Rishabh Pant suffers bruised shoulder; India eyes follow-on against Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI: India bowling coach Morne Morkel has revealed that Rishabh Pant's shoulder is “badly bruised” after the wicketkeeper-batter missed wicketkeeping duties on Day 3 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Pant suffered the injury on the opening day after taking a blow to his wrist and was forced to retire hurt. He returned on Day 2 and scored a brisk 63 off 89 balls, but did not take the field after India declared their first innings at 503 for nine. Dhruv Jurel, who scored a century on the second day, continued behind the stumps on Tuesday as Pant was kept away from the rigours of wicketkeeping as a precaution. “Rishabh Pant’s shoulder is badly bruised. He will be assessed overnight, we want his experience behind the stumps because he reads the game really well,” Morkel said at the post-day press conference.

Morkel backs Prasidh, praises Siraj

Pant's injury update came after India's bowlers were unable to finish off Sri Lanka on Day 3. The hosts reached 265 for eight before rain and bad light forced early stumps, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 85. Morkel was particularly pleased with the character shown by Prasidh Krishna, who produced two lively spells and helped India regain momentum during the day. “Shows character of Prasidh Krishna… guy who had media and commentators on his back. As a team and management we knew about the potential, for him it was about silencing those voices. He lets go of thoughts, loves bowling, does homework and research. Massive student of the game. Has potential and talent to play all formats for a very long time.”

He also praised Mohammed Siraj for his relentless effort on a difficult surface. “Siraj is a guy you want in your team. He can bowl all day from one end with a sore body. Even today, in flat conditions. He kept running in and has been the key guy for us. Quite lucky to have him in the team. Prasidh has extra pace and bounce. We need to use him in phases… it can be risky. The whole team is behind him and supporting him even when results don't go his way. It's my job to talk through these things and give him confidence…”

India eye quick finish to enforce follow-on

Sri Lanka resumed from 8 for two but recovered through Pasindu Sooriyabandara's 80 and a series of lower-order partnerships. Dinusha then held firm for 201 minutes, adding 57 with Keshara Nuwantha and an unbeaten 35 with Lahiru Kumara. Sri Lanka still need 38 runs to avoid the follow-on after India posted 503 for nine. Morkel acknowledged the challenge posed by the home side's tail and stressed the importance of maintaining pressure after breakthroughs. “Test cricket is a grind. Tough conditions, hard conditions. The ball goes soft, it was a proper day of Test cricket. We always talk about bowling in partnerships and in pressure. Fun is to breakthrough and then how well you can start again. Follow-on will be India’s first target, we want to get those wickets quickly and be brave and put them in again,” Morne Morkel said.