The Indian bowling attack was rewarded for its perseverance on a lifeless track as the hosts reduced Sri Lanka to 356 for nine after defiant hundreds from Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal in the final Test here today. Ravichandran Ashwin 3/90 in 35 overs, who has been Virat Kohli-s -Go To Man- in home conditions, got quick breakthroughs in the final session as the tourists ended the third day-s play of the third Test 180 runs behind. Ashwin-s victims included Mathews 111, Roshen Silva 0 and Niroshan Dickwella 0, as India wrested back the advantage from the islanders, who frustrated the bowlers in the first two sessions.

The other highlight for India was Wriddhiman Saha asserting himself as the best wicketkeeper in world cricket with stunning catches off Ishant Sharma 2/93 in 27 overs and Mohammed Shami-s 2/74 in 23 overs bowling. Ravindra Jadeja 2/85 in 44 overs bowled his customary tight lines, not giving batsmen much room to play their strokes. Having overpowered Sri Lanka throughout the year, this effort will give Indian bowlers more satisfaction considering the game was being played on a flat track. Sri Lanka on their part, would be happy to have saved follow-on, which will ensure that they don-t need to bat long enough in the second innings in order to save the Test match..