Rahul century steadies shaky India against Sri Lanka
Thursday 20 August 2015 15:05, UK
Lokesh Rahul scored his second test century to help India post 319-6 following a shaky start on the opening day of the second test against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Dhammika Prasad was responsible for a lively start to the innings, reducing the visitors to 12-2 in the fifth over as India's decision to bat threatened to backfire.
However, after receiving a reprieve on 11 when he was dropped, Rahul (108) combined with Virat Kohli (78) for a 164-run third wicket partnership to steady the innings.
Rohit Sharma also contributed, hitting a quickfire 79 – which included three sixes and five fours – before being dismissed by Angelo Mathews.
The test signalled the last for Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakarra, who received a guard of honour before the start of play.
Fast bowler Prasad exploded into life at the start of the innings, trapping Murali Vijay lbw before removing Ajinkya Rahane, who was promoted to three in the batting line-up.
It could have been even better had Jehan Mubarak managed to hold on to Rahul at gully off Dushmantha Chameera.
It proved a costly drop as Rahul raced to his century in 180 balls.
Kohli began aggressively, hitting Herath for six before the bowler got his revenge by taking a low, one handed catch to end the 107-ball knock.
Rahul was next to fall, edging a Chameera bouncer but Rohit took India's score past the 300-mark by the end of day's play.
