India spinners restrict Sri Lanka to 99/5 at lunch

Spinners dominated the third morning as India tightened their grip on the opening Test against Sri Lanka, reducing the hosts to 99 for five at lunch on day three in Galle on August 17. The dismissal of half the Sri Lankan side in the first session left them trailing by 363 runs after India had earlier been bowled out for 462.

Resuming the day at 460 for nine, India lost their final wicket quickly when Asitha Fernando removed Prasidh Krishna for two. Sri Lanka’s reply began disastrously, with Nishan Fernando falling for a two-ball duck, caught at first slip. The breakthrough spinner Manav Suthar then made an immediate impact, claiming the wicket of Dinesh Chandimal with his very first delivery. The ball drifted in and turned sharply, brushing the batter’s glove before being collected by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Sri Lanka were 27 for two.

Despite early aggression from Lahiru Udara, who struck two boundaries in an over from Mohammed Siraj, and a steady rebuilding effort involving Kamindu Mendis, India’s spin attack maintained relentless pressure. Suthar struck again to dismiss the well-set Udara, caught at leg slip for 27. The wickets of Mendis, caught brilliantly by Shubman Gill...