GALLE, AUG 16 (IANS): India’s opening Test against Sri Lanka at Galle saw a rain curtailed second day dominated by Devdutt Padikkal’s career best 167, which anchored the visitors to 460/9 in 116 overs despite a spirited spin fightback from the hosts. Heavy showers wiped out the first session and a half, restricting play to just 43 overs, but India still managed to add 172 runs in the shortened day.
Resuming at 288/2 after a washed out morning, Padikkal continued his marathon innings with patience and controlled aggression, becoming only the third Indian No.3 after Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara to score 150 plus against Sri Lanka. His knock, laced with 15 boundaries and a six, ended when Prabath Jayasuriya deceived him with a flatter delivery, stumped by Niroshan Dickwella.
KL Rahul contributed 82, returning to bat after retiring hurt on Saturday, while Dhruv Jurel added a breezy 51, partnering Manav Suthar in a 55 run stand. Rishabh Pant chipped in with 39 before falling to debutant off spinner Keshara Nuwantha, who impressed with three wickets.
Sri Lanka’s spinners found encouragement with the second new ball. Jayasuriya finished with 4/109, while Nuwantha’s sharp turn and bounce accounted for Rahul and Jadeja.
The hosts maintained discipline, slowing India’s momentum in the middle session. Yet India’s lower order resisted: Jurel’s fluent strokeplay pushed the score past 400, while Suthar struck confidently before being dismissed for 24.
Mohammed Siraj entertained briefly with a six before holing out, and Kuldeep Yadav (12) with Prasidh Krishna (1) survived the final overs.
India lost seven wickets in the day but remain well placed, with the possibility of an overnight declaration to press for early breakthroughs.
The pitch offered more assistance than expected to spinners, giving Sri Lanka hope of a fightback. Still, Padikkal’s commanding innings stood out as the backbone of India’s effort, earning him a standing ovation from teammates and crowd alike.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Jayasuriya and debutant Nuwantha, ensured India did not run away with the game, but the visitors’ batting depth kept them ahead.
With rain delays, disciplined spin, and flashes of brilliance from both sides, the contest remains delicately poised heading into day three.
Brief Scores: India 460/9 in 116 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82; Prabath Jayasuriya 4-109, Keshara Nuwantha 3-175) against Sri Lanka