Sri Lanka vs India 2017, 1st Test: Day 2, 5 talking points

#1 Tharanga smothers Indian attack before bizarre run-out

Upul Tharanga played some eye-catching strokes in a run a ball half-century

Upul Tharanga started Lanka's first innings with a bout of boundaries, all well-timed, sublime strokes through the off-side. He was unforgiving outside the off-stump with anything short slammed past point with a horizontal bat. A couple of drives off Umesh were creamed through the covers as Tharanga revealed his intentions to fight fire with fire.

When Ashwin was brought on, the southpaw displayed exemplary patience and changed his approach a tad bit. He was more circumspect although he did not waste any opportunity to rock back on a shorter length ball. However, he fell to a bizarre moment of madness.

He pushed an Ashwin ball to silly point, who made a cheeky attempt to run Tharanga out, only to miss the stumps. But the batsman had lost footing and fell down as his bat, which had crossed the crease, popped up the moment Saha removed the bails. A flamboyant knock, a run a ball half-century, had come to an unfortunate end.