India reaches 447-8 against Sri Lanka at stumps of rain-affected day 2 of 1st test

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GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Devdutt Padikkal’s career-best 167 put India in command of the first test against Sri Lanka as it reached 447-8 (113 overs) in its first innings on day two Sunday.

Padikkal’s maiden test century was again central to India’s innings, with Lokesh Rahul also scoring 82 and Dhruv Jurel contributing 51 runs.

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took 4-109, while debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha took 3-175.

Rain postponed the start of play, washing out the entire morning session and much of the second. The weather relented in the afternoon with just over three hours of play possible on the second day.

India had reached 288-2 on day one, after it won the toss and opted to bat in the 50th test at Galle.

When play resumed after the long delay, Rishabh Pant (39) attacked the bowling but only managed to throw away his wicket. He became Nuwantha’s first test wicket.

His dismissal brought out Rahul who had retired hurt on day one owing to cramps. In the meantime, Padikkal crossed 150 off 215 balls.

Rahul had scored 77 on day one, but couldn’t manage much longer and was out caught at short leg off Nuwantha again.

He also trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw for 13, while Jayasuriya sent back Padikkal – out stumped – in the 92nd over as India slipped to 377-7. It lost four wickets for 70 runs since play restarted, losing two wickets on either side of the tea break.

Jurel and Manav Suthar steadied the innings again, adding 55 off 66 balls as India crossed 400 in the final session, though Jayasuriya dismissed Jurel after he scored 50 off 66 balls.

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