Former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara gave credit to Sri Lankan batters for handling Manav Suthar with aplomb on the fourth day of the second Test match at Colombo on Wednesday. Suthar had to work hard for his wickets on the penultimate day of the Test match, returning with figures of 2-81 in 18 overs he bowled in the second innings.

The left-arm orthodox spinner returned with figures of 3-85 in 22 overs he bowled in the first innings. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis added 115 runs off 170 for the third wicket on the fourth day to add to the Indian team’s frustration.

Cheteshwar Pujara said on Cricinfo, “Credit to the Sri Lankan batters. As soon as he [Suthar] came on to bowl, they counter-attacked. They didn’t allow him to settle, didn’t allow him to bowl where he wanted to. They played some fantastic shots. They kept playing those slog-sweeps, especially Pasindu. So Manav will learn. When you are under pressure, you need to find answers.”

Pujara highlighted that Suthar was able to bounce back at the fag end of the day by learning his lessons.

“The good part about Manav was how he finished the day. He learnt his lessons. Made some adjustment in bowling. He went a little fuller, he went a little wider. So, those were some good lessons which he learnt in this particular innings. There was a difference between how he bowled between lunch and tea and after tea. And, I am sure, there was a role of the team management.”

Sri Lanka are currently 262-6, leading India by 49 runs on the fifth day’s morning. Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha are showing resistance for the hosts.