India moved to 460 for nine in 116 overs at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, after rain allowed only a shortened day of play on Sunday.
Devdutt Padikkal remained the centre of India’s innings with 167 from 230 balls, while Dhruv Jurel made a useful 51 lower down the order. Their runs helped Shubman Gill’s side build a strong first-innings total despite the long weather interruption.
Rain delays start in Galle
The day began with persistent rain in Galle, where umbrellas, puddles and dark clouds set the tone for the morning. The entire first session was lost. Ground staff worked repeatedly to keep the surface and outfield ready, but the weather kept interrupting their efforts.
India had resumed at 288 for two and needed to make quick progress, especially with more rain forecast for the coming days. Play eventually began at 2.35 p.m., giving both teams a reduced window to influence the match.
Before the start, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak inspected the outfield. Bowling coach Morne Morkel was also seen with Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten. Just when play seemed close to restarting, another spell of rain briefly forced the players back.
Padikkal carries India forward
Once play resumed, India looked to push the scoring rate. Padikkal, already well set, continued to bat with control. Rishabh Pant also tried to attack, striking left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya for a boundary.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva then turned to the new ball and used pace and spin together. Pant’s attacking approach did not last long, as he miscued a shot off Keshara Nuwantha.
K.L. Rahul returned to the crease but could not turn his start into a bigger score. He was dismissed by Nuwantha for 82 from 175 balls, an innings that included 10 fours and one six. The debutant off-spinner found turn and bounce, giving Sri Lanka some reward after a long wait.
Padikkal, however, kept India moving. He crossed 150 with a whipped boundary off Asitha Fernando and looked ready to shift gears with Jurel at the other end. His innings ended when he was stumped off Prabath for 167. He faced 230 balls and hit 15 fours and one six.
Jurel adds important lower-order runs
After Padikkal’s dismissal, India still had work to do to turn a good total into a commanding one. Ravindra Jadeja came in and played with intent, but he did not stay long.
Jurel then became the key figure in the lower order. He batted calmly and kept the runs coming, including a six off Nuwantha. With Manav Suthar, he helped India go well past 400 and reduced the chance of Sri Lanka quickly wrapping up the innings.
Jurel’s innings ended on 51 from 68 balls, with four fours and one six. He was caught sharply by Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip after prodding at Prabath. By then, his contribution had already strengthened India’s position.
Mohammed Siraj arrived late in the day and added some entertainment, hitting a six while also playing and missing. Sri Lanka continued to chip away at the tail, but India reached stumps with one wicket still in hand.
Weather remains a factor
The score of 460 for nine gives India a substantial first-innings total, but the match situation is closely tied to the weather in Galle. With more rain expected, every session from here could become important.
For Sri Lanka, the focus on Day 3 will be to take the final Indian wicket quickly and then begin their reply without losing early ground. For India, the runs from Padikkal, Rahul and Jurel have given the bowlers a large total to work with in the opening Test.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.