That both camps are happy and content with their respective positions should say how finely balanced the second Test between India and Sri Lanka is. As to who swings it their way will be known on Saturday.

 

“There is a long way to go in this game. But, so far, we are pretty happy,” said India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun. “Our lower order contributed quite well today, and also we have kept them under check. We are probably looking for a lead of about a 100 runs.”

 

Sri Lanka opener Kaushal Silva said: “I think we are in a solid position. The first hour is going to be crucial. If we bat without giving away a wicket we can put pressure back on them.”

 

India kept the Sri Lankan batsmen under check by not allowing them to score at more than three an over, and this came in for praise from Arun. “To do well in Test matches, you need to bowl with a lot of discipline. This is something that we have worked really hard on. Today that was there to be seen.

 

“Binny bowled exceptionally well today. But losing a Test wicket to a no-ball is a big lesson for him. You got to get back and work so that you don’t make the same mistake again.”

 

Silva said that the ball would start turning more from here on. “It’s dry and slow,” he said. “It will spin, but slowly. There is much more spin than yesterday. But it’s not threatening.

 

“If we play positively against the spinners we will have a chance of putting pressure on them like we did in Galle.”

(The Hindu)