Top 5 Tests of 2017

#3 India vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata

After a lot of drama at Eden Gardens, play was ended by bad light with Sri Lanka seven down on the final evening

India 172 (Pujara 52; Lakmal 4/26, Perera 2/19) and 352/8 dec (Kohli 104*, Dhawan 94; Shanaka 3/76) drew with Sri Lanka 294 (Herath 67; Bhuvneshwar 4/88, Shami 4/100) and 75/7 (Dickwella 27; Bhuvneshwar 4/8, Shami 2/34)

In a dramatic draw, the weather played a huge role in ensuring drama towards the dying stages of the Test. Following persistent rainfall, overcast skies aided substantial seam movement for Sri Lanka as India jostled to 172, with Cheteshwar Pujara's 52 the only notable contribution. Suranga Lakmal nipped out four before the conditions eased significantly for Sri Lanka to make 294.

A draw seemed inevitable when, after Day 4, India were just 49 ahead. But the real battle began only on the final day. Virat Kohli smashed a rapid 104* fully aware of the fact that with the sun in Kolkata setting very early, India would have very few overs to press for a win. India declared at 352 and set Sri Lanka a highly unlikely 231 for victory.

At tea, Sri Lanka were already 2/2 with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dictating terms with the new ball. Soon, that became 22/4 with even Angelo Mathews gone as Umesh Yadav joined in the fun. Niroshan Dickwella swung his bat – and even indulged in heated words with Shami – but three quick wickets left it to the tail to negotiate India's fired up pacers. Sri Lanka attempted to send their physio onto the pitch to cause a delay, but the umpires would not allow it. In the end, it was dark enough to call it a day, drawing to a close a remarkable Test match.