but again Ishant won’t mind that. A tentative push to the covers is timed well enough by Silva for a four. A short ball then hits the back of the bat of a ducking Silva and flies to fine leg for four. The batsman had no clue about that one. Leaves the lost ball that moves in and gets good carry.

I concur..

Been a superb six overs from Ishant n Umesh so far... #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 6 overs SL 13/1 (Silva 1, Sangakara 10)

Eight runs that over but it was another good one from Yadav. The first ball was a beauty jagging back into Sanga off a good length but he leaves it assuredly. Excellent carry. Silva is then squared up by an outswinger that falls short of first slip and wide of a diving Saha.

But forget all that – Sangakkara’s square-drive makes its first appearance of the day! On his knees, high elbows, to the point boundary for four – wild cheers from fans in the stadium (and on the internet, I am sure)

After 5 overs SL 5/1 (Silva 0, Sangakkara 3)

Sangakkara’s off the mark with a guided push towards third man for a couple. But that’s after he was tested with two excellent deliveries from Ishant to start the over. He keeps it short of good length and angling it away from right on off-stump – beats him twice, the first ball a good bouncer. Ishant then goes full that takes Sanga’s inside edge to fine leg.

Another angle of the Sanga guard of honour.

And then they all lined up... As #KumarSangakkara walked out to bat in his last Test... #SLvInd #IndvsSL pic.twitter.com/t1vhGvLWVN

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 4 overs SL 2/1 (Silva 0, Sangakkara 0)

Another good, quick over from Umesh Yadav. Tests Sanga with a good bouncer that he ducks under. One ball on the leg stump is worked to fine leg but its off the pads. Sanga yet to get off the mark.

After 3 overs SL 1/1 (Silva 0, Sangakkara 0)

A maiden from Ishant who is working at a good pace and length. A ball on the pads is hit straight to the fielder. Gets a couple to move back in from outside off but Silva leaves well. 

I’m still in a daze from that Umesh Yadav over.

After 2 overs SL 1/1 (Silva 0, Sangakkara 0)

What a start from Umesh Yadav. A near-perfect first over from the paceman. An in-swinging yorker to welcome Sangakkara to the middle and a ball that jagged away from good length to beat Sanga’s outside edge. Superb stuff.

What a sight. 

Sanga is out there .. Wonderful to see from India pic.twitter.com/qgrPEvMswX

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) August 21, 2015

Wonderful moment as Virat Kohli and Co line up to give Kumar Sangakkara a guard of honour. Goosebumps!

OUT! Umesh Yadav strikes first ball! Karuna is trapped in front from a full ball swinging in and hitting on the pads in line. A wicket treated with cheers as Kumar Sangakkara walks out!

After 1 over SL 1/0 (Karunaratne 1, Silva 0)

Steady start for Ishant. Starts over the wicket for left-handed Karuna, and starts with a good angling off-side line. A single to fine leg and Silva plays out dot balls.

Ishant Sharma with the new ball. Karunaratne to face. Kaushal Silva at the non-striker’s end.

There are no demons on this track, yes.

Anything less than 500 would be a disappointment for Sri Lanka. Looks like a good batting track. #SLvsInd

— Jigar Mehta (@jigsactin) August 21, 2015

OUT! Ishant’s conquered this time. Herath cleans up the tail in two overs after lunch – gets his fourth wicket. This one is an arm ball that pitches on stumps and hits Ishant plumb on the back foot. No hesitations about that one.

India all out for 393. I bet Kohli would take that after losing Ashwin early in the morning.

After 113 overs India 392-9 (Ishant 2, Umesh 1)

It’s now a question of take what we can get for India’s last pair. Ishant starts off with a sweep for a single. Four byes follow as Kaushal drags one down the leg side. Umesh then brings out a big heave-ho that just clears the inner circle – gets a single.

After 112 overs India 386-9 (Ishant 2, Umesh 0)

Maiden wicket to start proceedings for Sri Lanka. Kaushal from the other end – spin in tandem for the first time this morning.

OUT! No luck to start this session for Saha and India. Herath strikes third ball after lunch! Very close call as the ball hits pad first and then bat – it was definitely hitting the stumps. Think the umpire got that right. Saha out for 56.

It was indeed an excellent session – attritional Test batting at its best. Right we are all set for the second session now. How much can India add?

That was a session old-fashioned Test cricket. Not too many runs, not too many wickets, but still absorbing. #INDvsSL

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) August 21, 2015

So, just like the inexplicable mystery of Bermuda Triangle, India somehow head into lunch just 8 wickets down. Mishra and Saha had lives after lives in the first hour – bails staying put as ball brushes the stumps, edges not carrying, missing stumps, carrying but not according to the umpires. But Saha makes it count with an excellent half century. India will be happy with their lower order’s resistance. 

Join us in about 30 minutes.

After 111 overs India 386-8 (Saha 56, Ishant 2)

Exact template as the previous over – 3 runs from the first four balls for Saha, Ishant defends the last two balls. Boy, he must be working really hard on that front foot defence.

LUNCH in Colombo.

