Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka maintain their firm hold at stumps on Day 3

Resuming Day 3 from their overnight score of 74/5, India lost Cheteshwar Pujara early. However, he went on to complete his 16th test fifty before getting bowled by Lahiru Gamage. That’s when Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha combined for a crucial 48 run partnership.

Both got out simultaneously in their odd 20s as India were reduced to 128/8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a small contribution before getting caught behind by Niroshan Dickwella. However, Mohammed Shami’s quickfire cameo meant that India had 172 runs on the board.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan bowling was brilliant. Suranga Lakmal who struck thrice on Day One ended up with figures of 4/26. Lahiru Gamage and Dasun Shanaka also got a couple of wickets each. Dilruwan Perera got rid of Saha and Jadeja in a single over.

Sri Lanka began well before losing both their openers Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne. Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the better of them in consecutive overs. What followed was a 99 run partnership for the third wicket between Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews.

Both went on to register stupendous fifties. However, both got out simultaneously as well bringing India back in the game. Umesh Yadav sent back both of them to the pavilion. Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella were present at the crease when play was called off.

Sri Lanka were comfortably placed at 165/4 at stumps on Day 3 with a trail of just 7 runs. India committed many errors in the field which included dropped catches, missed run outs, etc. Mohammed Shami went back to the dressing room midway in his over in what was supposed to be a cramp.

The hosts would be hoping to contain Sri Lanka in the first session. On the other hand, the visitors would be looking forward to gain a good lead and put the pressure on India to chase. Twitterati lauded Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Angelo Mathews, while Shikhar Dhawan got trolled for the dropped catch.

Here we present some tweets from Day 3 of the India Sri Lanka Test:

Good to have you back @Angelo69Mathews #INDvSL Well played fifty…Cmon make it big !!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2017

Top class knock by @thiri66 Well played #INDvSL

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2017

What ?? How does the judge get to predict @MayantiLanger_B ??? #NerolacCricketLive 6wickets in that last session @HaydosTweets ??? Jeez… #kangaroocourts alright

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2017

Bhuvi showing off his ability to control the length at will. Went short, short, short to Sadeera. And full, swinging to Mathews. Class. #INDvSL

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) November 18, 2017

Mathews very much in the Misbah mould.

Makes runs when needed. Not the most gifted but gets it done.

— Dennis Paine (@DennisCricket_) November 18, 2017

Russell Arnold just called a rank half-volley a "good ball". In one sense I suppose that's true. It was good for the cover drive…

— cricketingview (@cricketingview) November 18, 2017

3 batsmen have crossed 50 in this #IndvsSL Test, all dismissed soon after that.

Pujara 52
Thirimanne 51
Mathews 52

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) November 18, 2017

Wonder what @MdShami11 has to do to get a wicket today. Just been so unlucky!

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) November 18, 2017

A cat has 9 lives. Karunaratne doesn't have 3. Bhuvi gets the breakthrough! #INDvSL

— Manya (@CSKian716) November 18, 2017

I didn't think I would say this but Bhuvi has been India's best seam bowler today.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) November 18, 2017

L Thirimanne has been dismissed by R Ashwin 11 times across formats. Time to bring him on. #INDvSL

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) November 18, 2017

Mohammed Shami scored more runs than Rahul, Dhawan, Kohli, Rahane and Ashwin put together. #INDvSL

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 18, 2017

With the ball darting around like it is, how hard will it be for Jadeja to think of Jimmy Anderson to channelise the batsman inside him. #IndvSL

— cricBC (@cricBC) November 18, 2017

Look at the way Jadeja is batting. Moving the game. X-factor. Need a couple of such players in the middle order.

— सज्जन लौंडा (@Sajjanlaunda) November 18, 2017

I say it often, but it bears repeating. Mohammed Shami in full rhythm is one of the best sights in Test cricket.

— Karthik Krishnaswamy (@the_kk) November 18, 2017

That Virat Kohli kinda celebrations = Everything ❤#INDvSL

— Prajakta Bhawsar (@ViratsFangirl18) November 18, 2017

Attack is the best form of defence…Jadeja must have been given the license to play his shots. Makes perfect sense. #INDvSL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 18, 2017

Good to have you back @Angelo69Mathews #INDvSL Well played fifty…Cmon make it big !!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2017

Sri Lanka are in control at tea on Day 3, reaching 113/2 in response to India's 172, Lahiru Thirimanne leading the way on 48*#INDvSL LIVE: https://t.co/BPg8XDGX60 pic.twitter.com/abgTbUwGn7

— ICC (@ICC) November 18, 2017

Top class knock by @thiri66 Well played #INDvSL

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 18, 2017

Sri Lanka are shit.

But for some reason, they keep winning Test matches. Last year v Aus. This year v Pak. Now pushing India to the limit.#INDvSL

— Dennis Paine (@DennisCricket_) November 18, 2017

79/6 to 172. Considering the conditions Indian tail has scripted a stellar comeback. #IndvSL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 18, 2017

Only trailing by 7, Sri Lanka will be very happy with where they find themselves. Have hung in there while India haven't had their best day with the ball

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 18, 2017

Kohli's going to give himself a spell here isn't he?

— cricketingview (@cricketingview) November 18, 2017