8 wickets to fast bowlers on 14-wicket day: Galle Test refuses to follow script
Fourteen wickets, eight to fast bowlers and another day of twists in Galle. India squandered a dominant position with a 193-run second innings before their bowlers hit back, leaving Sri Lanka needing 288 more on the final day. The Test, much like the weather, has refused to follow the script.
On the fourth day of the Galle Test, 14 wickets fell, eight of which were taken by fast bowlers from both sides. KL Rahul, who initially hesitated to give way to Devdutt Padikkal, received a warm hug from the latter after a review confirmed his dismissal. However, Sri Lanka's innings came to an abrupt end with an all-out score of 193 in 48.5 overs. The batting lineup was uncharacteristically subdued, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rahul among the first to depart.
Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a century in the first innings, aimed to re-establish control for India in the second innings. However, the cushion of the lead allowed complacency and carelessness to prevail. Pant stood out with his fearless stroke play, despite facing pressure from Sri Lanka's bowlers. His performance was a lone ray of hope for India as they struggled to mount a comeback.
Sri Lanka's fast bowlers, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, played a crucial role in turning the game around. Their proactive approach and smart bowling changes helped them regain control of the match. The fast bowlers displayed great effort and executed their plans effectively, contributing to six wickets each. The pitch initially turned from the fourth stump, but the turn shifted to the stumps later in the day.
The Test witnessed several ebbs and flows, but the bowling group remained proactive, displaying a positive sign for the hosts.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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