Sehwag leads Indian fightback

VIRENDER Sehwag led India's bold reply to Sri Lanka's first innings of 425 with an unbeaten 97 on the second day of the third and final Test yesterday.

Sehwag cracked 17 fours as India reached 180 for two. Sachin Tendulkar, making a record 169th test appearance, is unbeaten on 40.

Earlier, Thilan Samaraweera eased to a 12th test hundred and was unbeaten on 137 when Sri Lanka's final wicket fell.

Lasith Malinga gave Sri Lanka the breakthrough in the 11th over when Murali Vijay lofted an easy catch to mid-on with his score on 14.

Angelo Mathews then got rid of Rahul Dravid leg before wicket for 23, but in his next over he put down a hot return catch offered by Sehwag with his score then on 52. Sehwag and Tendulkar have so far added 88 for the third wicket.

Sri Lanka had lost their last four wickets for 44 runs after lunch, Ishant Sharma ending the innings with the wickets of Ajantha Mendis and Chanaka Welagedara. Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0.