Gambhir Led India's Fightback Trail by 144 runs

Ahmedabad: Opener Gautam Gambhir led India's fightback to save the first Test after a world record sixth-wicket partnership of 351 helped Sri Lanka take control of the game on Thursday.

Gambhir was 74 not out as India reached 190 for two at close of play on day four after overnight batsmen Mahela Jayawardene (275) and Prasanna Jayawardene (154 not out) extended their record stand to help Sri Lanka take a first innings lead of 334.

Sri Lanka, ranked second behind South Africa in the official test rankings, declared their first innings 40 minutes after lunch at 760 for seven, giving themselves a chance of winning a Test in India for the first time.

Gambhir put on 81 for the opening wicket with Virender Sehwag who slammed a chancy 51 and 88 with first-inning centurion Rahul Dravid (38) for the next but India face an uphill task, still 144 runs behind.

Nightwatchman Amit Mishra (12) was keeping Gambhir company after Dravid fell leg-before to Chanaka Welegedara.

Sehwag blasted seven boundaries before falling tamely when he top-edged left-arm spinner Rangana Herath to be caught at mid-on.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene, 204 overnight, fell after lunch while his namesake Prasanna recorded a career-best effort to help Sri Lanka (591 for 5 overnight) post the highest innings score in India by any team.

Brief scores
India: 426 and 190 for 2 (Gambhir 74*, Sehwag 51)
Sri Lanka: 760 for 7 dec (Jayawardene 275, Prasanna 154*, Dilshan 112)
Status: Sri Lanka lead by 144 runs

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