India recovered after an ordinary opening session to keep Sri Lanka XI to 358 for 8 at stumps on Day 1 of the warm-up match in Colombo, with spinner Manav Suthar troubling the rivals ahead of the opening Test starting August 15. The visiting team was not able to get their act right on a placid surface before spinners, including Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, took wickets in the last two sessions on Saturday.

Shubman Gill was ruled out after taking a blow on his ring finger during the practice sessions. Vice-captain KL Rahul was given the responsibility to lead the side as the hosts won the toss and decided to bat, a decision backed by the batters on the batting-friendly wicket. 

Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha were impressive and added 110 runs for the first wicket. The two scored freely against pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who were wayward. Madushka scored 66 off 65 balls and was run out following a mix-up with his opening partner.

Rasantha continued to keep the scorecard busy, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha and Ramesh Mendis also made contributions with the bat as Sri Lanka XI scored at an impressive run rate. Jadeja ended the second-wicket stand before Suthar got rid of dangerous-looking Rasantha. Kuldeep then claimed two wickets in the final session, while Gurnoor Brar and Jadeja chipped with scalps to ensure their team’s strong finish.

Manav Suthar enhances his reputation

Manav Suthar strengthened his chances of playing in the first Test as he was India’s most impactful bowler on a surface that favoured batters. After a tentative start, he settled into a fine rhythm, repeatedly posing questions to the batters and making use of the flight and variations.

He deceived Ravindu Rasantha in flight to provide a match-needed breakthrough to the visiting side. The opener came down the track but failed to make a proper connection and was dismissed after amassing 71. Suthar later got rid of Sonal Dinusha for 52 after India took the second new ball.

Suthar executed his plans to perfection, and his line and length made the difference, making him India’s star bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav returns to his best

Despite conceding runs at the start of his bowling spell, Kuldeep Yadav found encouragement. He has been given limited chances in Test cricket despite boasting a good track record. He gave away 29 runs in the first five overs, and Sri Lanka XI players used their feet against him to disrupt his line and length.

Kuldeep varied his pace to return to his best and got bounce as the match progressed. The change was rewarded immediately. Ahan Wickramasinghe was caught at short fine leg before Anjala Bandara was given LBW on a quicker delivery that skidded through after the drinks break.

Kuldeep’s intent was remarkable, and his bowling stood out. Kuldeep trusted his variations instead of getting defensive. It was a notable performance from a spinner, who is looking to cement his place in the Test team. 

Jadeja, who returned to the Indian National Team after a long injury layoff, claimed two wickets as well. He looked rusty before finding success by bowling wicket to wicket.

Saransh Jain, the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, failed to put the batters under pressure like other spinners and is now behind Suthar and Kuldeep in the race for a spot in the starting XI.

Among the fast bowlers, Gurnoor was India’s standout performer despite starting slowly. He dismissed Milan Rathnayake with a short ball and got movement with the second new ball. Siraj and Prasidh struggled after a long break from red-ball cricket.

Sri Lanka XI will be pleased with their batting effort, but they can’t take India lightly as the visitors have quality batters in their side. Kuldeep and Suthar were the two positives from Day 1 as the competition heats up for places ahead of the first Test.