News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 6 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » PHOTOS: Pujara, rain thwart Sri Lanka's charge on Day 2

PHOTOS: Pujara, rain thwart Sri Lanka's charge on Day 2

Last updated on: November 17, 2017 15:58 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Images from Day 2 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Kolkata on Friday.

IMAGE: Sri Lanka fast bowler Dasun Shanaka celebrates the dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane. Photograph: BCCI

India's top order bulwark Cheteshwar Pujara resisted Sri Lanka's charge with a gutsy unbeaten 47 before rain returned to wipe out more than two sessions of the second day's play in the opening Test on Friday.

Steady showers had allowed just 11.5 overs on the first day of the three-match series and the heavens opened once more on Friday to initially force an early lunch and then wash out the final two sessions with India reeling on 74 for five.

Cheteshwar Pujara

IMAGE: Cheteshwar Pujara hits a boundary. Photograph: BCCI

When play was called off, Pujara, a model of concentration, stood three runs short of a 16th Test fifty, a knock he would be proud of considering the conditions at Eden Gardens.

Local favourite Wriddhiman Saha survived some anxious moments to remain six not out at the other end as the visitors continued to plunder wickets between the showers in search of a first test win against their hosts in India.

IMAGE: Sri Lanka's players celebrate the wicket of Ravichandran Ashwin. Photograph: BCCI

Sri Lanka's first change bowler Dasun Shanaka dismissed Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin, both for four, to compound India's woes after the hosts had resumed on 17-3 under an overcast sky.

Suranga Lakmal had claimed three wickets on the opening day without conceding a run and the paceman eventually sent down 46 dot balls before Rahane hit a boundary to end the streak.

Shanaka struck in his third over when Rahane chased a wide delivery and nicked a catch to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.

Eden Gardens

IMAGE: The Eden Gardens outfield and pitch under covers. Photograph: BCCI

Next man in Ashwin was hit on the thumb by a rising Lahiru Gamage delivery and needed medical attention, before he also fell victim to a very ordinary shot against Shanaka, slicing a delivery straight to Dimuth Karunaratne at point.

Saha looked tentative as well but Pujara batted with characteristic assuredness at the other end.

On a green track where the ball moved significantly, Pujara came up with a batting masterclass -- playing late, close to his body with soft hands and leaving well.

India's number three was his watchful self against anything outside the off stump and capitalised on the occasional poor delivery, as the nine boundaries in his 102-ball vigil would suggest.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024