India on fire

> Dhawan, Pujara centuries hurt Sri Lanka in first Test

Kohli was dismissed for three when he tried to pull a chest-high delivery from Pradeep, who took three for 64, but nicked behind instead to Niroshan Dickwella.

Pradeep’s appeal was initially turned down but the decision was overturned by the TV umpire when replays showed the ball had grazed Kohli’s bat.

It was a blow but no major problem for India as Dhawan took the opening day honours, celebrating his return to Test cricket with a breathtaking array of shots.

It was the second time he had scored a century in a single Test session, having made 187 on his debut against Australia – including 106 in one session.

Dhawan scored 126 off just 90 balls between lunch and tea, leaving Virender Sehwag as the only other Indian batsman to score more runs in a single session.

The 31-year-old got a standing ovation from teammates in the dressing room upon completing his fifth Test century.

The innings was especially sweet for Dhawan, who was made to sit out of India’s last 11 Tests following a dip in form.

Dhawan’s last Test century was at the same venue, during India’s 2015 tour of the island nation. India lost the Galle match but went on to win the remaining two games to pocket the series 2-1.

The hosts squandered a golden chance to dismiss Dhawan in his thirties when Gunaratne dropped the batsman at second slip.

Medics rushed to attend to Gunaratne, who was writhing in pain before walking off the ground.

The Indians were given an early jolt when Dhawan’s opening partner Abhinav Mukund edged Pradeep behind to Dickwella in the eighth over.

Mukund, who opened the batting after Lokesh Rahul was ruled out with illness, made 12.

But Dhawan toyed with the toothless Sri Lankan attack, at onbe point hitting new skipper Rangana Herath for two boundaries on the trot.

India handed a Test cap to allrounder Hardik Pandya and Sri Lanka brought in batsman Danushka Gunathilaka for his debut. – AFP