SL vs IND 1st Test, Day 3: Spinners Dominate at Galle as Jadeja Reaches 350 Wickets
A dominant bowling performance by Indian spinners headlined Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on August 17. After India briefly batted to wrap up their first innings, left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja shared seven wickets to bowl Sri Lanka out for 284, before rain halted proceedings early in India’s second innings.
What Happened
India resumed Day 3 with only one wicket remaining in their first innings. The batting pair spent just five minutes at the crease, contributing four runs before the innings came to a close. Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando recorded bowling figures of 2/63.
Sri Lanka’s innings began poorly as their top-order batters fell cheaply to India’s bowling attack. A rescue effort followed through a 146-run stand for the sixth wicket between left-hander Sonal Dinusha and wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella. Dinusha struck a century from 168 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, while Dickwella supported him with an 80-run knock. The pair consumed 213 deliveries to stabilise the hosts’ innings.
Following the dismissal of the set batters, the Indian bowlers bundled out the remainder of Sri Lanka’s lineup for 284. Manav Suthar was India’s most effective bowler, collecting 4/76 across 21.4 overs, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3/57. The remaining Indian bowlers took one wicket each. As India commenced their second innings, rain forced umpires to call an early close of play.
Key Highlights
- Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 after their top order collapsed early.
- Sonal Dinusha made a 168-ball century, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.
- Niroshan Dickwella scored 80 runs, sharing a 146-run sixth-wicket partnership with Dinusha.
- Manav Suthar took 4/76 in 21.4 overs, dismissing Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Lahiru Kumara.
- Ravindra Jadeja finished with 3/57, claiming his 350th career Test wicket.
- India added four runs in five minutes to start the day, with Asitha Fernando closing at 2/63.
- Rain brought a premature end to the day’s play during India’s second innings.
Why This Matters
Ravindra Jadeja reached several notable career milestones on Day 3. By taking his 350th Test wicket, Jadeja became the fifth Indian bowler and only the third left-arm spinner in Test history to cross the threshold. Additionally, he became the fourth cricketer in red-ball history to achieve the combined double of scoring over 4,000 runs and securing more than 350 wickets.
What to Watch Next
India’s second innings was halted by rain immediately after starting. The match is set to proceed with India batting in their second innings once weather conditions allow play to resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the top performers on Day 3?
For Sri Lanka, Sonal Dinusha was the standout batter with a century off 168 deliveries, supported by Niroshan Dickwella’s 80 runs. For India, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar led the bowling with 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja captured 3/57.
What milestone did Ravindra Jadeja achieve during the match?
Ravindra Jadeja took his 350th Test wicket, becoming the fifth Indian bowler and the third left-arm spinner to reach the mark, as well as the fourth all-rounder in red-ball cricket to achieve 4,000-plus runs and 350-plus wickets.
Why was play stopped early on Day 3?
Play was called off by the umpires due to rain interruptions just as India began their second innings.
Source: Based on match reporting by Crictracker.