India’s spinners put the visitors in command

India moved into a commanding position in the first Test against Sri Lanka after dismissing the hosts for 284 at the Galle International Stadium. Having made 462 in their first innings, India secured a 178-run lead and left Sri Lanka facing a difficult final phase to the match.

Manav Suthar made an immediate impact on his Test debut, finishing with 4-76 from 21.4 overs. The left-arm spinner removed Dinesh Chandimal with his first delivery and maintained pressure through long, disciplined spells. His ability to generate turn while bowling at more than 85 kmph made him a constant threat on the Galle surface.

Ravindra Jadeja provided experienced support with three wickets. His performance also took him to 350 Test wickets, another landmark in an increasingly dominant day for India’s spin attack.

Dinusha and Dickwella delay Sri Lanka’s collapse

Sri Lanka’s top order struggled against India’s movement and spin, slipping to 99 for five before the hosts mounted a determined recovery. Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella added 146 runs for the sixth wicket, using sweeps and controlled strokes to counter the spinners once the ball softened.

Dickwella made 80 from 115 balls, while Dinusha completed a maiden Test hundred from 168 deliveries. Dinusha’s century was a display of patience and temperament, but his innings ended soon after reaching the milestone when Jadeja trapped him leg before wicket.

India then completed the job quickly. Prabath Jayasuriya fell to Suthar, and Lahiru Kumara was stumped by Rishabh Pant as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284. Mohammed Siraj had earlier provided the breakthrough with the wicket of Nishan Fernando, whose edge was taken by Devdutt Padikkal.

Suthar looks to Jadeja for lessons

Suthar said bowling alongside Jadeja had given him a valuable opportunity to study one of India’s most accomplished spinners.

“There are a lot of things that I can learn from him. He uses the crease so well. His consistency while bowling at stumps is world-class,” Suthar said.

He added that Jadeja’s ability to keep attacking the stumps and wait for a batter to make a mistake was a quality he wanted to develop in his own game: “How long can one bowl on the stumps? Can you get a false shot? So there’s a lot to learn from him.”

Weather could shape the finish

India must now decide how aggressively to extend their advantage. The visitors will weigh the runs they need against the time required to dismiss Sri Lanka again, with the second new ball likely to be an important factor on the final day.

Rain has already interrupted the match, and further showers are forecast in Galle. Day 4 is scheduled to begin early, with the first ball due at 9:45am IST, but the weather could determine how much of the Test remains. Sri Lanka will hope to restrict India quickly if the visitors choose to bat again, while India will aim to create enough time to attack with the new ball and force a result.