Ahmedabad, Dec 19: India wrested control of the third cricket Test against Sri Lanka with V V S Laxman ensuring a good first innings total and Harbhajan Singh picking four quick wickets on the second day here today. Laxman struck 104 and joined Irfan Pathan, who made 82, to take India to a healthy first innings score of 398 at the Motera ground. 

It was then the turn of Harbhajan to steal the thunder, the off-spinner sending back four Lankan batsmen in the space of 30 balls, two of them in successive balls, to leave the visitors tottering at 131 for five at close on an extended day's play. 

'Katradhu Tamizh' Ram's next Diwali in Suburbs Rajini Still In A Dilemma! அஜீத் பேட்டி? ராம் இயக்கத்தில் சேரன்? கமல் பாராட்டிய டைட்டில்்

Laxman played the sheet anchor's role to perfection and batted almost till lunch after which the Indian tail wagged vigorously until being dismissed 40 minutes before tea. 

Sri Lanka's first essay was wrecked by Harbhajan who dismissed captain Marvan Atapattu (40), Mahela Jayawardene (0), Thilan Samaraweera (1), who foiled the Indian bowler's hat-trick attempt, and Kumar Sangakkara (41) while giving away just nine runs in 11 overs. 

Lanka, comfortably placed at 74 for one at one stage, slumped to 105 for five in just over ten overs after the Punjab bowler came on to bowl in the 20th over of the innings. 

At stumps, Tillekaratne Dilshan was batting on 27 with Jehan Mubarak on 11. The visitors were 68 runs short of avoiding the follow-on on a wicket showing signs of sharp turn and bounce. Overall, they trail India by 267 runs with five wickets in hand. (Agencies)

Published: Monday, December 19, 2005