The Sri Lankan all-rounder Asela Gunaratne has been ruled out of the remaining part of the match after he sustained an injury while fielding in the ongoing first test match between India and Sri Lanka at Galle starting from today. Gunaratne has been rushed to Colombo where a specialist will be consulted before taking a final call on whether surgery will be done or not. He might miss the rest of the matches as well.
It was on the fourteenth over of the match when Dhawan edged one of Nuwan Pradeep to the second slip where Gunaratne was fielding. He dived on to his left to grasp on the catch ending up injuring his left wrist. The Sri Lankan was squirming in pain and was seen leaving the field clutching his left wrist which was heavily banded strapped already.
The loss of Gunaratne will be a major blow to the Sri Lankan team as he provided the team a balance with his medium pace bowling and steady batting quality. He was in good form scoring 80 not out in a record fourth innings chase against Zimbabwe. He took his team to victory and was later adjudged the player of the match.
Being dropped at 31, Dhawan went on to score his century in 110 balls giving India a confident start on the first day of the first test match at Galle. India last won a test match at Galle back in 2008.
The Indian got an early blow losing the wicket of Abhinav Mukund who edged Nuwan Pradeep giving an easy catch to Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella.
Virat Kohli handed over the test cap to the hard-hitting all-rounder Hardik Pandya who made his India test debut today. Kohli was much impressed by Pandya”s knack of picking up crucial wickets. Danushka Gunathilaka also made his debut for the Sri Lankan team.
