By Rex Clementine, IANS,
Colombo : Injuries to star batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman added to India’s woes in the third Test as the hosts took their total to 175 for four at tea in the second day of third and decisive Test at Saravanamuttu Stadium here Saturday
Laxman had twisted his ankle during practice in the morning and didn’t take the field. Tendulkar, meanwhile, hurt his left elbow attempting a catch off Chaminda Vaas in the afternoon.
Indian manager T.C. Matthews said Laxman had a mild left ankle sprain while Tendulkar had a hyper extended and jarred left elbow.
The Sri Lankans, meanwhile, consolidated their position thanks to a solid unbeaten 72 by Kumar Sangakkara.
It didn’t turn out to be easy going for the Sri Lankans. Indian spin duo Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh maintained good pressure as the wicket slowed up. The two, however, weren’t backed up well by their fielders.
Sri Lanka were able to only score 61 runs in the afternoon session in 30 overs at a miserly run rate of 2:01
After resuming at the overnight score of 14 for one, the Indians dismissed Micahel Van Dort for 14.
From thereon, night watchman Chaminda Vaas and Sangakkara added 95 runs for the third wicket, but both batsmen were let off by the Indian fielders. Sangakkara on 34 was dropped by Rahul Dravid at first slip off Kumble.
Vaas was dropped on 47 when Sachin Tendulkar at backward square leg fumbled and in the process of trying to catch the ball again, hurt his left elbow and left the field.
Vaas, however, didn’t make the most of the opportunity as he was dismissed on the same score when he drove straight to Virender Sehwag at point off Harbhajan. Vaas’ knock lasted 169 minutes, faced 111 balls and hit nine boundaries.
Harbhajan also accounted for captain Mahela Jayawardene, who missed the line of the delivery trying to sweep and was ruled out leg before wicket. Jayawardene opted for the referral, but it came down in favour of the Indians and was one rare time when the Sri Lankan captain got the referral wrong.