IND vs SL 1st Test: Test Cricket At Its Best, Replies Virat Kohli As Mahela Jayawardene Lauds Niroshan Dickwella's Attitude

Who would have predicted such a nerve-wrecking end to the recently-concluded first Test at the Eden Gardens after less than 35 overs were bowled due to inclement weather. Moreover, the game was looking set to end in a tame draw after India finished the penultimate day with a 49-run lead after Sri Lanka took a sizable 122-run lead in the first innings.

However, the fans and players could not have asked for a better end to the game. From Virat Kohli‘s sublime century, to Indian pacers’ stunning bowling, Niroshan Dickwella’s on-field antics to waste time and a nail-biting finish, the fifth day saw it all. The day began on a fine not for the visitors as Suranga Lakmal sent back KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara early. Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin Wriddhiman Saha also failed to make an impact, failing to cross the double-digit mark but Kohli held firm from one end and scored an unbeaten 104 to help India set a competitive 231-run target. In the process, he also became only the second Indian after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to score 50 international centuries.

After Kohli’s performance, it was the bowlers’ turn to make an impact and they did not disappoint. By the time, Sri Lanka could get a feel of the things, they were already four down with just 22 runs on the board. Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella then steadied the ship with a 47-run stand before the skipper was sent back by Shami.

But during the dodgy partnership,  Dickwella tried his best to waste time which riled the Indian players up including skipper Virat Kohli. The Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman backed away from facing Mohammed Shami and things were on the verge of getting out of hands before the umpires intervened. The match eventually ended in a draw with Sri Lanka on 75 for 7 before bad light saved them.

At a time when Test cricket is losing its popularity, the game at the Eden Gardens would have delighted all the true admirers of the game and former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene is one of them. The batting legend took to Twitter to state that he enjoyed Dickwella’s ‘attitude and antics’ and also praised Kohli for his knock.

“Enjoyed @NiroshanDikka attitude and antics this afternoon. Good test match.. well played @imVkohli. Looking forward to the next one.??,” Jayawardene tweeted.

Enjoyed @NiroshanDikka attitude and antics this afternoon. Good test match.. well played @imVkohli. Looking forward to the next one.??

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) November 20, 2017

Kohli, who too was involved in a verbal altercation with Dickwella, was quick to forget the on-field incident as he replied: “Yes, test cricket at it’s best. Onto the next one now. ☝️?.

Yes, test cricket at it's best. Onto the next one now. ☝️?

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 20, 2017