Kamindu Mendis and Pasindu Sooriyabandara spearheaded a vital Sri Lanka recovery after the follow-on. The match was looking difficult after India posted a massive total. Day four saw them keep India on the back foot. They held on. Together they pushed to 199 for three at tea. Sooriyabandara remained unbeaten on 90. Mendis paired up with Sooriyabandara and formed a reliable partnership.
Sri Lanka Cricket hopes to play more test matches. The board is working to schedule extra matches against India, England and Australia. They keep asking for these important matches.