IND vs SL, 2nd Test: Padikkal’s second successive ton puts India in control on Day 1
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "IND vs SL, 2nd Test: Padikkal’s second successive ton puts India in control on Day 1")
India's Devdutt Padikkal celebrates after scoring a century Photograph: (AFP)
Devdutt Padikkal struck his second successive century to put India in control on Day 1 in Colombo, with his 117 rescuing the visitors from early trouble before Sri Lanka hit back late in the day and Rishabh Pant suffered an injury.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his second century of the series as India recovered from a shaky start to finish the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in a strong position. His 117 anchored the innings after India lost KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, with Shubman Gill also scoring a half-century as the visitors ended the day on 300 for five after winning the toss and opting to bat.
Sri Lanka picked up two wickets in the final session, giving themselves some hope for the second day. However, India will be confident of building a big first-innings total, especially with batting conditions expected to be better on day two.
Sri Lanka will look to remove India’s lower order quickly and make the most of the assistance available to their bowlers.
India faced a few setbacks during the day, as Gill was dismissed soon after reaching his fifty, while Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being hit on the left forearm by Lahiru Kumara.
Padikkal was also dismissed shortly before the second new ball, but his century had already put India firmly in control.
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Padikkal makes Sri Lanka pay
Padikkal was given an early life when Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped him at backward point when he was on one. The batter made full use of the opportunity and grew in confidence as his innings progressed.
He brought up his fifty with a powerful pull against Kumara and showed good patience by leaving deliveries outside off stump. Padikkal reached his second century of the series before Keshara Nuwantha dismissed him.
The bowler got one to turn away sharply after pitching. Padikkal played back to the delivery, missed it completely and was bowled. He scored 117 from 193 balls, hitting 12 fours, before leaving the field.
With Padikkal gone just before the second new ball, Sri Lanka will have a chance to put pressure on India’s lower order. India, meanwhile, will aim to add plenty of runs and build a total strong enough to put them in a position where they may only need to bat once.
