Colombo, Aug 28 (IANS): Rain forced an early end of the first day's play of the third cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) here on Friday, with just about one hour's play possible.

India were 50/2 against Sri Lanka when rain interrupted play before lunch. Opening batsman Cheteshwar Pujara (19 not out) and captain Virat Kohli (14 not out) were at the crease after 15 overs of play. The game didn't resume after that as the rain poured frequently to ensure no more play was possible on the first day.

Earlier, India lost opener Lokesh Rahul (2) and Ajinkya Rahane (8) during the opening hour's play.

With the series tied 1-1, India didn't get the start they wanted. Right-hander Rahul left a right-arm pacer Dhammika Prasad delivery only to see it dart in and rattle his off stump in the second ball of the day.

The next to go was Rahane, who was plumb in front of the wicket against right-arm medium pacer Nuwan Pradeep. The ball was pitched up and Rahane played it across to miss the line completely.

Skipper Kohli was given got a life when he pushed an away going delivery from Pradeep only succeeding to edge it to the keeper Kusal Perera who dropped the chance. Kohli was batting on 4 then.

Later, Kolhi and Pujara, who was getting his first chance to play in the series, batted cautiously to ward off the danger posed by the Sri Lankan bowlers till rain poured down heavily and forced the umpires to call an early lunch.

India handed a Test debut to Madhya Pradesh wicketkeeper Naman Ojha, while glovesman Kusal Perera also made his first appearance for Sri Lanka.