Thilan Samaraweera's unbeaten 137 helped Sri Lanka post 425 in their first innings in the third Test against India here.
In reply, India were 92-2. Virender Sehwag had smashed a 44-ball fifty to lead India's pursuit. Murali Vijay (14) was dismissed by Lasith Malinga. Angelo Matthews later had Rahul Dravid LBW in his first over.
Resuming Day 2 on 293-4, Samaraweera rallied with the lower-order batsmen to push Sri Lanka past 400 on a pitch that's offering substantial assistance to spinners.
Pragyan Ojha took 4-115 in 46 overs while Ishant Sharma's final-over burst brought him 3-72. Amit Mishra gained turn as well but only had the wicket of Malinga.
India's task would be made harder by the presence of Sri Lanka's unorthodox finger spinner Ajantha Mendis, and orthodix off-break bowler Suraj Randiv.
Sri Lanka have also been boosted by Malinga's return.
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar had become the
most capped Test player in history, overtaking Steve Waugh's tally of 168 Test appearances.
08-04-2010, 11:48 AM
Live: Sehwag smashes fifty as India trail SL's 425
