GALLE: Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli hit centuries before the spinners struck as India took charge of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.
The tourists, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 183, moved from their overnight total of 128 for two to 375 before they were all out just before stumps on the second day.
Sri Lanka, who trailed by 192 runs on the first innings, slipped to five for two from four overs in their second knock by close as the Indian spinners removed both openers in the first two overs.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who opened the bowling after taking six wickets in the first innings, bowled Dimuth Karunaratne with his fifth delivery before a run had been scored.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, sharing the new ball with Ashwin, then bowled Kaushal Silva for no score to provide a dramatic start to the innings.
Kumar Sangakkara, playing the penultimate Test of his international career, resumes today on one facing a tough challenge to prevent India from running away with the first match of the three-game series.
Nightwatchman Dhammika Prasad was the other batsman at the crease on three, with Sri Lanka trailing by 187 runs.
Left-handed opener Dhawan scored 134, his fourth Test century and the second in succession after making 173 against Bangladesh in June, and skipper Kohli returned to form with 103.
The pair put on 227 runs for the third wicket in a fine partnership after India were reduced to 28 for two after tea on the first day.
India were cruising at 255 for two when Sri Lanka hit back with four quick wickets on either side of the second new ball to make it 302 for six.
Wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who walked in at 257 for four, smashed a gutsy career-best 60 with six boundaries and a six to boost the total.
Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal finished with five for 134, while seamer Nuwan Pradeep took three for 98.
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