Persistent India edge slightly ahead on attritiol day

Sri Lanka reach 140/3 in reply to India’s 393

Colombo, Aug 21: Sri Lanka, aided by right-handed batsman Kaushal Silva's 51 runs, reached 140/3 in their first innings in reply to India's 393 at stumps on the second day of the second cricket Test here on Friday. India were bowled out for 393 in their first innings, adding only 74 runs for the loss of four wickets at the P. Sara Oval. At stumps, Sri Lanka trailed by 253 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Lahiru Thrimanne and skipper Angelo Mathews were unbeaten on 28 and 19 respectively. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav, spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra grabbed a wicket each for the visitors.

Veteran batsman Kumar Sangakkara was the first man out in the last session of the day as an Ashwin turner found the edge of the left-hander's bat. Ajinkya Rahane, who had taken eight catches in the last Test, dived to his left to pluck the ball and complete the dismissal.

Silva on the other hand was having no trouble tackling the Indian bowlers. The right-hand bat after forging a 74-run partnership with Sangakkara, remained firm and clobbered a few more boundaries.

However, his stint at the middle was cut short by leg-spinner Mishra as he top-edged a ball to short fine leg while trying to sweep the tweaker.

Thirimanne and skipper Mathews ensured there were no further setbacks as they started rebuilding the innings when the day's play was brought to a halt.

In the morning session, the Indian innings resumed at 319/6. Sri Lanka provided an early jolt as Ashwin (2) fell cheaply. IANS