Sri Lanka's Dilruwan Perera digs deep to hold off India in 1st Test

Dilruwan Perera struck a defiant 90 not out as Sri Lanka tottered to 289-8 at lunch on the third day of the first Test against India at Galle on Friday.

Lahiru Kumara (two) was the other not out batsman, with the hosts needing 111 runs to avoid a follow-on after India made 600 in their first innings, their biggest total in Sri Lanka.

Angelo Mathews was the only other batsman who impressed, making a fine 83 off 130 balls.

The hosts are down to 10 men with all-rounder Asela Gunaratne ruled out of the match and the rest of the series due to a broken thumb.

(AFP)