Internet Desk: On a batting paradise and against a inexperienced bowling line up of Sri Lanka, opener Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara showed their batting skills as India finished the Day 1 of first Test on 399/3 at the Galle International Stadium today.
After Asela Gunaratne gifted Dhawan a life as he dropped him at second slip on 31, the Indian star opener didn’t waste any chance to hit all the Sri Lankan bowlers through all parts of the ground. With Cheteshwar Pujara (144) holding a side, Dhawan (190) got the license to kill in the middle as they put up a 253-run stand for the second wicket to provide the World No.1 team a solid platform. Opener Abhinav Mukund (12) who got his chance in the playing XI in place of KL Rahul, again failed to make any impact today as he nicked a ball of Nuwan Pradeep to the Lankan wicket-keeper Dickwella. Skipper Kohli (3) too failed to make any impact in the game as he nicked a bouncer from Pradeep to Dickwella.
At Stumps, Ajinkya Rahane (39) was at the crease accompanying Cheteshwar Pujara who was not out on 144. Nuwan Pradeep was the most successful bowler for the hosts as he took 3 wickets by giving 64 runs.