Replying to Sri Lanka’s intimidating first innings total of 600-6 declared, India were teetering on 159-6 at stumps on day three, after Murali’s 4-38 from 15 overs. New spin sensation Ajantha Mendis bowled Rahul Dravid for 14 to have 1-58 from 18.

Gautam Ghambir has so far top-scored with 39, while Virender Sehwag (25), Sachin Tendulkar (27) and Sourav Ganguly (23) all failed to resist the Sri Lankans for any length of time. The perennial man for a crisis VVS Laxman was

Sri Lanka earlier piled on the runs beforehand with Tillekeratne Dilshan becoming the fourth batsman of the innings to score a century as India scrapped to stay in the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.

Dilshan finished 125 not out for his fifth Test century, joining Malinda Warnapura (115), captain Mahela Jayawardene (136) and Thilan Samaraweera (127) on three figures.

The going was incredibly difficult for the Indian bowlers who are accustomed to flat, batting surfaces but still struggled nonetheless. Skipper and leg-spin great Anil Kumble had figures of 0-121 from 37 overs.

India are without their one-day skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is taking rest after complaining of fatigue.