Kamindu Mendis and Pasindu Sooriyabandara spearheaded a vital Sri Lanka fightback after the follow-on. The match had fallen into trouble after India set a big total. Day four saw them keep India on the back foot. They stood firm. Together they reached 199 for three at tea. Sooriyabandara stayed not out on 90. Mendis paired up with Sooriyabandara and constructed a solid partnership.
Sri Lanka Cricket hopes to play more test matches. The board is pushing to arrange further fixtures against India, England and Australia. They continue to request these key games.