Morning session: Sri Lanka 64 for one
If Pakistan’s request to the groundsmen for a pitch that is more conducive to spin has been heeded, then it is not apparent yet.
Misbah-ul-Haq, the captain, has bemoaned the lack of assistance Saeed Ajmal, his off-spinner, in particular has enjoyed from “home” conditions in the first two Tests.
Abdur Rehman, the left-arm spinner, was brought in to the starting XI for this Test in the hope there will be more assistance.
If the pitch does break up and turn later in the match, though, it is likely Pakistan who will bear the effects anyway, as they will likely bat last after Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss.
They had reached 64 for just the loss of Kaushal Silva by lunch, with Dimuth Karunaratne (34) and Kumar Sangakkara (12) the undefeated batsmen.
Afternoon session: Sri Lanka 133 for three
The sight of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene enjoying each other’s company on a rock solid batting wicket must be an intimidating one for bowlers.
However, just as they looked to be hatching another vast stand, Pakistan were afforded some unexpected respite when Sangakkara departed.
Given he rarely misses out against Pakistan and the fact he looked in prime touch here, the left-hander will have been livid with the limpness of his dismissal.
He chipped a soft catch to Khurram Manzoor at mid-wicket off Junaid Khan’s bowling when on 52. Meaning the bid to break his own Test best stand with Jayawardene - the world record 624 vs South Africa in 2006 - will have to wait for another day.
Evening session: Sri Lanka 220 for five
Yet another day of tortuously slow going in this series concluded with Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene remaining together at stumps.
Each required the benefit of visual aids to remain there, though. Jayawardene had a review successfully upheld after he was initially given out lbw against Saeed Ajmal.
His captain, Mathews, also survived after Pakistan requested a second viewing after an lbw for Abdur Rehman was turned down in the penultimate over of the day.
He was confirmed as not out - meaning Pakistan had made their 13th failed review in 14 attempts so far in this series.
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