Gambhir falls after steadying India A innings at Colombo

The honours were even at the end of the first day of the first unofficial Test between India A and Sri Lanka A at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. After winning the toss, India A made 249 for five before stumps were drawn.

In the morning, India lost opener Akash Chopra (4) and Sridharan Sriram (3) cheaply. With their team's score on 14-2, opener Gautam Gambhir and captain Hrishikesh Kanitkar mounted a recovery. Batting sensibly, the duo put on 101 runs for the third wicket in almost 31 overs before Kanitkar was dismissed for a well-made 52.

Rohan Gavaskar (8), who followed, made the briefest of stays before following his captain to the pavilion. Next man Jai P Yadav was India A's last recognised batsman and with him rested the responsibility of providing Gambhir the required support. He soon grew into his role as the partnership prospered.

With the score on 172, though, the tourists received another jolt when Gambhir fell after making a responsible 79 off 175 balls with 11 fours.

Fortunately for them, their 17-year-old wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel, who replaced Gambhir, continued his good form with the bat. A healthy partnership with Yadav followed; the duo adding 77 unbeaten runs before play ended. At stumps, Yadav was batting on 64 while Patel was on 31.

For Sri Lanka A, fast bowler Dulip Liyanage claimed three wickets. The other two India A wickets were shared by Pulasthi Gunaratne and Chamila Gamage.