'Against the spirit'

An underarm saga revisited, a hypothetical scene created, laws of the game read and presented and why Cricket needs to learn from other sports.

Scene 1: 1st February 1981, Australia are playing New Zealand in the third final of the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. New Zealand need 6 runs to tie the match. Brian McKechnie is on strike and Trevor Chappell is the bowler. Greg Chappell, the brother of Trevor walks up to him and asks him to bowl underarm. Trevor does so and McKechnie just defends it. After facing that ball, McKechnie throws his bat away in disgust and walks off.

Ironically McKechnie was censured for bringing the game into disrepute for doing so. This incident was famously known as the underarm fiasco and is one of the most depressing controversies to have hit the game. Relations between the Aussies and the Kiwis hit a new low after that saga and have not been cordial ever since. The Chappell brothers, Ian and Greg have publicly expressed their embarrassment over that incident and are reluctant to revisit that even now.

That action was technically legal, but is a blatant attempt at playing around with the rules of the game in order to maximise one's chances of winning. As a direct result of the incident, underarm bowling was banned in limited overs cricket by the International Cricket Council as "not within the spirit of the game".

Scene 2: 16th August 2010, India are playing Sri Lanka in a tri-series game at Dambulla. Sehwag is on 99, India need a run to win. Suraj Randiv is the bowler. Randiv oversteps by a long way, by a foot in fact. His back-foot is close to overstepping as well whereas the front-foot is way over the front line. As soon as the ball is delivered, Sehwag comes down the track and launches him into the stands. Everyone for a second is delighted thinking that Sehwag has got to his hundred with that six, but since the no-ball came first, the game finished at that point, meaning Sehwag was stranded on 99.

Randiv now has denied Sehwag twice from getting to a hundred on this tour. Once he got him out stumped on 99 and then deliberately bowled a no-ball to prevent an ODI ton. Can Sehwag be third time lucky?

This incident may pale in comparison to that underarm fiasco, but already people are very unhappy with that unsporting act from Randiv. The bigger question that needs to be answered is what does the law say and whether that law needs a change?

Not the first time that Sri Lanka have done this: You might be surprised after reading this but this is not the first instance when Sri Lanka have twisted the rules to deny an opposing batsman his personal landmark. When India were playing Sri Lanka at Cuttack in 2009, Sachin was batting on 96 and India needed 2 runs to win. Karthik was on strike and Malinga slinged it down the leg side, beating Sanga on the way and running away for 5 wides. Sachin was stranded on 96* in that game as well.

Sanga may well have said that he did not know the law( the no-ball taking precedence over the 6 hit by Sehwag) at the post match press conference, but if you notice keenly, just before that deliberate no-ball by Randiv, one can hear Sanga telling Randiv something in Sinhala. Russel Arnold, who knows Sinhala better than I do, correctly pointed out on air that it was done on purpose.

Hypothetical scene: What if Sehwag was on 199 and India needed 2 runs to win last night? Randiv bowls 4 wides which run away to the boundary and Sehwag would be left stranded on 199, thereby losing out on the opportunity to break Sachin's world record of 200 in ODIs. This is purely a hypothetical argument, but had this happened for real, then everyone would have been up in arms raising a hue and cry over a world record which slipped away.

What does the law say?: The no-ball law paints a completely different picture. According to Law 24 in the MCC's laws of cricket, it is clearly stated that the no-ball does not become a dead ball once it has been delivered. Also it states that the runs made by the batsmen will stand in addition to the one penalty run given for the no-ball. If that is the case then Sehwag should have been not-out on 105 and not left stranded on 99 as was the case. Here are those laws which give a fair idea of what happens when a no-ball is bowled.

Law 24 no-ball - 11. Ball not dead

The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.

12. Penalty for a No ball

A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked, this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.

13. Runs resulting from a No ball - how scored

The one run penalty for a No ball shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side, these shall be scored as in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they also shall be scored as No ball extras.

Also according to Law 21.6(c) which says 'If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, then the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited.' But this law is applicable only if the delivery bowled is a legal one and does not have any mention of what happens if it is a no-ball.

This above law needs to be looked into and needs a tweaking in order to prevent more such incidents in the future.

Why Cricket needs to learn from other sports?: In other sports like Hockey or Football, when a penalty corner or a penalty is awarded, say just after the regular time has elapsed, still the penalty stands. What's more the game continues till the penalty has been taken and the ball has become dead. A classic example one could give can be taken from the recent FIFA World Cup - where Ghana were awarded a penalty after Louis Suarez deliberately handled the ball inside the 6 yard box.

The kick was the last action of the game and when Asamoah Gyan hit the woodwork and the ball bounced out of play, the referee stopped the game. Why cant Cricket do the same? How about following David Bumble Lloyd's idea of introducing Red and Yellow cards so as to curb all these dubious tactics.

PS: If such an incident had to happen to someone it had to be Sehwag, for he is a man least perturbed by such mundane things as having to end up on 99*. He was having a big smile on his face and laughed off the matter during the post match press conference. Sehwag does not even have a number on his ODI shirt - the only player in the world to do so - for he does not believe in complicating things.

The last we have heard on this is that Randiv has apologized to Sehwag for his actions. Does that close the matter? 
© CB, ~ Photo courtesy: Freefoto

Murali and Kumble eye bowling academy: Report

Record-breaking Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and retired Indian legend Anil Kumble plan to join hands to set up a spin academy for youngsters, the players were quoted as saying on Thursday.

Muralitharan, who quit Test cricket last week after a final match against India in Galle, said he had first discussed the academy with leg-spinner Kumble two years ago and was now likely to take it up.

"I would like to be a part of it," Muralitharan told The Indian Express. "I am not planning a career in coaching but if Anil starts his academy, I will be happy to go."

Muralitharan is the world's highest wicket-taker in both Tests (800) and one-day internationals (515).

"It is in the pipeline. But it is Anil's call because he is arranging things for setting up the academy in Bangalore," he added.

Kumble quit Test cricket in 2008 with 619 wickets, the third highest after Muralitharan and Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne (708).

