India took control of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after establishing a substantial first-innings lead. India scored 462 in their opening innings, with Devdutt Padikkal making 167 and KL Rahul contributing 82. Sri Lanka replied with 284, leaving India ahead by 178 runs as the match progressed into its later stages. Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella added 146 runs for the sixth wicket in a significant partnership that gave Sri Lanka some resistance.
Manav Suthar made an immediate impact with the ball during Sri Lanka's first innings. The India pacer took four wickets for 76 runs, demonstrating precision in his line and length. According to Cricinfo, all four of Suthar's wickets came from the 4-5m length zone, where he stayed for more than half the balls he bowled. His accuracy and discipline impressed observers and teammates alike.
"Lots to learn from Ravindra Jadeja. His consistency in hitting the same spot is world class." Suthar told reporters at the end of third day's play.
Suthar explains bowling plan that trapped Sri Lanka
Bowling in tandem with Jadeja, Suthar was quite successful in generating turn and drift from the surface at Galle, which eventually earned him important breakthroughs. The Rajasthan cricketer explained the bowling plan the team followed on Day 3 to keep the Lankan batters on their toes throughout the day's play.
“We wanted to stick to our plans of first session, ball was turning in all sessions and they played really well in second session. There wasn’t much change in our approach. There were some umpire calls also… they rotated the strike really well. The ball didn’t get that soft. Plan was to bowl in good areas. Simple plan. Just to be on the line, and keep it stump to stump,” Suthar explained.
India will be coming out to bat as the fourth day begins in Galle. Suthar had contributed well with the bat lower down the order in the first innings, where the Indians posted 460 on the board. The young all-rounder will be hoping to add a few more if the opportunity comes his way in the second innings.