Kamindu Mendis and Pasindu Sooriyabandara spearheaded a vital Sri Lanka fightback after the follow-on. The match had fallen into trouble after India set a big total. Day four saw them keep India at bay. They stood firm. Together they pushed to 199 for three at tea. Sooriyabandara remained not out on 90. Mendis joined Sooriyabandara and built a steady partnership.
Sri Lanka Cricket hopes to play more test matches. The board is pushing to arrange further fixtures against India, England and Australia. They keep asking for these important matches.