Related Links : Sri Lanka in India 2009/10 | Scorecard of Day 4 | Live Scorecard and Commentary
Sri Lanka are still batting in their first innings much to the delight of the Indian batsmen. The overnight pair of the Jayawardenes have batted out the first session and there has been no signs of any declaration coming despite Sri Lanka moving into a massive lead of 282. The plan now looks clear that Sri Lanka wants to bat only once in this Test Match. However, there hasn’t been much intent from both Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene except for one or two big shots here and there. This first session saw 31 overs in which Sri Lanka could collect only 117 runs through two well set batsmen.
The Lankans are now left with about 5 sessions to take the 10 Indian wickets. The Indian batsmen would be more than eager to payback to the Sri Lankans for keeping them on the field for nearly 200 overs! The pitch continues to remain very slow and the edges are just not carrying to the keeper and the slips. There is enough turn though but on the slower side which is allowing the batsmen to go onto the backfoot and make the adjustments.
Mahela and Prasanna today achieved the feat of seeing their partnership remain unbroken exactly for three sessions. Sri Lanka’s last wicket fell about 24 hours ago when Angelo Mathews was given caught at short leg. Mahela Jayawardene has helped himself to 267 from 427 balls (with 27 fours and a six) and his partner – Prasanna Jayawardene is on 134 from 286 balls (with 10 fours). This is the second test hundred for Prasanna. Mahela on its part has crossed 9000 runs in his Test career this morning.
India would not mind to see the Lankans bat even after the lunch break with Mahela Jayawardene just 33 runs away from a triple century which should take him into the elite club of Don Bradman and Virender Sehwag who are the only players to have two triple centuries in their career!