India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 after Dhruv Jurel struck a century on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka here on Monday, putting the visitors in a commanding position.
Jurel scored 115 off 177 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, to register his second Test hundred before being dismissed in the post-tea session.
India batted for 138 overs in all, with Devdutt Padikkal also contributing a century as the visitors crossed the 500-run mark.
Jurel Delivers Under Pressure
Jurel underlined his credentials as a specialist Test batter with a composed innings that anchored India’s lower-middle order.
He and Rishabh Pant put together a crucial 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Pant was dismissed for 63 in the post-lunch session.
Manav Suthar also fell for 18 as Sri Lanka fought back, but Jurel stayed on to complete his hundred and push India towards a formidable total.
Rain Interrupts India’s Charge
India were 475 for 8 when heavy rain forced the umpires to call an early tea.
Jurel returned after the interruption and reached his century before eventually being dismissed in the post-tea session.
With India already holding a strong position, the visitors opted to declare at 503 for 9 after 138 overs, giving their bowlers the opportunity to attack Sri Lanka.
Fernando Leads Sri Lanka Attack
Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, finishing with four wickets for 106 runs.
Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka were unable to prevent India from posting a total above 500, with Padikkal and Jurel providing the two major individual contributions.
India will now look to use the substantial first-innings total to put pressure on the hosts in the second innings of the Colombo Test.
Brief Scores:
India: 503/9 declared in 138 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Dhruv Jurel 115; Asitha Fernando 4/106).
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