Paddikals’ Century takes India to post 300/5 in Colombo on Day 1

Colombo (Sri Lanka) : India produced another strong batting performance on the opening day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), finishing the day on 300 for five after being asked to bat first. The highlight of the day was Devdutt Padikkal, who continued his outstanding form in the series by scoring another century in the series.

After his magnificent 167 in the first Test at Galle, Padikkal once again showed excellent temperament and control against the Sri Lankan attack. India did suffer early setbacks after  KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed during the first session, with India reaching 88/2 at lunch. Paddikal then joined Shubman Gill and rebuilt the innings. Gill contributed a valuable half-century and also completed 3,000 Test runs, becoming the fourth-youngest Indian to reach the landmark.  There was also concern for India when Rishabh Pant was hit on the wrist and retired hurt during the afternoon session.

Rishabh  Pant’s  condition will be closely monitored by the Indian team management. Sri Lanka fought back through their pace attack, with Asitha Fernando among the successful bowlers. He later dismissed Ravindra Jadeja for 43, leaving India at 296/5 before the close. At stumps, India were 300/5, with Dhruv Jurel unbeaten on 7. India will look to build a big first-innings total on Day 2 and strengthen their position in the Test. India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after their 165-run victory in Galle. A victory in Colombo would give India a 2-0 series sweep                                                                                                                                                                                           (NewsOnRadar.com   Sports Correspondent Tilak Raj’s Report from  Colombo).   

• Tilak Raj was honoured by  Lions Club Hyderabd, early this week)