India remained firmly in control of the first Test against Sri Lanka after reaching 460/9 at the end of a rain-affected second day at the Galle International Stadium. The visitors had started the day at 288/2, but persistent monsoon rain washed out the entire morning session and reduced the available playing time to just 43 overs.

Once play finally resumed in the afternoon, India continued to build on their strong overnight position. Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer, while Sri Lanka’s spinners managed to fight back later in the day and prevent the visitors from completely running away with the game.

Devdutt Padikkal continues magnificent innings

Resuming his innings on 131, Padikkal showed no signs of slowing down despite the lengthy interruption. The left-hander batted with authority and composure, regularly finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries as he moved deeper into his innings.

Padikkal eventually brought up a magnificent 167 off 230 deliveries before Prabath Jayasuriya ended his marathon stay at the crease. His innings provided India with a crucial foundation and ensured the visitors maintained control despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Sri Lanka fight back as India lose key wickets

Rishabh Pant, who resumed on 27, could add only 12 more runs before falling for 39. The wicketkeeper-batter attempted to attack debutant Keshara Nuwantha but was dismissed, giving the young spinner his first major breakthrough of the innings. KL Rahul, who had retired hurt with cramps on the opening day, returned to the crease and looked set to complete a well-deserved century.

However, his innings ended agonisingly short of the milestone as he was dismissed for 82. The wickets triggered a brief middle-order wobble, allowing Sri Lanka’s spinners to build pressure. Nuwantha emerged as the pick of the bowlers, while Jayasuriya also played a major role in restricting India’s scoring rate.

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Dhruv Jurel’s gritty fifty keeps India in control

Despite the collapse, Dhruv Jurel provided India with important lower-order resistance. The wicketkeeper-batter played patiently against the Sri Lankan spinners and ensured that the visitors continued to add valuable runs. Jurel eventually reached a gritty half-century, scoring 51 to frustrate Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. His contribution proved particularly important after India lost several established batters in quick succession.

Nuwantha finished the day with figures of 3/175, while Prabath claimed four wickets for 109 runs. However, despite their late fightback, Sri Lanka could not prevent India from reaching 460/9 by stumps. With India just one wicket away from completing their first innings, the visitors remain firmly in the driver’s seat heading into Day 3.

Day 2, Stumps

India: 460/9 in 116 overs, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel played vital knocks ✌️#SLvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QJ9dMiicac

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