India strengthened their position in the first Test against Sri Lanka despite a heavily disrupted day in Galle, reaching 460 for 9 at stumps after adding 172 runs to their overnight total. Persistent rain resulted in 55 overs being lost, leaving both teams with limited time to push for a result.
Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive innings after reaching a century on the previous day, eventually making 167, while Dhruv Jurel produced a valuable half-century. However, debutant Keshara Nuwantha claimed three wickets to give Sri Lanka renewed hope during the second half of the day’s play.
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Rain Delays India’s Start
The weather caused a major setback before play could even begin, with the day’s action getting underway almost five hours later than scheduled because of rain and a wet outfield.
India resumed on 288 for 2 and initially made steady progress. Rishabh Pant looked positive, pulling a short delivery through the mid-wicket region for a boundary as India moved beyond the 300-run mark.
However, Pant could not remain at the crease for long after the second new ball was introduced.
Attempting to attack Nuwantha by advancing down the pitch, Pant failed to make proper contact and picked out the mid-off fielder. His dismissal continued a frustrating pattern for India, with promising partnerships being interrupted when the visitors appeared to be in control.
Sri Lanka Fight Back With Regular Wickets
KL Rahul, who had retired hurt on Saturday because of cramps, returned to the crease but added only five runs to his overnight score.
Nuwantha again made the breakthrough, with Rahul attempting to work a turning delivery only to send it straight towards short leg.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers became increasingly disciplined with the new ball and began creating regular opportunities.
Padikkal had looked comfortable for much of his innings and appeared well placed to build an even bigger score. His resistance finally ended when Prabath Jayasuriya returned to the attack.
Padikkal advanced down the track against the spinner but missed a quicker delivery, allowing the wicketkeeper to complete a straightforward stumping. He departed for an excellent 167.
India suffered another setback when Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw by Nuwantha after playing down the wrong line, leaving the visitors at 377 for 6.
Sri Lanka had an opportunity to put India under even greater pressure when Jurel was dropped at slip by Dhananjaya de Silva on 29.
Jurel Leads Lower-Order Resistance
Jurel made the most of the reprieve and continued to play with confidence.
He and Manav Suthar put together an important partnership as Sri Lanka struggled to close out the Indian innings. The pair targeted Lahiru Kumara, taking advantage of inconsistent bowling and collecting three boundaries in one over.
Their 55-run stand took India beyond the 400 mark and provided valuable momentum on a pitch that offered some turn but remained largely manageable for the batsmen.
Jurel eventually completed his half-century, but his innings ended shortly afterwards. Dhananjaya made amends for his earlier dropped chance by producing an outstanding catch at slip.
The Indian lower order offered limited resistance after Jurel’s departure, although Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav added a few useful runs with aggressive strokes.
More importantly, India managed to retain one wicket, meaning Sri Lanka still had one final wicket to claim before beginning their own innings.
India Face Time Pressure
India’s total of 460 for 9 puts them in a strong position, but the weather has complicated their hopes of forcing a result.
Only three days remain in the Test, and further rain is forecast. With so much playing time already lost, India may need to move quickly if they are to put Sri Lanka under enough pressure to secure victory.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their late fightback, particularly the impact of Nuwantha and Jayasuriya.
Brief Scores
India 460/9: Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82, Dhruv Jurel 51; Prabath Jayasuriya 4-109, Keshara Nuwantha 3-175.
Sri Lanka: Yet to bat.
