3rd Test Evenly Poised, India struggle at 21/3 in 2nd Innings

India pacer Ishant Sharma claimed an impressive five-wicket haul, but Sri Lankan bowlers struck back to leave the visitors struggling in their second innings as rain forced early stumps on Day 3 of the third cricket Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) here on Sunday.

Ishant returned figures of 5/54, as the hosts were bundled out for 201, in reply to India’s first innings total of 312. Stuart Binny (2-24), Amit Mishra (2-25) and Umesh Yadav (1-64) also bowled superbly.

In India’s second innings, Rohit Sharma (14 not out) and skipper Virat Kohli (1 not out) remained unbeaten at stumps as the visitors struggled to post a meagre 21/3. The visitors had a vital 132-run second innings lead at the end of the day’s play.

India batsmen resumed play in the second innings, but to their surprise Lankan bowlers struck in quick succession to bring down the visitors’ first three wickets with just seven runs on the board. Nuwan Pradeep took two wickets, while Prasad took one wicket.

Incoming batsmen skipper Kohli and Rohit held on as heavy rains forced early stumps on day 3, giving India a vital 132-run lead in their second innings.