Thursday, July 22, 2010

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AFP) — Hosts Sri Lanka were well placed to win the first Test against India after spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan wreaked havoc in his final match yesterday.

The world's leading wicket-taker grabbed 5-63 in the first innings as India were forced to follow on after being shot out for 276 on the fourth day in reply to Sri Lanka's 520-8 declared. GALLE, Sri Lanka — A fan waves a Sri Lankan flag while Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan acknowledges the crowd as he and teammates walk back at the end of India’s first innings of the first Test against India yesterday. (Photo: AP)

[Hide Description] GALLE, Sri Lanka — A fan waves a Sri Lankan flag while Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan acknowledges the crowd as he and teammates walk back at the end of India’s first innings of the first Test against India yesterday. (Photo: AP) [Restore Description]

Sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga then claimed three wickets to leave the tourists' second innings tottering at 181-5 at stumps, still 63 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat. India, the top-ranked Test side, lost 12 wickets during the day on a wicket that took only slow turn at the Galle International Stadium. Muralitharan, who dismissed Yuvraj Singh with the last ball of the day, will return for his final day in Test cricket on Thursday two short of the 800-wicket mark as Sri Lanka press for the lead in the three-match series.

Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar hit a defiant 84, sharing a third-wicket partnership of 119 with Rahul Dravid (44) after India were reduced to 42-2.