Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik were the only saving graces in India's practice match against SL Board XI.

Tendulkar top-scored with a belligerent 69, while wicketkeeper batsman Karthik sealed his spot for the first Test with a pain staking, unbeaten 58. None of the other batsmen mustered worthwhile practice as the visitors ended the day on 196 for 8, still 28 behind the Board XI total.

The Indians suffered some early set backs after a delayed start to the day's play when Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman returned to the pavillion in a procession to leave the team tottering at at 80 for five.

Tendulkar and Karthik set anchor to rescue a sinking ship. They added 62 runs for the sixth wicket.

Karthik, trying to seal his spot in the side was understandably more circumspect, knocking just six fours in his 105 balls vigil at the crease.