The second Test of the series between India and Sri Lanka has witnessed a few heated moments. On Day 1, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were involved in a heated altercation as the pacer said a few words after taking the wicket and the opener returned to have a confrontation. Both players were fined 25 per cent of their match fees by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in addition to a demerit point. On Day 2, Prabath Jayasuriya showed his frustration on boundary wedges after the review did not go in his favour. He was reprimanded by the ICC as well. Sledging continued on Day 3 as well with substitute fielder Sarfaraz Khan targeting skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Niroshan Dickwella. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel sees it as banter between the two teams. However, he does not want anyone to breach the Code of Conduct.
“I just think the heat and humidity sometimes get to the players there. Although we need to play under the code and respect the game, a bit of banter between the boys is always good to see. It will definitely bring out the fighting and competitive spirit in the game,” Morkel told reporters after Day 3’s play.
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Both De Silva and Dickwella were dismissed cheaply in the first innings. From 8/2 at the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka were 265/8 from 83.4 overs before rain played spoilsport. Sri Lanka need 39 more runs to avoid follow-on with two wickets in hand.
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Dinusha, lower order frustrate India bowlers
After Pasindu Sooriyabandara's 80, Sonal Dinusha's good form continued in the side. Dinusha remained unbeaten for 85 off 137 deliveries. After Dickwella's wicket, India were expected to bowl out the hosts on Day 3. But, Keshara Nuwantha supported Dinusha, facing 74 balls to score 18 runs. Then, Lahiru Kumara played with the same approach. He faced 50 balls on Day 3, scoring just eight runs. Dinusha will have a chance to score his second Test century of the series.
While Morkel hasn’t ruled out the possibility of enforcing follow-on, Shubman Gill is likely to opt batting and set a big target on the board. But, rain will play on his mind as India desperately need a win to move up on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table.