Devdutt Padikkal continued his sublime run by hitting a brilliant second Test century before Sri Lanka hit back late with the second new ball to restrict India to 300/5 in 85 overs at stumps on Day One of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Sunday.
Though Asitha Fernando’s three-wicket haul has kept Sri Lanka in the game, India are well-poised to get a big first-innings total, thanks to Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain unbeaten at the crease on seven and four respectively. Pant’s availability for the remainder of the match remains uncertain, though he was padded up later in the evening.
Earlier in the final session, India suffered a big blow when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after taking a sharp hit on a Lahiru Kumara bouncer to his left wrist.
Jurel then joined Jadeja, who was battling severe left-arm cramps and required multiple visits from the Indian team physio after being hit once there. Jadeja survived until the 85th over, when Asitha Fernando breached his defence with the second new ball through a picture-perfect inswinger from around the wicket, as the batter offered no shot.