"I have been in touch with Muralitharan," said Kumble. "However after his retirement from Tests I have not been able to speak to him. At the moment he must be busy with all the felicitations and he truly deserves it.

"Once he is free and I have time on my hands, we will sit down and chalk out plans in detail," the leg-spinner was quoted as saying by the paper.

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Morgan elated after maiden Test century

The controversial Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) was used in England for the first time on Thursday and Morgan might not have reached his hundred without it.

He'd made 78 when he was given out leg before by Sri Lanka umpire Asoka de Silva off the bowling of leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

But Morgan signalled for a review and was reprieved after replays showed the ball sliding past leg stump.

"I had a bit of doubt in my mind, but I walked down the wicket and Colly said I should review it, so that knocked it on the head," Morgan said.

"It's the first time I've used the system. It's been a bit different."

Morgan, the first Irish-born batsman to score a Test hundred for England in over a century, since Frederick Fane made 143 against South Africa at Johannesburg back in 1906, might have been left out if Ian Bell had not been ruled out with a broken foot.

"I don't see it in that circumstance," said 23-year-old Middlesex batsman Morgan after an innings that will have bolstered his case for a berth in England's XI when they begin the defence of the Ashes in Australia in November.

"I see it as an opportunity to score runs."

Morgan, best known as an innovative one-day player, went to his century in style with a straight six against off-spinner Shoaib Malik.

"The feeling of getting to three figures was fantastic," said Morgan. "I was glad he lobbed it up.

"I was expecting him to dart it in and maybe nurdle it for one. But when he threw it up I had to free up my hands and throw everything at it."

England, who saw captain Andrew Strauss win the toss and bat, struggled early on in overcast, swing-friendly conditions, with teenage left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer leading Pakistan's attack impressively with three wickets for 39 runs in 19 overs.

"I think the major factor today was I allowed myself to get in under difficult circumstances.

"It did a lot early on, but me and Paul set up a great platform for ourselves to get past that swing and we took advantage when the wicket went flat and the ball went soft."

Morgan, asked if he'd answered questions about whether he had the temperament and ability for Test cricket, replied: "I think I have. I also think I've improved my game a lot and I'm still improving, especially in this form of the game, so hopefully I'll have a lot more to contribute.

"I don't think I have any doubt in my talent. I'm a very confident player and I like expressing myself."

Eoin Morgan insisted he'd never had any doubts about his ability to succeed at the highest level after a debut Test century left England well-placed in their series opener with Pakistan.

Morgan's 125 not out helped England end the first day of a four-Test series on 331 for four.

Together with Paul Collingwood (81 not out), he'd so far put on 213 -- an England fifth-wicket record against Pakistan, surpassing the 192 put on by Trevor Bailey and Denis Compton at Trent Bridge back in 1954, after the side had been in trouble at 118 for four.

Morgan's century came in only his third innings at this level and was way in excess of his previous best of 45 against Bangladesh earlier in the season.

"It's extremely satisfying," said former Ireland international Morgan.

"To score a Test-match hundred in only my third game is a great achievement and I'm extremely proud of myself," the 23-year-old left-hander added.

"It's huge -- a massive moment in my career."

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Morgan ton puts England on top

Eoin Morgan's maiden Test hundred was key to England's revival against Pakistan as they made 331 for four by stumps on the first day of their series opener at Trent Bridge.

Former Ireland left-hander Morgan was 125 not out, having never even made a fifty in his previous two innings at this level, both against Bangladesh earlier in the English season.

Together with Paul Collingwood (81 not out), he shared an England record fifth wicket stand against Pakistan of 213 unbroken, surpassing the 192 put on by Trevor Bailey and Denis Compton at Trent Bridge back in 1954.

Morgan reached his hundred in style with a straight driven six against off-spinner Shoaib Malik as he completed a 151-ball century, also featuring 16 fours, in just over three hours at the crease.

However, Morgan had modern technology to thank for avoiding being dismissed on five and then 78 on the first day of a four-Test series.

The 23-year-old was in single figures when wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal appealed for a catch off left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Aamer.

But even before the third umpire ruled in Morgan's favour, boos rang round Trent Bridge as replays on the giant screen showed the ball had bounced into the keeper's gloves.

Morgan was in sight of a century when the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), being used in England for the first time, came to his rescue.

He got an lbw decision given by Sri Lanka's Asoka de Silva off the bowling of leg-spinner Danish Kaneria overturned after replays showed the ball sliding past leg stump.

England were 118 for four, shortly after lunch, when Morgan came in.

They'd lost two wickets for two runs in five balls -- including star batsman Kevin Pietersen who was out for just nine in his first match since suffering a thigh injury against Australia in a one-day international at Lord's on July 3.

But England fought back although Collingwood should have been out for 48 when Kamran Akmal, who had a poor first day, missed a routine stumping chance off leg-spinner Kaneria.

Collingwood went on to complete a 114-ball fifty with six fours.

Pakistan wasted both their two permitted unsuccessful DRS challenges on appeals in successive Mohammad Asif overs for lbw and caught behind against Pietersen. But Asif then bowled Pietersen off the inside edge.

England's other South Africa-born batsman, Jonathan Trott, had added just three to his lunchtime 35 when he padded up to an inswinger from Aamer.

But, having succeeded with an earlier referral, Trott saw replays confirm New Zealand umpire Tony Hill's lbw verdict.

England's fifth-wicket pair cashed in against Pakistan's slow bowlers and Morgan made it six boundaries in 12 deliveries with a trademark reverse sweep off Kaneria.

Before lunch the 18-year-old Aamer, who took seven wickets in Pakistan's dramatic three-wicket second Test win over Australia at Headingley last week, had Alastair Cook caught at first slip and saw Strauss, who had been dropped by Kamran Akmal on 15, caught behind for 45.

Trott then became the first batsman to use UDRS in England when, on 13, he was given out, lbw to Kaneria, by de Silva only for replays to show he'd got an inside edge.

Pakistan players wore black armbands in memory of the 152 people killed after an airplane crashed near the capital city of Islamabad on Wednesday.

