From a score of 165 for no loss, India suddenly slipped to 176/3 thanks to a good bowling attack from debutant Randiv and Mendis. The spinners rattled the top order batsman. India needed the guile and expereince of Sachin Tendulkar to take the day through with an unbeaten century.
Tendulkar began India's recovery after Virender Sehwag's swipe on 99 triggered a clutter of wickets that undermined a strong start. Facing Randiv's first delivery of the day, Sehwag stepped out and swung hard towards cow corner, missed and was stumped to become Randiv's maiden Test victim.
The wickets that followed were a consequence of some crafty bowling from the spinning pair. Mendis snared opener M Vijay with a googly that he failed to pick after erroneously opting to play the length delivery off the back foot. Rahul Dravid was trapped in front with a ball that skidded on before Laxman joined Tendulkar to rebuild the innings. The Sri Lankan bowlers varied their pace and lengths with greater skill than their Indian counterparts to create chances. However, India survived a couple of nervy moments that helped turn the third day, only slightly, in their favour.The wicket at SSC will offer more bounce from the 4th day onwars. I hope Dhoni has read the sitatuon of SSC ground - he should insist on either useing a light roller or does not use a roller for major part of the play tomorrow. India now trails by 260 runs with only 1 recognized batsamn in the form of Dhoni, waiting in the wings. If India is able to whip of another 80 runs by lunch time and another 80 runs by tea time with only 2 wicket to fall tomorrow, this match will meander to a draw. Thus Sachin and Suresh should need to start the innings fresh from tomorrow and go in for a controlled agression to bring the match to safety. Lest, match, series and World No.1 spot will go to Sri Lanka.
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