Sri Lanka vs India 2017: 1st Test Day 3, 5 talking points

#4 Perera entertains with ravishing half-century

Perera compiled his fifth Test half-century and looked good for a hundred before he ran out of partners

With Asela Gunaratne ruled out, the onus was on Dilruwan Perera to step up and play an all-rounder's innings. He had been promoted to no.7 previously in his Test career but this time around the opposition were strong, confident and on the prowl. Contrary to expectations, it was Perera who got things rolling for the hosts, much akin to his debut knock of 95 against Pakistan when he put on a 112 run stand with Mathews.

A cut through point off Yadav started things off for Perera. He was circumspect against the spinners with Mathews at the other end but once the former skipper played a horrendous shot to get out, Perera went on the rampage. In the over following Mathews' wicket, Perera lofted Ashwin for a six before creaming him through the covers with a delicate drive. He then survived a bizarre ball tracking review call and then smacked Ashwin for another four and six.

When Umesh Yadav returned, he was treated with absolute disdain as Perera seemed intent on teaching his top order colleagues a lesson or two. Jadeja was slog swept through cow corner for another pair of boundaries (four and six) as he raced to his 80s. However, he was stranded on 92 as Lanka were bowled out for 291.