IND vs SL 2nd Test: Sarfaraz Khan’s “Don’t Waste Time” Sledging Steals Spotlight as Dhruv Jurel Keeps Wickets for Injured Pant; Rain Interrupts Play Twice

The third day of the Colombo Test between India and Sri Lanka witnessed several important moments, but Sarfaraz Khan’s amusing exchange with Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva became one of the biggest talking points.

India had declared their first innings at 503/9 on Day 2. In reply, Sri Lanka reached 265/8 by the end of Day 3, with rain interrupting play twice.

Sarfaraz Khan’s “I Haven’t Come to Waste Time” Remark

Sarfaraz Khan, who was not part of India’s playing XI, was deployed as a substitute fielder at short leg and silly point.

During an over from Manav Suthar, Dhananjaya de Silva appeared to indicate a distraction near the sight screen before facing the delivery. Sarfaraz responded from his fielding position, telling the Sri Lankan captain to focus on the bowler and continue playing.

The stump microphone captured Sarfaraz saying, “I haven't come here to waste time”, along with a playful warning not to be scared. Dhananjaya did not appear to respond.

Dhruv Jurel Takes Over Wicketkeeping Duties

India also made a change behind the stumps on Day 3. Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties after Rishabh Pant was unable to keep wickets because of his injury.

Pant had hurt his wrist while batting on the opening day and retired hurt before returning on Day 2 to score a valuable 63 runs. He was later seen with an ice pack on his shoulder while sitting near the boundary.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara Scores Maiden Test Fifty

Sri Lanka's Pasindu Sooriyabandara registered the first half-century of his Test career. He reached the milestone against Ravindra Jadeja.

Sooriyabandara made his Test debut during the first Test in Galle as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal. His fifty in Colombo therefore came in only his second Test innings.

Sonal Dinusha Creates a Special Record

Sonal Dinusha continued his impressive start to Test cricket against India by scoring his third consecutive fifty-plus innings.

He has become only the second Sri Lankan batter to score 50 or more in each of his first three Test innings against India, following Duleep Mendis, who achieved the feat during Sri Lanka's 1982 tour of India.

Dinusha has also joined an exclusive group of batters to score 50-plus in each of their first three Test innings.

Rain Interrupts Colombo Test Twice

Rain once again played a major role in the Colombo Test. The start of the second session was delayed following the lunch break, while another shower interrupted proceedings during the third session.

Play was scheduled to continue until 5:42 PM, but rain forced an early stoppage at 5:12 PM. The umpires subsequently called an end to the day's play at 5:15 PM.

IND vs SL 2nd Test Day 3: Key Highlights

India: 503/9 declared in the first innings.

Sri Lanka: 265/8 at the end of Day 3.

Sarfaraz Khan: Entertained with stump-mic sledging while fielding as a substitute.

Dhruv Jurel: Took over wicketkeeping duties for the injured Rishabh Pant.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara: Scored his maiden Test fifty.

Sonal Dinusha: Registered his third consecutive Test fifty-plus score.

Rain: Interrupted play twice and brought the day's action to an early close.