New Delhi: India, the world No 1 Test team, signed off an impressive phase by equaling the world record for most series wins after Sri Lanka fought to salvage draw in the final Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground on December 6.
A Test blighted by acute air pollution ended in far better conditions as Sri Lanka finally showed spine, avoiding defeat against India in a full game for the first time since August, 2015. India won the series 1-0.
The last time India played at Virat Kohli’s home ground, they overcame a blockathon by South Africa in late 2015. Sri Lanka batsmen showed better resistance.
India were in prime position to win coming into Wednesday, but the pitch was slow and there was no trouble facing the bowling until the new ball was taken after tea, taken at 226/5.
At one point, Virat Kohli came on with opener Murali Vijay to make a point about the lifeless pitch.
After poor air quality hogged attention in the Test for three days with Sri Lanka players wearing face masks, pollution levels dropped significantly to ease the conditions.
Virat Kohli’s career-best 243 and Vijay’s 155 powered India to 536/7 declared. Sri Lanka made 373 to concede a 163-run lead before the hosts made a quick 246/5 declared to give themselves a chance to win.
India won the Nagpur Test by an innings and 239 runs after the rain-hit Kolkata game was drawn.
After three days of heavy smog and pollution debate, play started under sunshine. The pollution levels were significantly lower on December 6.
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