Sri Lanka strike early but rains save India at Eden Gardens

Kolkata: Sri Lanka's right arm pacer Suranga Lakmal struck early, disrupting stumps ot two India's openers Lokesh Rahul (0) and Shikhar Dawan (8) early without conceding a single run but rain came on his way forcing the umpires to return to the dugout with the host staggering at 17/3 in 11.5 overs on the first day of the five-daymatch at Eden Gardens here today.

As rain delayed the start four hours late at 13 30 hours with the visiting captain Dinesh Chandimal winning toss to send India batting first, pacer Lakmal got Lokesh Rahul out on his very first delivery having him caught behind by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.But rain came again to stop the play.

As play resumed for the second time on the day India's Shikhar Dawan and Cheteswar Puja were having trouble with ball swinging either side with four slip and two gully fielders.Left handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan was bowled by Lakmal on 8 after his inside edge disrupted stumps.

But rain came on way again when play was stopped with India batting 17/2 in 8.2 overs.Pujara was batting on 8 and captain Virat Kohli yet to open score. When India came into bat again India received the biggest blow as captain Virat Kohli was found leg before by Lakmal on duck. Lakmal scalped three wickets in 5.5 overs without conceding a run. (UNI)