July 30: A dull, drab day that questioned the very existence of the Test format. At a time where duration cricket is fast losing its relevance to the glitterati of the shorter formats, the final day’s play at the SSC was poor advertisement.
There was nothing in the game to keep spectator interest alive as the second Test meandered to a dull draw. In arrears by 65 runs, Sri Lanka were 129/3 when the match, thankfully, was called off an hour before scheduled close.
There was an outlandish possibility of India clawing their way back when Sri Lanka lost three wickets and spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha found some assistance in the track at last. Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera had a few nervy moments to survive. Tight defence ensured there was no late drama to this lifeless Test and the hosts took their 1-0 series lead to the P. Sara Oval where the final Test will commence on Tuesday.
The last wicket pair of Ishant Sharma and Ojha resisted well. To open with two spinners under hazy skies was not a bright idea from Sangakkara. Suraj Randiv, who wrote himself into the record books, continued to try hard. Ajantha Mendis in his over-eagerness to grab his fifth wicket bowled with little control.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 642/4 decl. and 129/3 decl. (Kumar Sangakkara n.o.42) drew with India 707.