Sri Lanka vs. India, 3rd Test, Day 1: Rain Ruins Opening Day in Colombo

The first day of the third Test between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo promised much, but was ruined by incessant rain.

The visitors batted first but could reach only 50-2 from just 15 overs, as the rain forced an early lunch, then prevented any further play.

With so much time lost already, a draw now looks a more likely result from the game, although there are still four days remaining.

And with rain forecast in the coming days, it could be a frustrating end to a series perfectly poised at 1-1.

Even with just 15 overs of play possible, there were still some interesting talking points, especially given the selections made by India for this game.

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Cheteshwar Pujara gets his chance in Tests again

With Murali Vijay injured once again and out of this game, it fell to Cheteshwar Pujara to step in as an opener and try and stake his claim for a permanent place.

With six Test centuries already, Pujara’s class is without question, although he lost his place in 2014 after a poor run of form where he only passed 50 twice.

Perhaps this game is just the chance he needs to prove he belongs in Test cricket, although he will want to get back out there on Day 2 and hope the rain stays away.

At the end of Day 1, he was unbeaten on 19 from 42 balls, having shown the application necessary on a pitch and in weather conditions offering plenty to the bowlers.

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Defensive play the order of the day

Against a Sri Lanka team who won the toss and chose to field on a green pitch, batsmen were required to eliminate risk from their shots and apply themselves.

It meant that run rates would be slow, and that one or two big partnerships might swing the balance in favor of whichever batting team can take advantage.

It was not easy for India, who saw Lokesh Rahul bowled in the first over, as he left a ball alone that seamed in tremendously from outside off stump.

Then in just the fourth over, Ajinkya Rahane was trapped leg before wicket by Nuwan Pradeep to leave the visitors in trouble at 14-2.

In their place, Pujara and Virat Kohli put on a stand of 36 careful runs before the rains came and showed what needs to be done in this game.

If they can build on that partnership tomorrow, India will be in a good position.

Rain ruins what could have been an intriguing day’s play

The game was interestingly poised when it was washed out, with India 50-2 having recovered from a dreadful start and seemingly looking to assert themselves.

With the series locked at 1-1, this first day could have been very important to see which team was most likely to take the overall victory, but it was not to be.

The next four days will likely be long as the teams look to make up the time lost today, and the onus will be on them to attack if they want to force a result.

However, having lost the vast majority of a day’s play, it will take an extraordinary effort for one of these teams to finish victorious.