Makeshifts make a difference

Considering this, they fronted up well enough under the circumstances. Malinga was probably a little quicker than they expected, and on a pitch with some early life and the batsmen looking a tad jittery against the bounce, there was early notice of what is needed with the Pakistan tour looming.

Now figures of 2-62 in 18 overs may not be too impressive in terms of return. After all, he does have a Test career best of 5-80, has bruised a few ribs and knuckles, and has had batsmen duck often enough. But he is the Pakistan equation in this Sri Lanka side and there were times when the top-order were troubled as much by pace as bounce.

Sweeping through the top-order with the wickets of makeshift captain Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, the latter bowled by one that sliced back, was some reward for a lengthy first spell of 12 overs while giving away 49 runs. It was his partner, Farveez Maharoof who bowled with economical line and length.

Had Malinga hit the right length, India could have been in bigger trouble. The top-order without Rahul Dravid in support, were crumbling and the way Kaif threw it away, gave the impression that the responsibility of being Sourav Ganguly8217;s replacement might be a little too much.

He does skid the ball through at some pace and the bounce was enough to disturb the batting of some of the top Indian batsmen. But the question of whether he was brought in a Test too late in this truncated series will always remain.

Sri Lankan team management are not saying whether he is a replacement for Dilhara Fernando, also down with fever or Maharoof was brought in for the lanky Fernando.

While it was expected that Muralitharan would conjure the extra trick or two, his three wickets were bought at a higher cost than you would expect; and what does that say about the claims that this was a 8217;Murali pitch8217;. A good bit of thumb sucking that one.

You could almost see though, the grimace on Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu8217;s face when he called wrong and India was given first use of the pitch. But with India8217;s support struts all but kicked away with the score at 97-5 at the end of the 37th over, he would have felt a might happier he didn8217;t have to make the choice.

Perhaps, bowlers with a little more experience might have created more problems for India, but they have done a creditable job so far.

Motera moments

Sri Lanka came into this match with a depleted bowling attack. Chaminda Vaas, who has been in prime form during this series, was missing from action. But the Lankans despite handicap had a plan and their bowlers stuck to the brief and delivered.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR: The compulsive puller and hooker was repeatedly fed fast moving bouncers outside the off-stump by Lasitha Malinga. Gambhir connected a few, but finally faltering. Caught at mid-on mistiming a hook shot

VIRENDER SEHWAG: Before lunch Sehwag was constantly invited to play his booming drives outside the off-stump. The opener hit a few to the stumps but got a special ball just after lunch. His defence was penetrated by a fast-incoming delivery

SACHIN TENDULKAR: A classic 8216;crafty Murali8217; dismissal. Tendulkar milks a number singles square of the wicket as Murali maintains a middle-leg line. With Tendulkar familiar with the pattern, comes the surprise ball. This one is pitched on off-stump and climbs. Tendulkar attempting another single towards square ballons the ball to forward short leg

MS DHONI: Dhoni repeatedly steps out to hit out at Murali8217;s tossed up delivery, rocking back to cut and pull when the balls are short. Murali keeps altering the length until Dhoni is foxed. His final ball is a tossed up one at a fullish length that Dhoni misjudges. He opts to go on backfoot and misses. Ball hits pad in front of the stumps