India reached a formidable 460 for 9 (Padikkal 167, Rahul 82, Jurel 51, Jayasuriya 4-109, Nuwantha 3-175) by the close of a rain-affected second day of the Test match against Sri Lanka. Play was restricted to just 43 overs due to the weather, but India’s batting lineup continued to build on their overnight total of 288 for 2. Padikkal, meanwhile, continued from where he left off, using the depth of the crease against spin and then brought up his 150 with a nonchalant flick off Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack saw a significant turnaround after taking the second new ball seven overs into the day. Keshara Nuwantha, who bowled an unbroken 16-over spell, proved particularly effective by finding sharp turn and natural variation. After Rishabh Pant fell early for an adventurous shot, Nuwantha claimed the wickets of KL Rahul, who was caught at bat-pad, and Ravindra Jadeja, who was trapped lbw. Nuwantha finished the day with figures of 3-175, while Prabath Jayasuriya added three wickets to his overnight tally to finish with 4-109.
At 377 for 6, any hopes Sri Lanka had of restricting India were put paid to by a 55-run stand between Jurel and Manav Suthar. Jurel hardly looked like he was there but you looked up at the scorecard and he was bringing up his 51 with another nudged single. The two disdainful pulls for four off Lahru Kumara stood out. Following Jurel's dismissal, India promoted Mohammed Siraj to accelerate the scoring; he struck a six off Nuwantha before falling to a slower ball from Asitha Fernando. Suthar was the final wicket to fall, caught at long-on off Jayasuriya just before the close of play.
Keshara NuwanthaDevdutt PadikkalDhruv JurelPrabath JayasuriyaIndiaSri LankaSri Lanka vs IndiaICC World Test ChampionshipIndia tour of Sri Lanka
