2nd Test: Shreyas Iyer shines on difficult track, India dominate day 1

Shreyas Iyer single-handedly drove India’s first innings in the second Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on Saturday. After scoring 252 runs, Rohit Sharma and company managed to restrict Sri Lanka to 86/6. The visitors trail by 166 runs. 

Also read: Gavaskar on Kohli’s dismissal vs Sri Lanka: ‘He played across pad’

Iyer smashed 92 runs off 98 balls with the help of ten boundaries and four maximums. He negated all the good work done by the visiting bowlers in the first session when they had taken four wickets, including that of skipper Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (23). The 27-year-old was stumped off left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama (3/81) while going for a big shot.

Coming to bowl after dinner, Indian fast bowling duo Jasprit Bumrah (3/15) and Mohammed Shami (2/18) blew away the top-order with two wickets apiece.

Also Read: IND vs SL, 2nd Test: 5 key takeaways from India’s 1st innings

Old warhorse Angelo Mathews (43 off 85 balls) and Charith Asalanka (5) had a 22-run stand for the fifth wicket but it did not last long with Axar Patel getting rid of the left-hander.

Niroshan Dickwella (13) and Lasith Embulkdenya (0) will resume Lankan innings on Sunday.

A total of 16 wickets fell on day 1, highest for a day-night Test. Shreyas Iyer, after the match said that his plan was to not defend much. 

Also Read: Watch: Mayank Agarwal gets run out when Sri Lanka appeal for lbw in 2nd Test

“When I was sitting inside there was drama happening in every over and the thrill was intense. I didn’t want to get out defending the ball because there are more chances of getting out that way rather than scoring runs. In my mind the intent had to be positive and that’s what I had decided before going out to bat,” he said. 

“When the left arm spinner was bowling, there was no mid-wicket and my plan was to step across and see if there’s a single because mid-off was also behind. Even if I flash at the ball it had to drop safely. I did not have it (the hundred) in mind, once I reached the 80s, Jassie (Bumrah) was defending the ball really well and I never thought I have to take the single on the 5th-6th ball. It is part and parcel of the game. Today wasn’t my day and I have no regrets. When the ball was new, it was swinging and seaming pretty good. We discussed in the dressing room that the fast bowlers are going to play an immense role and that’s what we saw,” he added.