'Test cricket won': Shubman Gill after Sri Lanka force draw in Colombo

NEW DELHI: India captain Shubman Gill said “Test cricket won today” after Sri Lanka fought hard to force a draw in the second Test in Colombo on Thursday. India had controlled much of the match and were in a strong position to push for victory.

However, Sonal Dinusha produced another outstanding innings, scoring his second century of the match and staying unbeaten as Sri Lanka survived 154 overs.

The result saw India finish the two-Test series with a 1-0 victory.

‘We did everything that we can’

Gill said India made every possible effort during Sri Lanka’s long second innings but could not break through their resistance.

“We fielded for about 150 overs, we did everything that we can. I don’t think we could have done anything differently. Keeping the weather in mind, we could talk about these things (enforcing follow-on) only in hindsight.

“You take the best decision you can in the moment and something didn’t go our way. But it was a brilliant game and I think Test cricket won today,” Gill said after the match here on Thursday.

Gill also gave credit to Sri Lanka for their fightback and said India could learn from the way the hosts responded under pressure.

“A lot of positives for us, learning from the opposition. The way they came back, it was tremendous to see. I don’t think we could have done things differently. They bowled brilliantly in this game.”

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Gill backs Suthar

Gill also spoke highly of left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and backed him to play an important role for India in the future.

“How well he releases the ball, I think he’s going to be crucial for us in the upcoming years,” Gill said.