Sri Lanka vs India 2017, 1st Test: Day 2, 5 talking points

#4 Indian lower order make merry

Hardik Pandya smashed a half-century on his debut

There was widespread criticism when India opted to go with Hardik Pandya instead of Kuldeep Yadav. The seam bowling all-rounder silenced one and all with a rapid half-century studded with several sublime strokes in his debut innings.

India were 491/6 when Pandya walked in at the fall of Saha's wicket. Ashwin had already showcased India's lower order strength with a well made 47 and Pandya wasted no time in revealing his intentions, stepping out and lifting Herath over his head off the third ball he faced.

He found an equally aggressive partner is Mohammad Shami, who took a special liking to Herath. The veteran spinner was slogged through the line several times while Pandya dug into Pradeep with some hooks and street smart flicks. The duo put on 62 in less than 9 overs. Pandya fell soon after his half-century as the Indian innings closed at 600.