Kamindu Mendis and Pasindu Sooriyabandara spearheaded a vital Sri Lanka recovery after the follow-on. The match was looking difficult after India set a big total. Day four saw them keep India on the back foot. They showed great grit. Together they guided the side to 199 for three at tea. Sooriyabandara remained unbeaten on 90. Mendis joined Sooriyabandara and formed a reliable partnership.
Sri Lanka Cricket is aiming for additional test matches. The board is pushing to schedule extra matches against India, England and Australia. They are persistently seeking these key games.