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: Getty Images

Even Murali would have struggled here: Bayliss

Only 13 wickets have fallen in four days of the second Test but Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss feels even Muttiah Muralitharan would have struggled to take wickets on the placid SSC track.

More than 1200 runs have been scored in this batsmen-dominated Test, which is now heading for a draw.

On being asked if Muralithran's presence would have made any difference in the equation, the Lankan coach said, "It is a bit hard to judge from the wicket's point of view on the performance in this match. Even Murali would have struggled to take wickets."

Bayliss was satisfied with the performance of the spin duo of Ajantha Mendis and Suraj Randiv.

"On a flat wicket we have very two young bowlers who have bowled extremely well. Good performance by Sri Lankan spinners in the match," he said.

Bayliss said the picture of match could have been different had Prasana Jayawardene not dropped Tendulkar early in his innings but also backed the stumper.

"There was a chance for Sri Lanka when we took those three quick wickets. If we had taken one or two more (at that time) then the game could have been different. We did put a catch down of Tendulkar when he was on 29. When we looked at it it seemed an reasonably easy chance."

"I am not blaming Prassana Jaywardene. He is one of the best wicket keepers in the world. He has done a great job for us in the past. These things happen in the game of cricket."

"Again if had been able to take that who knows what would have happened. The great players take advantage of that luck. Sachin certainly has done that in the match," he said.

Tendulkar cashing in on the chance went on to make his fifth Test double hundred, his first in six years, and rescued India with his classy 203-run knock.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

It was my dream to bat with Sachin: Raina

After notching up a century on his debut, Suresh Raina said he was nervous when he took guard but Sachin Tendukar's pep talk helped him overcome the initial jitters.

Raina with his 120-run knock against Sri Lanka also became the first Indian cricketer to have scored a hundred in all formats of the game.

"Yes I was nervous when I came to bat but Sachin said 'just enjoy yourself, this moment will never come, you are playing your first Test match, just enjoy," Raina said after fourth day's play.

With Tendulkar, Raina raised a record 256-run partnership for the fifth wicket and said he realised a long time dream by batting alongside the legend.

"By God's grace I got this opportunity and it was my dream to bat with Sachin and today it came true. He said 'you are winning matches for the side in one-dayers, do well in Tests also and enjoy'," he said.

Raina came in the side in place of an unwell Yuvraj Singh and made full use of the opportunity.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Tendulkar's double-ton leads India's run feast

Sachin Tendulkar hit 203 and debutant Suresh Raina made 120 as India bettered Sri Lanka's run-spree in the high-scoring second Test.

India, kept on the field for the first two days during Sri Lanka's massive 642-4 declared, responded by piling up 669-9 by stumps on the fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

With just 13 wickets having fallen on the placid wicket in four days, the batsman-dominated Test is heading for a draw with Sri Lanka enjoying a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Tendulkar and Raina, who came together on the third afternoon with India on 241-4 and struggling to avoid their second successive follow-on, put on 256 runs for the fifth wicket.

Tendulkar compiled his fifth double-century, adding another feather to a glorious 168-Test career marked by more runs (13,742) and hundreds (48) than any other batsman in history.

He is also the leading one-day batsman with 17,598 runs and 46 hundreds, including the only double-century in limited-overs internationals.

The 37-year-old braved the stifling hot and humid weather in the Sri Lankan capital for more than eight hours to play a marathon innings studded with 23 boundaries and a six.

Tendulkar reached the 200-mark, his first in six years, with a flick off Ajantha Mendis for two runs, earning warm applause from team-mates and spectators alike.

Left-hander Raina became the ninth Indian to score a century in his first Test innings, before holing out to short mid-wicket off Mendis shortly after lunch.

Raina, just 23 and already a veteran of 98 one-day internationals, was awarded his Test cap only after Yuvraj Singh reported sick on the opening day of the match.

He hit two sixes and 12 boundaries, reaching his century with a fluent off-drive against seamer Dammika Prasad that raced to the fence.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (76) joined in the run feast after Raina's departure, adding 95 for the sixth wicket with Tendulkar and 51 for the eighth with Abhimanyu Mithun (41).

It was left to part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan to get rid of Tendulkar soon after tea as wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene held a bat-pad catch moving swiftly to the silly point area.

Dilshan also dismissed Harbhajan Singh in the same over and later took a return catch off Dhoni to finish with three wickets.

Sri Lanka missed the wicket-taking abilities of the retired Muttiah Muralitharan and injured fast bowler Lasith Malinga as the young crop of bowlers failed to contain the Indians.

Mendis finished with 4-157 from his 54 overs, while off-spinner Suraj Randiv failed to add to his two wickets on the third day and returned with 2-212 in 64 overs.

Muralitharan and Malinga had claimed 15 of the 20 Indian wickets in the first Test in Galle last week, which Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets.

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Strauss focused on Pakistan

England captain Andrew Strauss says that it would be dangerous for his players to have one eye on the Ashes during the upcoming Test series with Pakistan.

England begin the four-Test series at Trent Bridge on Thursday, their final competitive action in the longest form of the game before the winter clashes with Australia.

Many are therefore billing the home series as an indicator of their Ashes hopes, but Strauss has warned against the dangers of looking past Pakistan.

New skipper Salman Butt led his side to victory in the second Test against Australia, levelling the series to go with their Twenty20 domination of the Aussies on neutral ground.

And Strauss believes that England must concentrate on getting the better of a talented Pakistan outfit rather than thinking about preparing for the Ashes.
Challenge

"It's a big challenge," the opening batsman told Sky Sports News.

"We saw against Australia that the Pakistan side is dangerous one full of talent. They are used to conditions so was don't have that to surprise them.

"We are going to have to be at our best to win it and that's a good thing for us, not only ahead of the Ashes but generally because we want to play at our best and hopefully beat the best.

"In some ways it's a precursor because there's a lot of attention towards the Ashes and we can understand that.

"It's wrong to look at any series and look beyond it. All we can do is play well in the series, win the series and go from this series to Australia with a lot of confidence.

"To start looking at Australia at this stage is not helpful.

"We've been waiting for it for a little bit now, it's probably a step up from Bangladesh and that's what we need."

