India – Sri Lanka Test Series: 1st Day’s Honours To Lanka At Galle

The loss of the toss meant a loss of potential psychological advantage, for India, on a wicket that had nothing to offer to the bowlers.

Because the Indian bowling is so weak as to need any straw it can cling to. So weak that Sehwag was arguably the best bowler on the day. Hardly the credentials of a team that aspires to remain the number one test team for long.

Sri Lanka finished a rain-shortened day at 256/2 in 68 completed overs. If it’s any consolation for India, at their rate of scoring, Sri Lanka should have got past 330 by close of play, if 90 overs were possible. So, Sri Lanka getting cut short while in full flow is an advantage, however small, that India should file away for reference later in the match. If Sri Lanka fell short of a win, the curtailment owing to rain and Sangakara’s soft dismissal after getting to three digits could come back to haunt them.

India weren’t helped by Harbhajan’s sporadic appearances, on the field of play, leave alone his lack of penetration when he bowled. But they need an early wicket, preferably that of Jayawardene, on the second morning. The two wickets they got today were gifts from the batsmen. Gift or otherwise, the former captain’s wicket could yet help keep Sri Lanka down to 400. Once that is achieved Dhoni can fall back on his strength, a star-studded batting line-up.

And if the batting doesn’t deliver, the Indian team should look forward, collectively, to July 26, the day the second test starts in Colombo. Hopefully, Dhoni should win the toss, there.

Tags: Dhoni, India, Sehwag

Category: Cricket