The conditions at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium have worked in favour of the spinners and the home side has exploited them well to put a powerful Indian batting line-up on the backfoot, not once but twice in the series so far.
It was Vandersay's first international appearance since the start of the year and just his 16th match for his country since the completion of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in England in 2019, and it only came about due to an injury to first-choice spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
In a game where the fortunes swung back and forth, India seemed to be heading towards a win after Shivam Dube smashed Wanindu Hasaranga for a six in the 47th over followed by a four in the next over by Charith Asalanka.
In Rishabh’s absence due to a horrific accident, KL donned the role in the 50-overs format for a significant period in 2023, including the ICC Men’s cricket World Cup at home and the subsequent South Africa tour.
With Pat Cummins staying at home due to death of his mother Maria last week, batter Steve Smith will continue to lead Australia in their three-match ODI series against India, which will start on March 17 onwards.
However the selectors did not name any vice-captain for the next two tests. This position was held by Rahul in the first two tests.
In terms of bowling, India have done well to take wickets in a heap in the middle overs and make some strikes in the first ten overs, something which was lacking in the series against South Africa.
Liton Das and Tamim Iqbal then opened the batting for Bangladesh and it soon became evident that Zimbabwe bowlers had their task cut out
Chasing 258 to win, England finished with 260/2 in 44.3 overs as India's streak of nine consecutive bilateral series' wins came to a halt.
Sharma led the tourists with a fine knock before Kuldeep returned figures of 4/51 .