Change

England have been forced into a last-minute change of personnel for the first Test, with seamer Ajmal Shahzad being withdrawn as a precaution and Yorkshire team-mate Tim Bresnan receiving a call-up as a replacement.

Strauss is confident Shahzad will be fit for the second Test at Edgbaston and has also played down fears over the fitness of Kevin Pietersen, who took a fall during training.

"He's fine. He did go over on his ankle but I don't think it's anything too serious," the 33-year-old added of Pietersen.

Opposing skipper Butt is hoping that his side will carry the momentum of the successes against Australia into the Test series with England.

Pakistan's swing bowlers have excelled in overcast conditions and Butt thinks the conditions will continue to benefit his side at Trent Bridge.

He said: "I think it was a good win for a very young side and I hope they take the confidence (from it) but they don't take it to their heads and they keep on working hard and stick together as a unit.

"It's lovely weather, overcast again, it's going to help the bowlers."

©SKY, ~ Photo courtesy: SKY 

KP given all clear despite football injury

Kevin Pietersen was passed fit to play in the opening Test against Pakistan despite injuring himself treading on a stray football during practice here on Wednesday - just a day before the first of a four-match series is due to get underway at Trent Bridge.

Pietersen's right foot and ankle were both strapped up afterwards but England captain Andrew Strauss, speaking to reporters, was confident the star batsman would be fit.

England banned players from warming-up by playing football after Owais Shah injured Joe Denly while tackling his fellow batsman at The Oval last year.

"I think we've just got to ban footballs being on the ground because they're still causing problems even though we're not playing it," said Strauss.

South Africa born Pietersen has not played any cricket for nearly a month because of a thigh injury and it is over a year since he last made a Test century.

But opening batsman Strauss said: "I'm not concerned particularly about his lack of cricket.

"He is a guy who spends a lot of time in the nets practising and for someone like him, being in the right state of mind mentally is as important as anything.

"He's in a good state of mind, he has had a good rest, he has the bit between his teeth. I think he wants to come out and prove himself again and I think he'll have a really good series."

England's selectors wanted the 30-year-old Pietersen to play for Hampshire but the county opted against picking him after he announced his intention to leave the south coast club at the end of the season.

"For counties generally it's always an issue," said Strauss.

"They have their squad they have built up without the England players being involved and when the England player comes up it is disruptive to those squads in one way or another.

"I implore the counties to realise the importance of a good strong England team. Even though temporarily that might be difficult for their side, in the bigger picture it's helping both England cricket and indirectly those counties as well.

"So in that sense I was disappointed, though I can understand Hampshire's reticence given KP's comments about what he planned to do in the future."

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: Getty Images

SL v IND, 2nd Test: Day 3 Stats

Statistical highlights of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka after third day's play:

# Murali Vijay and Virender Sehwag put on an opening stand of 165 - India's third best for the first wicket against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, next only to the 171 between Manoj Prabhakar and Navjot Singh Sidhu at Colombo, SSC in 1993 and 167 between Gautam Gambhir and Sehwag at Galle in 2008.

# Since recording a career-best 87 against Sri Lanka at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium in 2009-10, Murali Vijay has posted his highest score (58).

# Vijay has posted both his Test fifties against Sri Lanka.

# Murali Vijay and Sehwag have averaged 150.00 for the first wicket - the highest by an opening pair with 500 runs or more for India. Their aggregate of 600 includes three century partnerships and one ninety-plus.

# Suresh Raina'a unbeaten knock of 66 on his Test debut was largely instrumental in an unbroken 141-run stand for the fifth wicket with Sachin Tendulkar.

# Tendulkar's tally of 76 century stands has been bettered only by Rahul Dravid (82) and Ricky Ponting (78).

# With his century partnership, Tendulkar has set a record for most century stands (12) against Sri Lanka, surpassing Younis Khan's tally of 11.

# Tendulkar has become the first batsman to aggregate 600 runs against Sri Lanka at Colombo, SSC - 603 runs at an average of 100.50 in five Tests, including four centuries and one fifty.

# Rahul Dravid has averaged just 21.66 in the present series - 65 in three innings at a strike rate of 32.01.

# With his superb unbeaten 108 off 181 balls, Sachin Tendulkar has regained his record for the highest run-aggregate in India-Sri Lanka Tests, amassing 1805 at an average of 60.16 in 24 Tests, including nine centuries and five fifties.

# Tendulkar's run-aggregate is the highest by any batsman against Sri Lanka. He has overtaken Mahela Jayawardene's tally of 1756 (ave.73.16) in 17 Tests.

# In just six Tests this year, Sachin has aggregated 677 runs at an average of 96.71.

# His aggregate includes five hundreds and one fifty. His centuries' tally is the highest this year.

# VVS Laxman and Sachin have shared a fourth wicket partnership of 68 - India's highest at Colombo, SSC.

# Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 48 hundreds, including 27 on foreign soil, are both records in Tests.

# Tendulkar has registered nine hundreds against Sri Lanka - the most by any batsman against Sri Lanka.

# Tendulkar's unbeaten 108 is his first century in eleven years in Sri Lanka

# Virender Sehwag has taken his runs' tally in the current series to 239 at an average of 79.66 at a strike rate of 95.98. He is also the top run-scorer for India.

# Sehwag became only the third player to be out stumped on 99 in Tests - the first two were Pakistan's Maqsood Ahmed against India at Lahore in January/February 1955 and New Zealand's John Wright against England at Christchurch in January 1992.

# Sehwag has managed to aggregate 682 runs (ave.75.77) in six Tests in 2010. His runs' tally includes three hundreds and three fifties.

# Sehwag, in nine consecutive Tests has registered fifties. Only West Indian, Vivian Richards (11), India's Gautam Gambhir (11) and England's John Edrich (10) have a better record than Sehwag.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

UDRS should be made compulsory: Koertzen

Retired South African umpire Rudi Koertzen feels the controversial decision review system should be made compulsory in Tests as otherwise it puts undue pressure on the man in white coats.

The Umpires Decision reviews System was not used in the recent Pakistan-Australia Test series, where Koertzen retired and even in the current Sri Lanka-India Test series, it has been kept out.

