India Take Strong Control of Second Test Against Sri Lanka
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
COLOMBO: India strengthened their position in the second Test against Sri Lanka after declaring at 503-9 and then taking two early wickets to leave the hosts at 8-2 at the end of the second day.
India’s innings was led by Dhruv Jurel, who scored an unbeaten 115 to register his second Test century. His innings helped India build a substantial first-innings lead on a rain-affected day at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
Sri Lanka still trail India by 495 runs with eight wickets remaining in their first innings.
Jurel Leads India’s Charge
India resumed their innings on 300-5 after the opening day. Jurel and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant then added 112 runs for the seventh wicket.
Pant scored 63 despite continuing to deal with discomfort after being struck on the forearm on the first day. His innings included six fours and two sixes.
Pant was dismissed shortly after lunch while attempting to clear the long-off fielder.
Jurel reached his century after a brief nervous moment on 99. He completed the milestone with a single and finished unbeaten on 115 from 177 deliveries, including nine fours and two sixes.
Prasidh Krishna then struck a boundary to take India beyond the 500-run mark, after which the visitors declared their innings at 503-9.
Sri Lanka Lose Two Early Wickets
Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a difficult start.
Lahiru Udara was dismissed for one after Yashasvi Jaiswal completed an excellent catch at third slip.
Prabath Jayasuriya was sent in as a nightwatchman but was dismissed for two after being trapped leg before wicket by Suthar.
The dismissal came on the final ball of the day, with bad light bringing play to an early close.
Sri Lanka finished the day at 8-2 after three overs, leaving India firmly in control.
Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando acknowledged that his team was under pressure and hoped the batting lineup could spend a full day at the crease in the next session.
Fernando Leads Sri Lanka Bowling
Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, taking 4-106.
Prabath Jayasuriya claimed two wickets, while Kumara and Nuwantha also took two wickets each.
With Pant unable to take the gloves because of his forearm injury, Jurel took over as wicketkeeper when Sri Lanka began their innings.
Score Summary
India 1st innings: 503-9 declared
Top scorers: Dhruv Jurel 115*, Devdutt Padikkal 117, Rishabh Pant 63, Shubman Gill 50
Sri Lanka 1st innings: 8-2
Kusal Mishara: 5*
Prabath Jayasuriya: 2
Sri Lanka will resume their first innings on the third day, while India will look to press their advantage and move closer to a strong position in the Test.
