The recently concluded Test Series between India and Sri Lanka which ended in a 1-1 tie, a result more in India's favour was crafted by three of India's finest batsman and a debutant.
Sachin Tendulkar:- Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar yet again proved he is the number one batsman of all time with yet another strong performance in this series. Sachin Tendulkar with 390 runs in this series was the highest run getter for India. Sachin's runs have come at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 55 plus which is good for a top order batsman. Though Sachins valiant knock of 84 vent in vain in the first test, his brilliant double century in the second test ensured that India stayed in the series which they eventually won.
Sehwag:- Sachin's successor in many ways had a brilliant series. Sehwag finished second to Sachin with 348 runs averaging a healthy 69.60, but he literally turned the match for India in the third test with a crucial century and more importantly vital break throughs. Sehwag infact was the joint highest wicket taker for India with 7 wickets. While pace spearhead Ishant Sharms 7 wickets have come at an average of 61.71 and a economy rate of 4.36 runs per over Sehwag more of a part timer was brilliant with a bowling average of 27.57 and a economy rate of 3.27 runs per over. Sehwag rightly was chosen as Man of Series because he made the biggest impact in this series.
V V S Laxman:- While Laxman would be remembered for match winning and series levelling century he was consistent through out the series. Laxmans 279 runs have come at an average of 69.75 an indication of consistency throughout the series. Laxman played crucial knocks throughout the series before donning the role of terminator on the final day of the third test.
Suresh Raina: In the second test he played the perfect foil to Sachin during that epic double century helping himself to a century on debut and more importantly saving the match for India and when he came to the crease with India needing about 80 odd for a win he supported Laxman brilliantly to seal the match for India.
There were contributions from many others in the series in the form of crucial runs from tail enders but Sachin, Sehwag, Laxman and Raina were largely responsible in ensuring a tied series.