"You should have it in every single series. Somehow, somebody has to come up with a deal and say we will support this, we will sponsor it. It's no use having it when South Africa play Australia or in the Ashes, and then you have for example Sri Lanka playing Bangladesh and you can't have it," Koertzen said.

"I don't think that's fair on the umpires because in one Test you get some sort of assistance and in the other one you're on your own. It's only going to make it harder for the guys if it goes that route."

Koertzen said umpiring in an international match is always difficult as, people around the globe while watching slow-motion replays, don't have any access to TV.

"You make a decision and you watch the (corporate) suites - there are maybe a hundred suites. Everyone sitting there jumps up and goes to look at the monitor inside their suite to see if you've made the right decision or not. That is sad because it puts a hell of a lot of pressure on you. At the end of the day you're the only guy who knows if you did your best or not," Koertzen told Cricinfo.

"With the technology, millions of people can see if you got it wrong. You stand there and think you made a good decision and then you hear a few boos from upstairs and you think, maybe I did get that wrong. You won't know until you walk off the field and you have a chat with the third umpire and the match referee," he added.

The UDRS has been regularly criticised by many teams with several players even pointing out the technological glitches.

It was at the centre of an embarrassing row in January during the Johannesburg Test between South Africa and England.

But despite the controversies, the ICC has pressed for its use during the 2011 World Cup and also called all teams to use it regularly in Tests.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: Getty Images

We have sorted out Mendis: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar said India have sorted Ajanatha Mendis and they are no easy prey for the Sri Lankan spinner now.

Mendis, who tormented India in their last tour and also in the only practice game ahead of current series, today took two of the four wickets but gave away 83 runs in 25 overs.

"He is a difficult bowler. But our batsmen have sorted him out. We have figured out his strengths and so we try not to bat to his strengths. He has done well against us but now it is an even contest," Tendulkar, who scored his 48th Test century today, said.

Mendis trapped both Murali Vijay and VVS Laxman while off-spinner Suraj Randiv dismissed Sehwag and Rahul Dravid.

Tendukar praised both Mendis and Randiv for their efforts but said it will be difficult for them to fill in the vacuum created by retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan.

"Both the bowlers, did very well. Of course, it is always difficult to emulate Murali and it is not going to be easy for Mendis and Randiv. It would be a big responsibility for them to fill up his place," Tendulkar said.

Even at the age of 36, Tendulkar spent around 15 hours on the field while fielding and batting and the senior batsman said he puts in a lot of hard-work to keep his fitness intact.

"Recovery is always a very important issue, specially in conditions like this which are very tough. One needs plenty of rest and so it would be an early night for me tonight so that I get up and start fresh tomorrow."

"Tomorrow in the morning, I would probably face some throw downs so that the eyes gets going and body keeps moving before the start of play," he said.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Randiv planned Sehwag's dismissal

Sri Lanka spinner Suraj Randiv is happy that his anticipation of an attacking shot from Virender Sehwag, when the Indian was batting on 99, proved right and he got the wicket of the flamboyant batsman.

"I thought he would go for a big one at that time. So, I thought I will straightway bowl him a doosra. I did it and it helped me get Sehwag's wicket," Randiv said after day's play.

The young spinner though said it was not easy to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar, who scored his 48th Test ton today and was unconquered.

"It is very difficult to get the line and length against him because sometimes he plays forward, sometimes he goes back."

"He works the ball very well. So it is very difficult to get the correct line and length against him," he said.

Randiv said it will not be easy to get the Indian wickets on the fourth and fifth day as the pitch was still favourable for batsmen.

"We have to work hard because we have to stop the runs. We have to bowl very well to them because the wicket is still very good. It is very hard to get the wickets (on this pitch). And we have to be disciplined."

The young spinner also said that he has overcome the early jitters that a debutant experiences.

"Since this was my first Test match I was a little nervous (yesterday). After I got used to it, and getting more confidence, I bowled well today," he said.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Prasanna, Maninder defends Bedi

Former India spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Maninder Singh came out in defence of Bishan Singh Bedi, saying ICC bent the rules for Muralitharan's sake.

Speaking to 'CNN-IBN' Prasanna said, "Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him."

"Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him," Prasanna said.

"Had I taken 800 wickets, I would have been happy about the effort. So Murali should have looked at it that way," he added.

Left-arm spinner Maninder Singh said Bedi could have also taken a lot of wickets if he was allowed to bend his arm.

"If he (Bedi) was allowed to bend his arm by ICC, he would have taken 5 wickets in every of the 67 matches that he played in his career. Murali should keep his mouth shut really," he said.

"Whole world knows that he has the licence from the ICC to keep chucking and that's why he started his 'doosra'. Nobody stopped him. Wickets started increasing for him. It's best time for Murali to keep shut."

"He should understand he is talking about such a great bowler Bedi. I don't think he is doing justice to himself. I have lost respect for him after this verbal attack", Maninder said.

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh felt Muralitharan had been very patient about the constant criticism of Bedi and must have finally vented it out.

Former India spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Maninder Singh came out in defence of Bishan Singh Bedi, saying ICC bent the rules for Muralitharan's sake.

Speaking to 'CNN-IBN' Prasanna said, "Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him."

"Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him," Prasanna said.

"Had I taken 800 wickets, I would have been happy about the effort. So Murali should have looked at it that way," he added.

Left-arm spinner Maninder Singh said Bedi could have also taken a lot of wickets if he was allowed to bend his arm.

"If he (Bedi) was allowed to bend his arm by ICC, he would have taken 5 wickets in every of the 67 matches that he played in his career. Murali should keep his mouth shut really," he said.

"Whole world knows that he has the licence from the ICC to keep chucking and that's why he started his 'doosra'. Nobody stopped him. Wickets started increasing for him. It's best time for Murali to keep shut."

"He should understand he is talking about such a great bowler Bedi. I don't think he is doing justice to himself. I have lost respect for him after this verbal attack", Maninder said.

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh felt Muralitharan had been very patient about the constant criticism of Bedi and must have finally vented it out.

