India have taken complete control of the first Test against Sri Lanka after another strong performance on Day 3 in Galle. After the batters did their job in the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar took charge with the ball.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 in 79.4 overs, handing India a massive 178-run first-innings lead. Suthar finished with four wickets, while Jadeja picked up three as the two left-arm spinners shared seven wickets between them.
Rain once again affected proceedings, but India ended the day firmly ahead in the contest. With two days remaining, the visitors have put themselves in a position from where they can push for victory, provided the weather allows enough playing time.
IND vs SL 1st Test Day 3: Jadeja and Suthar Deliver With the Ball
The first two days were largely about India’s batting. Devdutt Padikkal played the biggest innings, scoring a superb 167, his maiden Test century. KL Rahul contributed 82, while Dhruv Jurel made a quick 51 as India eventually posted 462.
On Day 3, it was the turn of the Indian spinners.
Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar showed why the team management decided to play two left-arm orthodox spinners together. There is often a discussion about whether teams need two similar types of bowlers in the same XI, but Jadeja and Suthar showed that quality can be more important than simply looking for variation.
Although both bowl left-arm spin, their methods are different.
Jadeja generally relies heavily on his accuracy, pace, line and length. Once the pitch starts developing rough areas, he becomes even more difficult to handle.
Suthar, on the other hand, looks capable of getting more natural turn when conditions offer assistance. That difference in their bowling made the combination effective against Sri Lanka.
Manav Suthar Continues to Impress
Manav Suthar was India’s most successful bowler in the innings, finishing with figures of 4/76 from 21.4 overs.
More than the wickets, it was the way he troubled the Sri Lankan batters that stood out. He kept attacking the stumps and was willing to give the ball enough opportunity to turn.
India have been looking for their next long-term spin combination following the end of Ravichandran Ashwin’s Test career. Jadeja remains the experienced figure in the attack, but finding another spinner who can regularly deliver alongside him is important.
Suthar is still at an early stage and it would be too soon to make big comparisons. However, his performance in Galle is another encouraging sign, particularly considering the value a quality spinner can provide in Asian conditions.
Ravindra Jadeja Reaches 350 Test Wickets
It was also a memorable day personally for Ravindra Jadeja.
The experienced all-rounder finished with 3/57 from 21 overs and completed 350 wickets in Test cricket.
The milestone puts Jadeja in a special Indian club. He entered this Test with 4,095 Test runs and 348 wickets, and after reaching the 350-wicket mark, became only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to complete the double of 4,000-plus Test runs and 350 Test wickets.
Kapil provided India with a rare all-round package during his era. Jadeja has played a different role and is a completely different type of cricketer, but his value to the Test team has also come from his ability to influence matches with both bat and ball.
That is what has made him such an important part of India’s Test side for so many years.
Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella Rescue Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka could have been in much bigger trouble.
They were reduced to 90/6 before Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella produced the resistance the home side desperately needed.
Dinusha went on to score a century, while Dickwella made 80. Their partnership stopped India from running through the innings quickly and helped Sri Lanka reach 284. Dinusha’s effort was particularly important as he registered his maiden international century.
Dickwella’s innings was also important on his return to the Test side. The pair forced India’s bowlers to work much harder after the top and middle order had struggled.
Still, their resistance could only reduce the damage.
India’s first-innings total of 462 was big enough to ensure that even after Sri Lanka’s recovery, the visitors walked away with a commanding 178-run advantage.
India Have a Big Decision to Make on Day 4
India’s position is strong, but the weather could have a major say in how the rest of this Test develops.
With a 178-run lead already secured, India now need to decide how aggressively they want to approach their second innings. If conditions remain suitable for batting, quick runs could allow Shubman Gill’s side to build a target and give the bowlers enough time to dismiss Sri Lanka again.
The ideal situation for India would be to score at a good rate and leave their bowlers around a day and a session to attack the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
Galle traditionally offers increasing assistance to spinners as a Test progresses. With Jadeja and Suthar already finding success, batting against them in the fourth innings is unlikely to be easy.
However, India also cannot ignore the weather. Lost playing time could become Sri Lanka’s biggest ally from this position.
India Firmly Ahead After Three Days
India could hardly have asked for a better position after three days of the first Test.
Padikkal’s 167 provided the foundation with the bat, while Rahul and Jurel made important contributions. Jadeja and Suthar then ensured that India’s 462 was converted into a huge first-innings advantage.
Sri Lanka deserve credit for the fight shown by Dinusha and Dickwella, but India remain firmly in control with a 178-run lead after IND vs SL 1st Test Day 3.
The equation for India on Day 4 should be simple: score quickly, extend the lead and give Jadeja, Suthar and the rest of the bowling attack enough time to finish the job.
Weather permitting, India have a very good opportunity to turn their dominance into a Test victory.