India reach 128/2 after bowling out Sri Lanka for 183

Galle, Aug 12:

India posted 128/2 at stumps in reply to hosts Sri Lanka’s 183 in the first innings on Day One of the first Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the inspiration behind India’s impressive performance, claiming a six-wicket haul to bowl out the hosts.

Ashwin (6/46) alongside leg-spinner Amit Mishra (2/21) flummoxed the Sri Lankan batsmen to bowl them out in just 49.4 overs in the second session of the day’s play.

In reply, Shikhar Dhawan (53) and skipper Virat Kohli (45) remained unbeaten to help the visitors reach 128/2 in 34 overs at the end of the day’s play.