"Bishen has been very strong in his criticism about Murali. I don't necessarily agree to what he said but I think Murali must have held his tongue for 15 years and just gave it back today," Waugh said.

Former India spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Maninder Singh came out in defence of Bishan Singh Bedi, saying ICC bent the rules for Muralitharan's sake.

Speaking to 'CNN-IBN' Prasanna said, "Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him."

"Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him," Prasanna said.

"Had I taken 800 wickets, I would have been happy about the effort. So Murali should have looked at it that way," he added.

Left-arm spinner Maninder Singh said Bedi could have also taken a lot of wickets if he was allowed to bend his arm.

"If he (Bedi) was allowed to bend his arm by ICC, he would have taken 5 wickets in every of the 67 matches that he played in his career. Murali should keep his mouth shut really," he said.

"Whole world knows that he has the licence from the ICC to keep chucking and that's why he started his 'doosra'. Nobody stopped him. Wickets started increasing for him. It's best time for Murali to keep shut."

"He should understand he is talking about such a great bowler Bedi. I don't think he is doing justice to himself. I have lost respect for him after this verbal attack", Maninder said.

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh felt Muralitharan had been very patient about the constant criticism of Bedi and must have finally vented it out.

Former India spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Maninder Singh came out in defence of Bishan Singh Bedi, saying ICC bent the rules for Muralitharan's sake.

Speaking to 'CNN-IBN' Prasanna said, "Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him."

"Looking at one side of the coin, he has been cleared and what not. The fact of the matter still remains that the ICC has bent the rule for him," Prasanna said.

"Had I taken 800 wickets, I would have been happy about the effort. So Murali should have looked at it that way," he added.

Left-arm spinner Maninder Singh said Bedi could have also taken a lot of wickets if he was allowed to bend his arm.

"If he (Bedi) was allowed to bend his arm by ICC, he would have taken 5 wickets in every of the 67 matches that he played in his career. Murali should keep his mouth shut really," he said.

"Whole world knows that he has the licence from the ICC to keep chucking and that's why he started his 'doosra'. Nobody stopped him. Wickets started increasing for him. It's best time for Murali to keep shut."

"He should understand he is talking about such a great bowler Bedi. I don't think he is doing justice to himself. I have lost respect for him after this verbal attack", Maninder said.

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh felt Muralitharan had been very patient about the constant criticism of Bedi and must have finally vented it out.

"Bishen has been very strong in his criticism about Murali. I don't necessarily agree to what he said but I think Murali must have held his tongue for 15 years and just gave it back today," Waugh said.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: The Hindu

Muralitharan hits back at Bishan Bedi

Retired spin great Muttiah Muralitharan lashed out at his long-time detractor Bishan Singh Bedi, calling the former Indian captain a controversy monger and an ordinary bowler who would have been hammered by any batsman if was he playing now.

Bedi has been an untiring critic of Muralitharan by repeatedly calling the Sri Lankan a "chucker" and asking the ICC to ban the Sri Lankan's "doosra" as it was illegal.

Muralitharan, who retired last week after completing 800 Test wickets at Galle against India, made an uncharacteristic attack on Bedi.

Asked about the lack of world-class spinners in India, except for Harbhajan Singh, Muralitharan said Bedi was not in the league B S Chandrasekhar, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Erapalli Prasanna.

"Bedi, I don't think he does not even come to a contest on that. I saw some bowling of his playing days. In the modern era, if he plays he will get hammered every ball, that is what will happen. So no comparison," the world's most successful spinner told PTI in an interview.

"Prasanna is a good bowler. I have seen his bowling. Venkataraghavan is good. But Bedi does not come under it," he said.

Murali did not mention explicitly the constant criticism he had suffered at the hands of Bedi, but advised the the former spinner to refrain from whipping up controversies.

"He (Bedi) is also a controversial person. He has lot of controversies everywhere in the world. And he should think about himself first rather than talking about other people," Muralitharan said.

Asked about Bedi's comments on banning the 'doosra' from international cricket, Muralitharan derided Bedi, saying that since he (Bedi) had no variations in his bowling he was critical of others.

"He (Bedi) did not have any variation. He just bowled left arm spin and the pitch did the variations for him. That is what he bowled," he said.

Muralitharan said Anil Kumble was the best spinner India has produced and records speak for themselves.

"You forget the best spinner is Anil Kumble. Not Bedi or Venkataraghavan or any other. I think the best ever spinner produced (in India) is Kumble. No doubt about it and nobody can doubt it. Statistics-wise and on the basis of other things, he is far ahead than other guys", he said.

Muralitharan refused to compare Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, but said that on the basis of statistics, the Indian maestro was ahead of any other batsman.

"Sachin and Lara have been the most consistent batsmen in the world (to face my bowling). I admire them. I have most regards for those two guys and now place Ricky Ponting also in that list.

"I don't know who plays me the better. They are different individuals. Statistics-wise Sachin is heading the pack. You can say Sachin is the best on that basis. But you see the other two players are great players, they are also legends. I think you cannot make comparisons. They play in different conditions and situation," he said.

Muralitharan said he has no regrets in his cricketing career, even though controversies over his action followed him throughout.

"It (controversy) did not haunt me at all. I went through it and I have done what I wanted to do in my cricketing life. So no regrets. Nothing. I am very happy to retire (from Test cricket)," he said.

On the volume of cricket with the Twenty20 explosion, Murali did not feel it had contributed to players getting more injuries.

"I don't think so. If a player is fit to play he should play every format. The players' careers are very short, they enjoy all form of the game. So the three forms of cricket will continue though Tests are the ultimate," he said.

Muralitharan said it would be difficult for India to come back into the three-match series against Sri Lanka as they have little chance to win the second Test.

"Sri Lanka is too strong at the moment. They are playing really well and the batsmen are getting lot of runs. It could be difficult to get a result in this match unless Sri Lanka wins. India cannot win this Test match. Unless something unpredictable happens," he said.

Murali also said that the Australians were not in a terminal decline, and were still a force to reckon with.

"Very difficult to say Australia have declined. They may decline for about a year, six months, five months. Then they can come back. So you can't say they are a bad side. They are a very good side," he said.

