Dilshan leads robust Sri Lanka reply

India 426 Sri Lanka 275-3

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan struck a brisk century yesterday to lead a strong Sri Lanka reply to India's first-innings total on the second day of the first Test. Dilshan made 112 off 133 balls as Sri Lanka progressed to 275 for 3 at close.

It could have been worse for India however, after Dilshan had dominated the 115-run second-wicket stand with the captain Kumar Sangakkara, who made 31. Zaheer Khan, with 2 for 45, removed both batsmen in successive overs with short deliveries to peg back the tourists.

Dilshan reached his 10th Test century with a ferocious square cut for four off Ishant Sharma before he mistimed a pull shot and offered an easy catch. His century included 12 boundaries on an easy-paced wicket at Motera.

Sangakkara also misjudged a pull and holed out to Sachin Tendulkar as Sri Lanka lost two wickets for five runs. Thilan Samaraweera and Mahela Jayawardene then played watchfully, adding 81 before the close.