Sehwag leads fightback
Source: Agencies |
August 5, 2010, Thursday
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VIRENDER Sehwag hit 17 boundaries in an unbeaten 97 from 87 balls to lead India to 180-2 at stumps yesterday on the second day of the third test in reply to Sri Lanka's first-innings score of 425.
Fast bowler Lasith Malinga provided the first breakthrough for the hosts on 49, having Murali Vijay caught by Ajantha Mendis for 14.
A 43-run partnership for the second wicket followed between Sehwag and Rahul Dravid before seamer Anjelo Mathews trapped Dravid leg before wicket for 23 runs.
Sehwag received a let off on 52 when Mathews dropped a quick return catch.
Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera said it was crucial for his team to dismiss Sehwag early today.
"We are leading by 250 runs. If we can take a couple of wickets ... we are in the game," Samaraweera said. "I think he (Sehwag) is the key man to get out."
Samaraweera had earlier scored a chanceless 137 not out, his 12th test century. He hit 12 boundaries and a six in 283 balls.
The hosts started the second day on 293-4 and scored 132 runs midway through the middle session for six wickets on a P. Sara Oval pitch in Colombo that provided turn and bounce to the spinners.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara made 75 and Mahela Jayawardene 56.
Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha took advantage of the conditions, returning the best figures of 4-115. Seamer Ishant Sharma enjoyed some late success and captured 3-72.
"The way we are batting it looks like if we play like this we will put up a good score and put them under pressure," Ojha said.
"This is one of the best days for the bowling group - because the way we planned, we executed. It has been very disciplined attack by us. We were just sticking to our basics."
India's openers faced some hostile bowling from Malinga early in the innings but Sehwag soon launched into attack.
Sri Lanka leads the three-test series 1-0 after winning the first match by 10 wickets in Galle.
The second match ended in a draw.
India must win this test to prevent a third series defeat in Sri Lanka dating back to 2001.
Fast bowler Lasith Malinga provided the first breakthrough for the hosts on 49, having Murali Vijay caught by Ajantha Mendis for 14.
A 43-run partnership for the second wicket followed between Sehwag and Rahul Dravid before seamer Anjelo Mathews trapped Dravid leg before wicket for 23 runs.
Sehwag received a let off on 52 when Mathews dropped a quick return catch.
Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera said it was crucial for his team to dismiss Sehwag early today.
"We are leading by 250 runs. If we can take a couple of wickets ... we are in the game," Samaraweera said. "I think he (Sehwag) is the key man to get out."
Samaraweera had earlier scored a chanceless 137 not out, his 12th test century. He hit 12 boundaries and a six in 283 balls.
The hosts started the second day on 293-4 and scored 132 runs midway through the middle session for six wickets on a P. Sara Oval pitch in Colombo that provided turn and bounce to the spinners.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara made 75 and Mahela Jayawardene 56.
Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha took advantage of the conditions, returning the best figures of 4-115. Seamer Ishant Sharma enjoyed some late success and captured 3-72.
"The way we are batting it looks like if we play like this we will put up a good score and put them under pressure," Ojha said.
"This is one of the best days for the bowling group - because the way we planned, we executed. It has been very disciplined attack by us. We were just sticking to our basics."
India's openers faced some hostile bowling from Malinga early in the innings but Sehwag soon launched into attack.
Sri Lanka leads the three-test series 1-0 after winning the first match by 10 wickets in Galle.
The second match ended in a draw.
India must win this test to prevent a third series defeat in Sri Lanka dating back to 2001.
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