Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag bats during the second day of the second cricket Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Galle, about 95 kilometres (59 miles) south of Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. - AP

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP):

Offspinner Harbhajan Singh claimed four quick Sri Lanka wickets in the final session yesterday as India took back the upper hand after two days of a fluctuating second Test.

Sri Lanka were 215-5 in their first innings at stumps on day two, replying to India's 329.

The hosts lost opener Michael Vandort in the first over before Malinda Warnapura and Kumar Sangakkara batted aggressively in a 133-run partnership for the second wicket.

The comfort of 126-1 at tea was rapidly replaced by the precarious position at stumps as Singh spun India back towards the win they need to square the three-Test series and repair some damaged pride after a humiliating first Test defeat.

"We did well today but would have been happy to have got another 100 runs on the board," Singh said. "If we take another one or two wickets within the first half hour (today) we have a good chance to control this match."

Early momentum needed

Sri Lanka manager Charith Senanayake also said his team needed some early momentum on the third day.

"We are hopeful if we can get a good partnership going we are back in the game. It's going to be a close call," Senanayake said.

Earlier, spinner Ajantha Mendis (6-117) claimed a five-wicket haul in just his second Test to end India's first innings, which was highlighted by an imperious double century from opener Virender Sehwag.

"I am happy that I was able to take a five-wicket haul in my second Test match," Mendis said. "I knew that the batsmen were planning to attack me and that I should not lose heart when I get hit around."

Sehwag was 201 not out when India's last wicket fell at lunch on the second day, bringing up the right-hander's fifth Test double century. He also passed the 5,000 career Test runs milestone in his 59th match. He amassed his double century from just 231 deliveries, studded with 22 fours and four sixes.