Galle: Devdutt Padikkal’s electrifying innings of 167 and Dhruv Jurel’s crucial 51 guided India brilliantly as they finished rain-hit Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in a commanding position, reaching 460/9 after 116 overs, despite losing seven wickets during the day. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit bounced back strongly in the final two sessions at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 16 August.
The rain delay forced play to start only at 2:35 PM local time. India resumed at a commanding 288/2 and added 172 valuable runs before the stumps. Devdutt Padikkal continued his sensational form with a magnificent 167 off 230 balls, narrowly missing out on a double century, while Dhruv Jurel’s counter-attacking 51 helped India maintain control and post a strong total despite a determined fightback and improved bowling effort from the hosts. Sri Lanka managed to claim seven wickets, including the crucial dismissals of well-set overnight batters Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul early in the day. India eventually reached 460/9 after 116 overs at the stumps on Day 2, with Kuldeep Yadav (12) and Prasidh Krishna (1) remaining unbeaten when play was called off.
Heavy rain and a wet outfield washed out the entire morning session, with play finally resuming at 2:35 PM local time. Resuming on an unbeaten 131, Padikkal was joined by Rishabh Pant, who was unbeaten on 27. However, India suffered two early setbacks as both Pant and KL Rahul lost their wickets. Pant was dismissed for 39 off 62 balls after debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha bowled a delivery that tempted Rishabh Pant to play a big shot, with Sonal Dinusha completing a fine catch at mid-off. After Pant’s wicket, KL Rahul returned to the crease after retiring hurt on 77 due to cramps on Day 1. However, he managed only five more runs to his overnight score before being dismissed for 82. Nuwantha extracted sharp turn and bounce to break through Rahul’s defence, with Nishan Madushka taking a fine catch at short leg. The crucial wickets provided Sri Lanka with a valuable opening and gave the hosts a much-needed boost as they looked to build pressure on India. Then Dhruv Jurel joined Devdutt Padikkal, who resumed on a stunning unbeaten 131. Padikkal continued his impressive performance at No. 3 and successfully completed his spectacular maiden 150-plus Test score. With his 150-plus score, Padikkal became only the third Indian batter to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka from No. 3. He entered an elite group alongside Rahul Dravid, who scored 177 in Ahmedabad in 2009, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who made 153 in Galle in 2017. But unfortunately, Padikkal missed the chance to score a memorable double century as his brilliant innings came to an end when he stepped out against Prabath Jayasuriya but failed to make contact, allowing wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella to complete a sharp stumping. The left-hander smashed 15 fours and a six during his memorable knock, anchoring India’s innings and keeping the visitors in a commanding position. Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, finishing the day with impressive figures of 4/109. India went into the tea break at 364/5, After the break, India lost four more wickets as Sri Lanka continued their impressive bowling performance. Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw by Nuwantha for 13. However, Jurel produced a crucial counter-attacking innings against the spinners and successfully brought up his half-century off 68 balls, including four fours and a six. Jurel and Manav Suthar stitched together a valuable 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding India past the 400-run mark and providing a crucial lower-order contribution to strengthen India’s total. Jurel eventually fell after completing his half-century, scoring 51 off 68 balls. Sri Lanka’s captain Dhananjaya de Silva had earlier dropped a chance at first slip, missing an opportunity to dismiss Jurel when he was on 29. However, he made no mistake with the second opportunity, completing a stunning and difficult catch off the bowling of Jayasuriya. Manav Suthar played an impactful role, scoring 24 off 43 balls before falling. Then Mohammed Siraj chipped in with 11, leaving India nine wickets down. Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten on 12, with Prasidh Krishna on 1, as India reached 460/9 after 116 overs at the stumps.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit produced a strong fightback, taking seven wickets after enduring a difficult opening day. Jayasuriya led the attack with an impressive bowling performance, while Nuwantha also made a valuable contribution with three wickets. India’s batting produced a solid first-innings total, with the middle order playing a crucial role in building a substantial score, while valuable contributions from the lower middle and lower order took India closer to the 500-run mark. Now, on Day 3, Sri Lanka will look to wrap up India’s innings quickly before beginning their own first innings.
