India and Sri Lanka head into the third and the final test match of the three-match series on 3 August 2010 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The visiting side is under pressure as they are 1-0 down in the series and anything less than a victory would mean a series loss for them. Sri Lanka needs just a draw to hold on to the lead and win the series.
Time
The match kicks off at 04:30 GMT and 10:00 local time (Sri Lanka time). According to Indian time, the match begins at 10:00 too. In the US, the match starts in New York time at 00:30 and in California time at 21:30.
Live Score
Cricket fans can get the live updates of the match at the following link:
http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/scores/live.html
Indian team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the first test followed by a lifeless draw in the second match. Now, they have to win the third test, if they are to level the series.
Bowling attack has been a matter of big concern for the Indians so far and their worry would be doubled now as key spinner and most experienced bowler Harbhajan Singh is doubtful for tomorrow’s match. The off-spinner missed a training session on Monday and it is not quite sure if he would be full fit for the third test.
In his absence, India could opt to play three pacers bringing in Munaf Patel alongside Ishant Sharma and Abhimanyu Mithun. The ground’s well-scripted reputation of providing assistance to the pacers would also justify this decision. However, playing two spinners in Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra (if Harbhajan can not play) is another possibility.
There is bad news for Indian batting line up too as opener Gautam Gambhir has also been ruled out for the third test after missing the second test with a knee injury. However, batting would yet be India’s biggest hope.
Sachin Tendulkar, who is going to play his 169th test match surpassing Steve Waugh’s previous record of 168 matches, got a double century at the SSC and would like to continue the momentum. Suresh Raina, who got a century in his debut in the previous match, would retain his place. Overall, there would not be any change in India’s batting line up.
Sri Lanka’s bowling line up would be boost up by the return of pacer Lasith Malinga who missed the second match because of injury. Now, Malinga’s return means Sri Lanka has to choose one among Chanaka Welegedara and Dammika Prasad and Dilhara Fernando.
Welegedara’s recent form is better than the two, but Dammika Prasad had a five-for in Sri Lanka’s last meeting with India on this ground, while Fernando picked up 15 wickets in his three test matches in this stadium. Led by Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s spin attack would also feature either Suraj Randiv or Rangana Herath. Sri Lanka’s batting line up would remain unchanged.
Overall, Sri Lanka seems to be slightly favorite to win this one, but a lot would depend on the performance of Indian bowlers. Considering the recent form of Indian bowlers, it seems less likely that they would be able take 20 Sri Lankan wickets. No doubt, it would be a big challenge for the Indian bowlers and it would be interesting to see if they can win this challenge.
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