Rain just refused to go away on Day 1 of the third Test between India and Sri Lanka, playing party-pooper to what should have been a terrific start to a competitive match.
Now, we move on to Day 2 of this final match of the Test series, in the hope that the clouds, so menacing, so dark, stay away from the SSC in Colombo.
India were on 50/2 in 15 overs, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli at the crease, when rain came pouring down about 40 minutes to Lunch. From there on, it was a game of "I'll give you hope and then quickly take it away" played by the rain, with the umpires eventually calling off play.
Day 2 will begin a little early on Saturday – and go on a little later as well – and if the sun shines for the next four days, we should still have enough time to get a definitive result in this Test match.
Angelo Mathews had absolutely no hesitation in bowling first after winning the toss, and while the pitch did not pose as much menace as perhaps expected, the onus will definitely be on the Sri Lanka bowlers to take advantage of whatever help there is on offer on Day 2 morning.
India's primary target on Saturday will be to see off the first Dhammika Prasad over, after the fast bowler, yet again, picked up a wicket in his first over of the match. KL Rahul was his victim on Friday, and Kohli and Pujara will be wary of that potent ball that moves in after pitching.
Nuwan Pradeep also bowled pretty well on Day 1 morning, with his reward coming via the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane. No doubt, the fast bowler will stick to that on and around off stump line again.
If India can see off the fast bowlers on Day 2 morning, it will put the pressure back on Sri Lanka, with the pitch expected to ease out once that dampness goes. However, with the amount of rain around, the wicket will have some moisture in it, and how Pujara and Kohli cope early could set the tone for the rest of this Test match.
Where to Watch Live
Get Day 5 Live Blog HERE
Get Day 4 As It Happened HERE
Get the Day 3 Score and Live Blog HERE
Get the Day 2, 3rd Test India vs Sri Lanka Live Blog HERE
Sri Lanka vs India Day 2 of the 3rd Test match is set to begin at 9.45 am IST (9.45 am local time, 5.15 am BST, 12.15 am ET). Live coverage on TV in India will be on Sony Six and Sony Kix with English and Hindi commentary respectively. Viewers in India can also catch the match via live streaming online on Livsports.in. Viewers in Sri Lanka and the rest of the subcontinent can also catch the India vs Sri Lanka Test match live on Sony Six.
Audience in the US can catch the game live on Willow TV, while the online live stream option is on Willow TV Online.
Viewers in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa will be able to watch Day 2 of Sri Lanka vs India final Test live on SuperSport, with the action can also be live streamed on SuperSport Online.
