Suthar seals India’s 600th Test

Manav Suthar claimed a match-haul of 10 wickets as India marked their 600th Test with a commanding 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

India’s landmark 600th Test fell on 15 August, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day, while the match also marked their 50th Test in Galle, Sri Lanka.

The 24-year-old left-arm spinner, playing only his second Test, claimed four wickets in the first innings before returning with 6-55 in the second to spearhead India’s victory.

Chasing 372, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 shortly after lunch on the final day. The hosts resumed on 84-4 but briefly threatened to prolong the contest when captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha added 95 for the fifth wicket.

De Silva made 59 for his 20th Test half-century, but his resistance ended when he swept Ravindra Jadeja to short fine leg, where Suthar completed the catch.

Dinusha, who had top-scored in both innings, again provided the most resistance, but Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships and collapsed after De Silva’s departure.

Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, who struck a half-century in the first innings, fell for 10 after edging Prasidh Krishna through to the wicketkeeper.

India captain Shubman Gill praised Suthar for his outstanding performance on a Galle surface that offered assistance to the spinners.

“He has been bowling magnificently,” Gill said. “He looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a long time.”