"Statistically, they were performing brilliantly during the last decade. Now they missed players like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath ... Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer to open. So the youngsters will have to come and fill the void. It took a little bit of time for them," he added.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: SMH

India don't look like a No. 1 side: Waugh

India is currently struggling against Sri Lanka and do not not look like they are the number one Test team in the world, reckons former Australian skipper Steve Waugh.

"India are predominantly a batting side but their bowling is not strong enough. Of course they have a few injuries with Zaheer out of the team. But they are struggling against Sri Lanka and don't look like a number one side," Waugh said on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Asked about the upcoming Australia's tour of India, Waugh said it would be tough series and can go either way.

"India always is a difficult team to beat at home. But they have a few bowling issues. Even Harbhajan Singh had a mixed year and has not been consistent. Well, of course he always gets pumped up against Australia. It would be a tough series," he said.

The former skipper also felt the retirement of so many quality players have stripped Australia off its' invincible aura and they no more have the same intimidating factor.

"They probably have lost their aura. Australia dominated world cricket from 1995 to 2005 but now they no more have the intimidating factor. They are not feared anymore," said Waugh.

"It happens when you lose so many good players in a short time. It happened to West Indies, they dominated in the 70s and 80s. Now there are five teams like Australia, South Africa, England, India and Sri Lanka who are at even," Waugh added.

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan retired recently and Waugh feels even though it would be difficult to emulate him, there is probably some talent waiting to emerge.

"It is difficult to have bowlers like Murali, Shane (Warne) and (Anil) Kumble, all in the same era. They took like 2000 wickets among them. But the game is always bigger than individuals and I believe there is some talent out their ready to pop up anytime," Waugh said.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: India Times

Sachin leads India fightback

Sachin Tendulkar posted his 48th Test century to inspire an India fightback on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The 'Little Master' ended the day unbeaten on 108 to ensure the tourists reached the close of play on 382-4 - trailing their opponents by 260 first-innings runs.

Tendulkar shared an unbroken 141-run partnership with debutant Suresh Raina (66 not out) after openers Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay (58) had both notched half-centuries.

There was heartache for Sehwag, though, the aggressive right-hander falling one run short of his 21st Test century when he was stumped off Suraj Randiv's first ball of the day.

Style

His dismissal sparked a mini-collapse as opening partner Vijay and veteran Rahul Dravid (3) followed him back to the pavilion before lunch.

VVS Laxman then became Ajantha Mendis' second victim of the day after the interval, however leading Test match run-scorer of all time Tendulkar and Raina dug in to ensure India's hopes of snatching a draw remain in tact.

India had begun the day on 95 without loss and Sehwag maintained his aggressive approach from the start, smashing Dilhara Fernando for consecutive boundaries in the second over of the day.

Another boundary, this time from Vijay off the bowling of Mendis (2-92), brought up his second Test half-century in style.

With the score on 165-0 and Sehwag poised on 99, off-spinner Randiv (2-108) then entered the attack and claimed a dream scalp on debut.

Attempting to bring up his milestone in style, Sehwag was completely beaten in the flight and wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene whipped off the bails with the right-hander short of his ground.

Mendis then stepped up to the plate to deal India a further blow, trapping Vijay plum lbw for 58.

And, with Sri Lanka on the attack, Randiv was celebrating again when a quicker delivery trapped Dravid lbw moments before lunch.

Googly

Tendulkar and Laxman batted together for the majority of the second session, the pair adding 68 runs before Mendis made another telling breakthrough.

Laxamn, who made a painful 29 off 98 balls, was outfoxed by a googly and trapped plumb lbw in front of middle stump.

Tendulkar passed his half-century in the final session though, and, in partnership with Raina silenced the Colombo crowd with a much-needed stand.

The pair found the boundary at regular intervals as Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara struggled to find a bowling partnership capable of stemming the flow of runs.

Tendulkar, seemingly in a hurry to bring up three figures before the close of play, lifted his helmet to celebrate his ninth century on Sri Lankan soil with a powerful sweep off Randiv.

Raina also brought up a landmark, the classy left-hander passing 50 for the first time in Test cricket before going on to reach stumps well set on 66 not out.
© SKY, ~ Photo courtesy: SKY

Ojha expects run feast for India

Forced to toil hard on a life-less track in the second Test, Pragyan Ojha said even the Sri Lankan bowlers will struggle to contain a strong Indian batting line up on such a pitch. 

Sri Lanka scored a massive 642 for four before declaring their first innings and Ojha expected the same kind of run feast for India, who were placed handsomely at 95 for no loss. 

"The way things are going I don't think anything extraordinary will happen to the wicket because it is a rock solid wicket. I just think our guys will keep on batting." 

"We have realised in the last two days that it is a very good wicket to bat on. If you don't make any silly mistakes I think you can just bat on. And the way those guys have played, it shows that if we apply ourselves we are going to get a good score here," Ojha told reporters after the day's proceedings. 

The second day of the match saw more than 400 runs being scored for the loss of just two wickets at the Sinhalese Sports Club wicket and Ojha was of the view that pitches that give an equal chance to both bowlers and batsmen should be prepared for Test cricket. 

"I think when I had come here in 2008, same was the situation. It was more of a batsmen friendly wicket than bowlers. I feel personally, we should have a wicket where there is a competition between the bat and the bowl." 

"There was not much turn for me and it was coming on to the bat with the new ball. With the old ball also it was not doing much," he rued. 

Talking about the good turn Virender Sehwag managed to extract, Ojha said, "Yes there was a rough patch on the wicket. They were getting some help as an off spinner." 

The Hyderabadi spinner said India's fortune could have been different had they got a chance to bowl second. 

"I think winning or losing the toss was not in our hands. I think we would have liked to bowl second. The amount of runs Sri Lankans got, If we had got the same amount of runs and have bowled second, It would have been different," he said. 

Ojha also expected a good tussle against Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis. 

"I have been watching him for the past two years. As far as our batsmen are concerned definitely he is a good bowler. He got six wicket haul against us in the first class match. So I think every one is really looking forward to play him."

