SL vs IND Warm-Up Match Day 1 Highlights: Team India made a strong comeback after a difficult start on the first day of the three-day warm-up match being played before the Test series between India and Sri Lanka. By the end of the day’s play, Sri Lanka Cricket XI had scored 363 runs for 8 wickets. The biggest relief for India came from the performances of Mainav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav. Both spinners bowled brilliantly in the second and third sessions and brought Team India back into the match.
Indian bowlers got upset
The Indian fast bowlers didn’t get much help with the new ball. Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha took full advantage of this, adding 110 runs for the first wicket. Madushka scored 66 runs off just 65 balls, including 11 fours and a six. India’s only success before lunch came in the form of a run out when both batsmen were caught at the same end trying to take a single.
Mainav Suthar showed his strength
From the second session onwards, the Indian spinners slowly began to turn the match around. Ravindra Jadeja broke the second wicket partnership, while Mainav Suthar bowled in good rhythm and dismissed established batsman Ravindu Rasantha. Rasantha had scored 71 runs. Suthar imparted excellent flight to his delivery, forcing the batsman to miss the play.
Suthar then dismissed Sonal Dinusha LBW for 52. Her line and length remained accurate throughout the day. She bowled patiently on a slow pitch and consistently troubled the batsmen. Her performance on the first day has further strengthened her claim for a place in the Test team.
Kuldeep makes a brilliant comeback
Kuldeep Yadav had a somewhat expensive start. He conceded 29 runs in his first five overs, and the Sri Lankan batsmen took the lead against him. However, Kuldeep soon adapted his bowling. He slowed down the pace, varied the flight, and extracted more bounce.
This paid off. Kuldeep had Ahan Wickramasinghe caught at short fine leg. He then trapped Anjala Bandara LBW with a fast delivery. Besides taking wickets, Kuldeep’s aggressive approach was also evident. Despite the slow pitch, he continued to vary his deliveries.
Excellent performance by Jadeja and Gurnur
Ravindra Jadeja also took two wickets. He looked a bit out of rhythm initially, but later improved his bowling, targeting the stumps. Among the fast bowlers, Gurnur Brar was India’s most effective bowler. He dismissed Milan Rathnayake with a short delivery and also generated good movement with the new ball.
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were playing red-ball cricket after a long time, hence their bowling lacked some rhythm.
Difficulties mount for Saransh Jain
Off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain failed to make the same impact as Suthar and Kuldeep on the opening day. As a result, he appears to be lagging behind in the race for a place in the Test team as a spinner. Meanwhile, Suthar and Kuldeep’s performances have created an interesting selection situation for the team management.
India made a brilliant comeback
Sri Lanka Cricket XI finished the day at 363 for 8. While the total was high, the second and third sessions of the day were a welcome relief for India. While the Indian bowlers struggled for wickets in the opening session, the spinners maintained consistent pressure later on.
Mainav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the biggest positives after the first day. They will now be looking to secure their places in the Test series starting August 15th.