India Take 192-Run Lead Over Sri Lanka

India, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 183, were 128 for two at stumps on the opening day of the first Test at the Galle global Stadium on Wednesday.

But opener Shikhar Dhawan (53 not out) and captain Virat Kohli (45no) put on an unbroken stand of exactly 100 to ensure it was the tourists who had by far the best of an eventful first day.

By the time both of them made their way back, India had managed a comfortable lead of 111 runs with five wickets still in hand. KL Rahul briefly threatened his spot by scoring a hundred in just his second Test. Dhawan’s stock dipped to its lowest after the Australia series.

Coming on to the field after lunch, India played on an aggressive note as skipper Kohli brought up his 10th Test century in style.

India were 294 for five after 88 overs at that stage, but the long tail managed a few useful runs as Saha added 28 with Harbhajan Singh (14) and another 22 with Ishant Sharma (3 not out).

There was due deference shown to Rangana Herath, Dhawan stepping out to push the ball for a single and get Kohli to take charge.

India were cruising at 255-2 when Sri Lanka hit back with four quick wickets on either side of the second new ball to make it 304-6 at tea.

Left-handed opener Dhawan (134) hit 13 fours as he top-scored for India, with Kohli contributing another 103.

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Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, sharing the new ball with Ashwin, then bowled Kaushal Silva for no score to provide a dramatic start to the innings.

In the 53rd over, 12 runs came off Kaushal’s over as Dhawan smacked two fours to take India past the Lankan total.

But Dhawan was lucky to survive a loud appeal for leg-before against Kaushal when he was on 79.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who was indisposed and sat out the entire morning session, returned after lunch to take charge and fashion his team´s fightback.

Nuwan Pradeep made the red cherry count as he induced an inside-edge off Dhawan’s bat that hit the stumps to force the left-hander walk out for 134. Soon after Kohli secured his 11 hundred, he pinged him in front before meting out a similar fate to Ajinkya Rahane (0).