After 110 overs India 383-8 (Saha 53, Ishant 2)

Herath back into the attack – the left-spinner has been oddly under-utilized. Three runs from the first four balls fr Saha as Ishant gets to face the last two balls with four fielders around the bat. But nothing can faze India’s blocker-par-excellence. Dot balls.

Kaushal with the last over before lunch

Ishant Sharma loves to bat. PERIOD.

Ishant Sharma loves to bat in Sri Lanka. He has faced on an average 37 balls per innings, while scoring ten-plus runs!#IndvSL

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 21, 2015

That’s fifty for Saha – back-to-back Test half-centuries for India’s wicket keeper. Brought up with a single to long-on. Played a reverse sweep the previous delivery for a boundary over first slip.

After 109 overs India 380-8 (Saha 50, Ishant 2)

Especially considering he will bat today. Hopefully better turn out for the weekend.

Empty stands do no justice to Sanga's farewell.Understand corporates have picked up most tickets.Problem of freebies? pic.twitter.com/rOTLH7OVaQ

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 21, 2015

After 108 overs India 375-8 (Saha 45, Ishant 2)

Two singles from that Chameera over. Ishant goes for a flashy cover drive off the second ball (yes, I can’t believe it either) that took the outside edge but goes between slips and gully but MAthews has a third man in place – just a single.

After 107 overs India 373-8 (Saha 44, Ishant 1)

Kaushal continues after Chameera’s successful over. Saha tries to show intent as he is running out of partners – stepping out and driving him through extra covers for a boundary of the fifth ball Two singles before that as six come from it. 

Extended spell for Chameera here..

The Firstpost Jinx

@jigsactin And one life early on off a caught behind from a faint edge given not out. uncanny. 150 on the cards.

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 21, 2015

OUT! Amit Mishra’s charmed existence is finally over just as he was actually beginning to look settled. Chameera’s excellent spell bears fruit as a good length ball on off-stump pushes Amit Mishra back and takes the outside edge of his hanging bat. Lucky but crucial 24 from Mishra.

After 105 overs India 366-7 (Saha 38, Mishra 24)

Mishra channels his inner Chandimal as he brings out the reverse sweep against Kaushal that flies to third man boundary for four. Two more singles in the over as India continue to build on after a shaky start.

After 104 overs India 360-7 (Saha 37, Mishra 19)

Maiden from Chameera as he troubles Saha in that over with good pace and lines. Gets an outside edge off the third ball that falls short of second slip as Saha was pushing away from his body to a ball that didnt bounce much. Solid in defence otherwise. Chameera hit 90 mph that over.

Kaushal to continue..

*joins Chetan in shaking head*

Lankan Journo: "So why is Binny playing n not Bhuvi? Their batting ability is same but Bhuvi can bowl better."

Me: *shakes head* #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 103 overs India 360-7 (Saha 37, Mishra 19)

Kaushal starts the over with an almighty full toss which is met with an almight heave by Saha but it trickles down to deep mid for a single. Continues to rotate well here, Saha. Goes around for Mishra and an off-break cramps the batsman for room, catches the inside edge and misses the legs stump – gets  a couple down to fine leg. Five runs from that over.

After 102 overs India 355-7 (Saha 35, Mishra 16)

Chameera continues and this time he goes over the wicket. Saha continues to look solid and rotating well with easy singles. Mishra swings wildly again at a good length ball but it goes to the wide-ish deep third man**.**

Interesting field from Mathews here. Seems to have gone in-out.

After 101 overs India 352-7 (Saha 33, Mishra 15)

More pace to restart proceedings as Chameera starts round the wicket with a short leg and leg gully in place. Starts off with a wide and two more singles follow. Its Kaushal for the first time from the other end (just an over for Herath?) as Mishra brings out a paddle-scoop. Three singles in that over.

One man’s lucky-as-hell-to-be-still-out-there kinda start is another man’s bright start…

A bright start by Team India on day 2 by Saha and Mishra after losing the early wicket of Ashwin. #SLvIND

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 21, 2015

After 98 overs India 346-7 (Saha 30, Mishra 13)

Archetypal Herath over right away. Straight and tossed up on a good length – Saha and Mishra manage two singles each. Saha drives well to long-off while Mishra goes the agricultural route with slog sweeps and inside edges.

Drinks at PSS.

After 98 overs India 342-7 (Saha 28, Mishra 11)

Change of ends for Prasad and Mishra does a little less of the crazy stuff that over. Starts off with a boundary – a well played cut short of a short – wide ball that teased the fielder all the way to the ropes. Two more singles in that over.

Spin for the first time as Herath comes on..

After 97 overs India 336-7 (Saha 27, Mishra 6)

Four singles that over as Chameera continues to show good pace. Mishra again gets lucky (what on earth did he have for breakfast?!) as an inside edge goes past the stumps to fine leg and an upper cut of a bouncer from round the wicket falls short of third man. Saha seemed to have settled down a little bit now.

