Ravichandran Ashwin claimed figures of 6-46 and Shikhar Dhawan scored an unbeaten half-century as India took a position of strength against Sri Lanka on day one of the first Test at Galle.
In what is Kumar Sangakkara’s final series before Test retirement, Sri Lanka won the toss but their decision to bat first was undone by Ashwin, who ripped through the middle order and also took the wicket of the Surrey left-hander.
Lions skipper Angelo Mathews crafted 64 in 92 balls with six fours and a six, and joined in a 79-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal, who himself hit nine fours in his 59.
Amit Mishra helped wrap up the tail with 2-20, as Sri Lanka could only post 183 in 49.4 overs.
The hosts found comfort after the turnaround knocking off two early wickets for 28 runs, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma the victims, with the former having a disappointing return to the national side.
However, India captain Virat Kohli’s arrival settled things as Dhawan patiently got to 53 not out. Kohli added an unbeaten 45 in 77 balls as India reached the close on 128 for two and just 55 behind.
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