Rain washes out second day

Sri Lanka's attempt to compile a massive first-innings score and pressurise India was put on hold as the entire second day in Galle was washed out due to intermittent showers. Overnight rain had ensured there was no play possible before lunch, and the conditions deteriorated further with bad light and sporadic downpours. There was a period when the covers came off after a dose of sunshine, but an inspection scheduled for 2.30pm never happened as the rain refused to relent.

The hosts had reached a dominant position at the end of the first day, finishing on 256 for 2, with centuries from captain Kumar Sangakkara and opener Tharanga Paranavitana, who is still batting. With Mahela Jayawardene giving Paranavitana company, and Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene to follow, things look bleak for the Indian team. Spectators who had flocked to the Galle International Stadium on the first day in the hope of watching Muttiah Muralitharan bowl in his final Test were made to wait longer. Play is scheduled to resume at 9.30am on Tuesday, weather permitting.