On the back of a massive first-innings total of 574/8, the Indian bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan top order on a turning track at Mohali on Saturday. Following a 48-run opening stand, the Sri Lankan batters failed to tackle the Indian spinners on a deteriorating pitch and finished the day at 108/4, still trailing the hosts by 466 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja's 175 not out stole the show earlier in the day. Aided by R. Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, Jadeja took India's score past 550. Ashwin and Jadeja then drove home the advantage, taking three out of the four wickets.
With more than enough runs on the board, India are firmly in control. On Day 3, they will want to continue with the domination. It will not be easy to bat on this surface for the Lankan middle order. They should ideally like to look for more run-scoring opportunities than to simply survive. Pathum Nissanka, 26 not out overnight, will be key.
The job is relatively easier for the Indian bowlers. If they can bowl in the right areas and let the pitch do the rest, wickets should follow. The wicket is turning, and the three Indian spinners will be the prime wicket-taking options. The ball is bound to reverse swing, and pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Shami will have a role to play.
Fantasy tips
- Expect India to bowl out Sri Lanka within the first two sessions.
- Even if the opportunity comes, India are unlikely to enforce follow-on.
- Sri Lankan batters should ideally look for run-scoring opportunities.