The first innings will be critical in this Test. Sri Lanka, having opted for the obvious course of batting first on a moisture-laden and reasonably grassy wicket, hold the advantage. There were enough indications that spinners would have a huge role to play in this Test. India, playing the fourth innings, ought to be worried.

The hosts would be lamenting that they didn't quite make use of the conditions.

One thought Zaheer Khan bowled at the wrong end and Sreesanth was erratic, thus allowing the openers to lay a strong foundation.

The spinners were just about looking to restore parity when Sri Lanka again ran away with a handsome tally in the final session. Harbhajan Singh was the pick of the bowlers and bowled beautifully at times.

I thought India were flat after tea. They gave away too many runs and Lanka, indeed, were looking a far more purposeful unit. The visitors’ response was built around Tillakaratne Dilshan's brilliant century and good supporting roles from Tharanga Paranavithana and Angelo Matthews. Dilshan probably has played a kind of innings which could be decisive in this match. His unfair dismissal offered India a chance but Matthews denied them. India would now need to bat really well. The wicket wouldn't have the same kind of pace but bounce would remain a factor for the spinners.  TCM