***Official*** India in Sri Lanka

[adharcric]

If the question is did dropping him do good to him in the long run then the answer is yes...If the question is were there good enough alternatives for whom he was dropped then the answer is no...For some the second criterion might be useful as well...

For that third test in South Africa, almost anyone would've been a better option than Sehwag - the way he had been batting in the first two tests, one really couldn't see him scoring runs or even lasting more than a few overs against that attack on that surface. On the brink of throwing away such a rare superb start to a tour like that, India were desperate for a decent stand at the top. Karthik was a questionable choice but he proved everyone wrong for one match and Sehwag suddenly became expendable, especially given that England was up next and Sehwag was owned by the English bowlers last time around on Indian pitches. Yeah, I'm not going to argue that there were great alternatives for Sehwag but he needed a break and it's great that Karthik made the opening spot his own at that time.

 

[weldone]

Another 100 for us and Lanka in trouble.

And we are looking good for another 150 at least, that'll be very challenging for SL...Specially with in-form Harbhajan in side...Though we won't mind anything more than another 150 ...

 

[duffer]

Gambhir's driving against the spinners is absolutely gorgeous. He is looking really nimble with his footwork today. Hope he can convert this to give him some confidence going forward.

 

[Manee]

This truly is a great contest. Very evenly matched teams on an exciting (yet not substandard) surface for the spinners - this is how subcontinent Test cricket should be.

 

[duffer]

That wicket hurts. Fantastic bowling though outfoxing a good player of spin in good nick.

 

[duffer]

This truly is a great contest. Very evenly matched teams on an exciting (yet not substandard) surface for the spinners - this is how subcontinent Test cricket should be.

Absolutely.

 

[Dissector]

It's become one of my life goals to watch a test match at Galle one day; how cool is it being able to watch cricket from a fort. Plus the Galle pitch seems to be very sporting with something for batsmen, spinners and quicks.

 

[duffer]

Sachin's come in with intent to dominate. Loving it, even Rahul is trying to get on top of them too.

 

[SJS]

The Wall is back !!

 

[duffer]

Don't want to jinx him but he's starting to caress it around like the Rahul we know and love.

 

[Dissector]

Sachin and Rahul showing M&M who's boss.

 

[pasag]

Only following on cricinfo but really excellent batting for mine. Led by Sehwag, they've quickly and swiftly took the initative and the Test away from SL. Superb stuff.

 

[Ikki]

This looks like a match for Dravid and Tendi both to hit 100s. The openers have done well and their attack has been relatively ineffective. They've started well and can go on from here.

 

[duffer]

Murali hasn't bowled well at all for mine. Shown very little patience and is resorting firing it in a bit too often for mine. That said, he'll probably come on now and take a quick 3 or 4 to make me look a dolt.

 

[silentstriker]

Not happy with Sachin there - hopefully Ganguly can keep up the good work. I'd want at least another 100-120 runs.

 

[silentstriker]

Well...this is interesting. We don't have nearly enough. Go Laxman!

 

[alternative]

Freaking hell. 2 wickets in a row, ****ing always happens.

 

[duffer]

This is where the review system is really going to be tested. Not sure how it could be conclusively proven that would've hit the stumps without Hawkeye. Rahul not happy with it, with pretty good reason in my opinion.

 

[alternative]

Only followin the cricinfo commentary like many others. Anyway was just wondering what is a decent total to defend on that pitch?

 

[duffer]

Only followin the cricinfo commentary like many others. Anyway was just wondering what is a decent total to defend on that pitch?

Score as many with the new ball and just grind them out after that methinks. If India get 275-300 Lanka will be in trouble.