India v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Day 2 - 5 Talking Points

A batting masterclass from Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay, backed by Virat Kohli’s fifty kept India in the driver’s seat in the second Test. It was a horrible day for the Lankan bowlers, who could manage only one wicket throughout the day. India finished day 2 on a strong note at 312/2 in 98 overs, with Kohli and Pujara in the middle.

Something similar was expected from this contingent at the Eden Gardens, but the toss played a crucial role there. Nothing like that happened here as the hosts are right back on track. With three full days left out in the game, the Indians will be looking to amass a gigantic total on the board and work on bowling the Lankans out of the game in the next two days or less.

Murali Vijay made a statement of intent after he was unfortunately axed in the first Test. Many believed the result would’ve been different if it had been Vijay opening the innings on that green-top deck. He was rock-solid with his approach and became only the 3rd opener in Indian history to register 10 Test match tons.

Here are the five major talking points of the day

1. Vijay intensifies the selectors’ headache

Murali Vijay’s sensational hundred meant that India now has 3 openers in the fray, all in a wonderful nick. When Dhawan will be back in the next game, Kohli will have a difficult task to choose between these three. Vijay stroked a magnificent 128 off 221 balls, which includes 11 fours and one big hit out of the park. He played some classical drives throughout his innings and eventually, was dismissed in a very unfortunate manner off Herath.

2. A forgettable outing for Dilruwan Perera

Dilruwan Perera had one of his worst days on the field as a professional cricketer on Day 2. After dropping a dolly off Vijay, who eventually scored a hundred, he conceded loads o runs by straying off the line and bowling against the field placement. Dinesh Chandimal kept giving the ball hoping for something different to happen, but he only kept conceding runs. He conceded 117 runs in 21 overs at an economy rate of 5.6.

3. Surviving the initial phase against the spinners

If it had not been for Pujara and Vijay‘s resolute batting technique, India would never have survived the initial phase on the day when the spinners were bowling really well. This is exactly what they missed in the first Test. Although they didn’t accumulate a lot of runs, the bowlers failed to extract any support with the ball softening up. It was these two gentlemen’s effort that set the platform for the side.

4. Kohli ups the ante

The innings was progressing at a 2.86 per over before Kohli came in and after the skipper put the cat amongst the pigeons with his aggressive approach, the run rate escalated to over 3.1 an over. He walked his towards a half-century with the runs coming in at a canter. His 70-ball 54 includes 6 fours and every time there was a poor ball, he kept knocking it towards the boundary.

5. Poor effort from the bowlers overall

On a brighter picture, yes, Dilruwan Perera was not great on the day, but the other bowlers didn’t do anything significant as well. The fast bowlers were hitting nice lengths, but they failed to induce Pujara and Vijay to play any false shots. The only wicket that came on the day seemed like a gift from Vijay out of mercy, as he tried to sweep the ball off a low full-toss and got a top edge. They failed to create chances and paid a hefty price for being a little too casual.