Day 2 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India was largely hampered by rain at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, with the entire opening session washed out before play finally resumed in the afternoon.
After the lengthy rain delay, play got underway at around 2.35 PM, with 43 overs scheduled for the remainder of the day. Sri Lanka made an immediate impact following the resumption, with off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha claiming his maiden Test wicket just six overs into the session by dismissing Rishabh Pant.
KL Rahul, who had retired hurt on 77 on Day 1 due to muscle cramps, returned to the crease following Pant’s dismissal. However, his stay was brief as Nuwantha struck again, removing Rahul after he added just five runs to his overnight score.
Sri Lanka then secured their biggest breakthrough of the day when Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed centurion Devdutt Padikkal. The left-hander, who had looked in complete control, was stumped by a flatter delivery from Jayasuriya after a magnificent 167, falling short of what could have been a well-deserved double century.
Nuwantha continued to impress after the Tea break, claiming his third wicket of the innings when he dismissed Ravindra Jadeja. Dhruv Jurel and Manav Suthar then joined forces and put together a valuable 55-run partnership, taking India past the 400-run mark.
Jurel went on to complete a well-made half-century before a stunning catch by Dhananjaya de Silva brought his innings to an end. Mohammed Siraj attempted to attack but was dismissed by Asitha Fernando, while Suthar fell to Jayasuriya off the very next delivery.
India continued to bat with the final pair at the crease, successfully surviving the last 17 balls of the day to finish on 460/9.
