Galle Test: Pandya's cameo help India post 600 in first inning

Debutant Hardik Pandya carried on the onslaught started by Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara as India posted a monstrous first inning-score of 600 in the opening Test of the three-match series at the Galle International Stadium here on Thursday.

Pandya, who got dropped early in his innings, used the opportunity and scored a blistering half-century of just 49 balls. His innings was studded with 5 fours and 3 sixes.

He was the last wicket to fall for the visitors as India have already taken the driver's seat in the ongoing Test. Earlier, starting the day at 399 for 3, overnight batsmen Pujara (153) and Ajinkya Rahane (57) got out early in the morning session that saw India lose four wickets.

However, all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin played a positive knock of 47 and helped the team inch towards a gigantic first inning-score.

Earlier on Day One, opener Shikhar Dhawan (190) and Pujara led India's carnage as the visitors scored 399 on the very first day.

Nuwan Pradeep was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers as he finished with figures of 6-132. This was Pradeep's first wicket-haul in Test matches.

Lahiru Kumara also took three wickets while skipper Rangana Herath took the remaining wicket.

-ANI