First Test: Spinners take 8 wickets as India dominate proceedings on day one
At stumps, Indians were comfortably positioned at 128 for 2; still requiring 55 runs to take a first innings lead.
After Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and decided to bat first, their openers struggled to get going against the Indian pacers.
Ishant Sharma provided his side with the first break through of the day in form of Dimuth Karunaratne, as the lanky, long-haired speedster bounced out the Lankan batsman. Karunaratne departed for 9, having consumed 19 deliveries. Varun Aaron then removed Kaushal Silva for 5.
Playing his penultimate Test, Sri Lankan legend Kumara Sangakkara failed to score big. The southpaw departed for 5, falling prey to Ashwin, who picked up 6 wickets by giving away just 46 runs.
Sri Lanka was reduced to a precarious 60 for the loss of 5 wickets and things could have gone worse but for their captain Angelo Mathews and wicket-keeper Dinesh Chandimal, the side recovered a bit as the duo added 79 runs for the sixth wicket partnership.
They were on their way to make a big score when Ashwin struck again, picking up Mathews, who departed for a well made 64 off 92 deliveries. Chandimal (59) was removed by Amit Mishra, who picked up 2 wickets in successive deliveries.
Starting their innings, the Indian team was in a spot of bother as the Lankan bowlers picked up 2 wickets in quick succession. Lokesh Rahul departed early for 7, after being trapped in front by Dhammika Prasad. Rohit Sharma followed next. The Mumbaikar made 9 runs before he was picked up by Lankan captain Angelo Mathews.
Since then, skipper Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan played with patience to solidify the Indian Innings.
Dhawan (53) and Kohli (45) were at the crease at stumps.
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