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

SL v IND, 2nd Test: Day 2 Stats

Following are the statistical highlights of day two of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka: 

# Kumar Sangakkara, with seven double centuries, has set a record for most innings of 200-plus for Sri Lanka, eclipsing the previous record of six held by Mahela Jayawardene and Marvan Atapattu. 

# Sangakkara's tally of seven double hundreds is bettered only by Australia's Donald Bradman (12) and West Indian Brian Lara (9). 

# For the first time, the top five players - No 1 to 5 - have made fifty-plus in an innings for Sri Lanka. 

# Sangakkara became the seventh skipper in the history of Test cricket to register a double hundred against India, joining England's Graham Gooch (333), West Indian Clive Lloyd (242 not out), New Zealand's Graham Dowling (239), West Indian Carl Hooper (233), Australia's Greg Chappell (204) and Don Bradman (201). 

# Virender Sehwag has recorded his 22nd fifty in Tests - his third against Sri Lanka. 

# Sehwag and Murali Vijay have amassed 530 in only four innings in partnerships at an average of 176.66, including two stands of 100-plus and two 90-plus. 

# In the course of his well-compiled 76 not out off 121 balls, Thilan Samaraweera has completed his 4,000 runs in Tests, aggregating 4014 at an average of 51.46 in 59 Tests. He is the eighth to achieve the distinction for Sri Lanka. 

# Samaraweera is the third Sri Lankan to aggregate 5,000 runs apart from maintaining average of 50-plus - the other two are Mahela Jayawardene (54.63) and Kumar Sangakkara (56.62). 

# Kumar Sangakkara became the third Sri Lankan after Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene to post 200-plus innings as captain. 

# Jayawardene is the only batsman to register a triple hundred as captain for Sri Lanka - 374 against South Africa at Colombo (SSC) in 2006. 

# Sri Lanka (642 for four wickets declared) have made their highest total against India at Colombo (SSC), surpassing the 610 for six wickets declared in 2001. 

# Sangakkara is now the first Sri Lankan skipper to post a double hundred against India in Tests. 

# Jayawardene is the only Sri Lankan captain to record three innings of 200 or more in Tests. 

# Jayawardene, with his 174 off 244 balls, has become the first batsman to post 10 hundreds at a single ground - Sinhalese Sports Club. Bradman had recorded nine hundreds in 11 Tests at MCG. 

# Jayawardene has registered 13 innings of 150-plus - a Sri Lankan record. Sangakkara has 12 such innings to his credit in Test Cricket. 

# Jayawardene, with his 28th hundred, is the first to post six centuries for Sri Lanka against India. 

# Jayawardene's tally of 28 centuries is bettered by Sachin Tendulkar (47), Ricky Ponting (39), Jacques Kallis (35), Sunil Gavaskar (34), Brian Lara (34), Steve Waugh (32), Matthew Hayden (30), Don Bradman (29) and Rahul Dravid (29). 

# Jayawardene has taken his runs' tally against India to 1756 at an average of 73.16 in 17 Tests, setting a record for the highest run-aggregate in India-Sri Lanka Tests, surpassing Tendulkar's tally of 1697 (average 56.56) before the commencement of the Colombo, SSC Test. 

# Three centuries have been registered by Sri Lankan batsmen in their total of 642 for four wickets declared, providing the fifth occasion when such a feat has happened against India.

© PTI, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

Sanga, Mahela leave India in doldrums

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene revelled on their favourite hunting ground to send India chasing leather in the second Test.

Sangakkara hit 219, his seventh double-century, and Jayawardene made 174 as Sri Lanka declared at 642-4 on the second day at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).

India, who trail 1-0 in the three-match series, replied confidently with 95 for no loss by stumps, but still face a long haul to reach 443 and avoid the embarrassment of following on for the second game in a row.

Virender Sehwag was unbeaten on a typically aggressive 64 off 63 balls, while Murali Vijay was on 22.

Sangakkara and former captain Jayawardene continued the run-spree after opener Tharanga Paranavitana's century on the first day on a lifeless wicket that afforded no help to the bowlers.

The senior duo, who compiled Test cricket's highest partnership of 624 runs at the same venue against South Africa four years ago, put on 193 runs for the third wicket.

Sangakkara's seventh double-century brought him level with Wally Hammond of England. Only Australian legend Don Bradman (12) and West Indian Brian Lara (nine) have more scores of 200 or more.

Jayawardene's 10th three-figure knock at the SSC is the most by a batsman at a single ground, surpassing Bradman's tally of nine at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Starting the day at 312-2, Sangakkara and Jayawardene added 65 runs from 14 overs in the first hour, easily seeing off the second new ball claimed late on Monday evening.

By lunch, Sri Lanka had hammered 145 runs in 29 overs in the morning session.

Sangakkara moved to 199 with four boundaries in one over from left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, and then reached 200 with an edged four to third man off Harbhajan Singh.

Sangakkara, who was on 214 at lunch, fell in the fourth over after the break when he edged a lazy drive off part-time spinner Virender Sehwag to lone slip Rahul Dravid. The left-hander hit 29 boundaries during his seven-hour stay at the crease.

Jayawardene smashed 20 boundaries and a six in his 28th Test century before holing out to mid-wicket to give off-spinner Harbhajan his first success in the series.

Thilan Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 76, having put on 176 for the fourth wicket with Jayawardene.

India's four main bowlers conceded over 100 runs each as Harbhajan went for 1-147, Ojha for 1-172, Abhimanyu Mithun for 0-117 and Ishant Sharma for 1-102.

Sri Lanka's revamped frontline bowling attack, changed entirely from the one that won the first Test in Galle by 10 wickets, have three days to carve out a series-clinching victory.

With Muttiah Muralitharan having retired and fast bowler Lasith Malinga injured, the hosts also left out left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and seamer Chanaka Welegedara.

Unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis leads the attack along with fast bowlers Dilhara Fernando and Dammika Prasad, and debutant off-spinner Suraj Randiv.

© AFP, ~ Photo courtesy: AFP

India vs Srilanka 2nd Test Day 2

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