Battling Pujara’s 135 anchors India to 292

Opener Cheteshwar Pujara stroked his 7th Test century to help India reach 292 for 8 in their first innings against Sri Lanka on day two in their third and final Test match at SSC grounds on Saturday. 

Pujara playing his first Test match after being dropped from the team last year managed to withstand a testing Lankan bowling attack led by Dhammika Prasad on a sporty wicket. Pujara and tailender Amit Mishara recorded the highest 8th wicket stand at SSC to ensure they frustrate the hosts’. 

Pujara remained unbeaten on 135 in 277 stroking 12 fours while no.10 Ishant Sharma faced 6 balls for his 2 runs when rain brought a pre-mature end to the 2nd day’s play at around 4.45pm. Right-handed Pujara punished anything loose but made sure the good balls were respectfully defended. Prasad’s consistency to bowl at a tempted outside off-stump line was a treat to watch. 

Earlier in the first session, Dhammika Prasad bowled a stunning first over where Virat Kohli survived two close LBW shouts. The Lankan pace duo, Prasad and Pradeep constantly tested the Indians with good accurate bowling, especially Prasad.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews came in to bowl the 9th over of the morning and he straight away produced a wicket when he drew his counterpart Virat Kohli to drive outside his body and the edge was pouched cleanly by Kusal Janith. 

Sharma was cautious against the fast-bowlers but he gave away his wicket in the final ball before lunch when he poked at a Prasad delivery outside the off-stump and was caught at slips as they were 119 for 4 at lunch. 

After lunch, the lion-hearted Prasad struck in the first ball to send back Stuart Binny for a golden duck. The ball deviated sharply off the surface to hit the batsman’s pads right in front of the stumps.

The debutant, Naman Ojha made a solid effort with the bat to score 21 but he was tempted to take on Tharindu Kaushal and his intention backfired on him when he holed out at long-on while attempting to clear the ropes. 

The strong-willed Pujara was involved in three half-century partnerships with Kohli, Sharma and Ojha. 

R Ashwin was once again undone by the seam Dhammika Prasad as the right-arm quickie produced another wicket out of his first ball of a spell. 

At 180 for 7, India was under the threat of bowling out before 200 but an excellent 104-run stand courtesy Pujara and Amit Mishra took the visitors to a respectable score. Mishra took only 87 balls for his entertaining 59 before he was stumped off Rangana Herath. 

The Lankans once again let the tail wag because they were complacent in the field and Nuwan Pradeep dropped a catch when Pujara was 117 to add to the woes. 

Sri Lanka will need to end the innings as soon as possible tomorrow morning when play resumes at 9.45am.

India – 292/8 in 95.3 overs: Cheteshwar Pujara 135*, Rohit Sharma 26, Naman Ojha 21, Amit Mishra 59, Dhammika Prasad 4/65. 

Full Scoreboard (Courtesy – Cricbuzz)