A series dominated by the bat was in the end comprehensively won 2-0 by India. Both Sri Lanka and India declared an innings over 700 in what was a series run fest – mainly for India though.
After the 1st test was drawn with 1598 runs scored for the loss of just 21 wickets you could be forgiven for thinking that this would be the theme throughout the whole series, benign pitches offering no assistance to bowlers with batsman dominated tame draws.
This seemed to still be the case after India posted a massive 1st innings 642 in the 2nd test at Kanpur. Then enter the returning Sreesanth to turn the match and the series with a fine 5 for 75, bowling Sri Lanka out for 229. After enforcing the follow-on, India again bolwed out Sri Lanka for under 300 and won by a massive innings and 144 runs.
This was the breaking point for Sri Lanka who never recovered from that defeat and were again soundly beaten by an innings and 24 runs in the 3rd test from Mumbai.
This test will long be remebered though for a remarkable innings from Virender Sehwag who scored 293 runs from just 254 balls. Sehwag innings was the highest by an Indian in a day, beating his own previous best. He ended up as man of the series with 491 runs at an average of just under 123.
In completing a 2-0 series win, India now also top the ICC Test Rankings, taking over from South Africa. How long they stay there depends on results elsewhere as they have only two tests against Bangladesh between now and October next year.
South Africa could overtake them within six weeks if they beat England by two clear tests, if not Australia could reclaim it with home and away (in England) series wins over Pakistan and series wins over both New Zealand and the current West Indies one, all played before India’s next proper contest in October.
