Internet Desk: World No.1 Indian Test side have started their Sri Lanka tour in style after their spinners Ravindra Jadeja and young Kuldeep Yadav rattled the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI’s batting order as the hosts were all out on just 187 at tea on Day 1 of the on warm up game in Colombo. At the end of day’s play the visitors are on 135 for the loss of three wickets. They are 52 runs behind with 7 wickets in hand.
After winning the toss SLBP XI opted to bat first and at one stage they were in firm control at 112 for at lunch. But after India broke the partnership between Danushka Gunathilaka and Lahiru Thirimanne, the hosts fell like a pack of cards on a lean total of 187.
Post lunch, after reaching to his half century Thirimanne (59) was sent back to the pavilion by Jadeja. After this, in next 14 deliveries, the hosts lost 4 wickets and added just 7 runs on the board. Jadeja’s quick three wickets stopped the Lankan’s to build another big partnership in the game.He also effected a run out to send back a Gunathilaka for 74. Later on, young Kuldeep Jadhav joined the party too. His first victim was Sandun Weerakkody (10) and after a few overs he also removed Kithuruwan Vithanage (2) too.
Kuldeep took 4 wickets in the first innings and ended Sri Lanka’s fight as he dismissed Lahiru Gamage for a solitary run. Mohammed Shami, who took the first wicket of the match, took two wickets too. The Board XI lost their last 9 wickets for just 75 runs.
In reply skipper Virat Kohli (34*) and Ajinkya Rahane (30*) remained not out at the end of first day’s play. India didn’t have a good start though as their opener Abhinav Mukund got out on the first ball duck. Returning from a shoulder surgery another opener KL Rahul (54) scored a quick fire half century before getting out. Pujara too failed as he could only manage to score 12 runs before giving his wicket to Fernando.
Brief scores: India 135/3 (KL Rahul 54, Virat Kohli 34*, Vishwa Fernando 2/21) trail SLBP XI 187 (Danushka Gunathilaka 74, Kuldeep Yadav 4/14, Ravindra Jadeja 3/31) by 52 runs.