After 96 overs India 332-7 (Saha 25, Mishra 4)

What an over from Mathews – wry smiles all around. Mishra is like a man walking on fire, dancing all over the crease. Misses after coming down the track, edges one to gully, ducks awkwardly to a bouncer and then leaves a ball that is just inches away from off stump – Mathews cannot believe how he judged that leave. It was a beauty too – ball straightened after angling in.

Another maiden, by the way.

After 95 overs India 332-7 (Saha 25, Mishra 4)

Another maiden and this time its young Chameera. Up to good speed already and hits right lengths that over. Bowls a bouncer of the last ball that Saha can’t work for a single. Mishra to face Mathews now.

Two wrongs doesn’t make a right, fellas..

Thought Mishra had edged it there. Calls of DRS from Lankan journos. Wonder if they said the same abt Chandimal in Galle. #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 94 overs India 332-7 (Saha 25, Mishra 4)

Mathews is really unlucky not to have his third of the innings. Fourth ball of the over, a ball that was angled in on the off stump straightens after pitching and there is a definite noise as it passes bat. Cleanly caught but no knick says umpire. Mishra then swings wildly at a good length – “slashing? slash hard” – and it flies to third man for a streak four.

After 93 overs India 327-7 (Saha 24, Mishra 0)

The string of maidens is finally broken as Saha gets five from that Prasad over. Plays a very good cover drive – nothing ugly about that one – to break the shackles. Prasad attempts a couple of bouncers – one good, one way wide and called as one. 6 from that over.

After 92 overs India 321-7 (Saha 19, Mishra 0)

That’s the fourth maiden in a row this morning for Sri Lanka. Mathews continues with his steady line. Mishra defends well for the most part except when he chases a short and wide one misses it fully.

It was also odd that there was only one camera angle that the third umpire could use. Not sure that was sufficient evidence. 

Saha has had his second escape. These catches close to the turf is never given out, but they should be

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) August 21, 2015

After 91 overs India 321-7 (Saha 19, Mishra 0)

Eventful over as Saha continues to live a charmed life. Dot-ball pressure gets to Saha. After playing out the first three, he dances down the track to Prasad and plays an ugly hoick that takes the bottom edge but dies on Chandimal who seems confident he has taken it. Replays inconclusive (soft signal was not out) and Saha is given a reprieve. Benefit of the doubt and all that. Another maiden.

Got to agree with Chetan there about 400 being a bare minimum. Just not enough on this pitch so far to threaten batsmen.

Anything < 400 on this pitch in 1st inngs is not worthwhile. India missing 7th batsman. They will probably also miss a 5th bowler. #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 90 overs India 321-7 (Saha 19, Mishra 0)

Ashwin is not going to like that dismissal one bit. Good length on the off stump and he hits it uppishly with a strong off-side cordon. Mishra survives with three dot balls. Wicket maiden for the captain.

OUT! Oh dear, that dismissal’s as soft as a plush teddy bear. Ashwin lobs a cover drive straight into the hands of Silva at covers as Mathews strikes again. Exactly what the Lankan captain wanted.

Well, we can tell you it brushed the off stumps Chetan.

Close shout against Saha. Cant say whether out or not cos they have forgotten to turn on the TVs in press box. #SLvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 21, 2015

After 89 overs India 321-6 (Saha 19, Ashwin 2)

Dhammika Prasad from the other end and it is a very good over to start the day for him. The new-ish ball (9 overs old now) moves away for the Lankan pacer in that over. Saha is beaten completely of the third ball – and is a lucky, lucky lad as the ball brushes the stumps but the bails are not disturbed. Survives the rest of the over, but tentative inside edges galore.

After 88 overs India 321-6 (Saha 19, Ashwin 2)

Mathews completes the over with just a single conceded. Ashwin gets off the mark with a nice straight drive as Mathews goes full looking for swing.

Okay then, it’s nice and sunny in Colombo. Ashwin walks out to the middle with Saha. Mathews will continue the over that saw the downfall of Rohit Sharma last night.

Ayaz weighs in on the debate as well…

India need to quickly fix No.3 batsman issue. Who bats there should be an assertion of thought/plan, not stopgap measure or protectionism

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 21, 2015

#TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli before the start of play on Day 2 #SLvsInd pic.twitter.com/symlZiv2OG

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2015

India in Sri Lanka three things: Kohli’s mind, Rohit’s place and Rahul’s rescue – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

There were, just for a day’s action, quite a few talking points from yesterday. Firstpost’s Tariq Engineer picks three things that stood out for him. And yes, Rahane is discussed.

Sri Lanka vs India: India sacrificed uncomplaining and loyal Rahane, says Gavaskar – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Speaking of Rahane, there has been a lot of debate over whether he has been made a sacrificial lamb to make sure Rohit comes back to form or is it just that the team management is really unsure of who is the best option at No. 3. Sunil Gavaskar had some strong opinion on what India’s batting order needs to be.

Good morning and welcome to another day of Test action from the island nation as India resume batting at 319-6 against Sri Lanka. The jury is still out on who will be happier with how the first day panned out (not Ajinkya Rahane, that’s for sure) but the first hour today will be crucial on deciding who has the upper hand in this match.