Padikkal century highlights India’s dominance with the bat

Dubai: India have continued to underline their dominance with the bat as Devdutt Padikkal’s superb run of form continued on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Padikkal struck 117 to help India finish the first day on 300-5 after being asked to bat first.

The century was another impressive chapter in what has been a breakthrough series for the left-hander, who only came into the squad as a late injury replacement.

The 25-year-old had already made a huge impact in the first Test in Galle, scoring 167 and 44 as India secured a 165-run victory. His latest century further strengthened his case for a permanent place in India’s top order.

Padikkal was given two early lifelines on his way to three figures. Sonal Dinusha dropped him at backward point before he had scored, while Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva then put down another opportunity at slip when Padikkal had reached two.

He made Sri Lanka pay for those mistakes, putting on 120 for the third wicket with captain Shubman Gill to put India firmly in control. Off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha eventually ended Padikkal’s innings, but not before the batter had laid the foundations for another imposing Indian total.

India have experimented with several options at No.3 since Gill moved down the order after taking over the captaincy. Padikkal’s back-to-back match-winning performances now make him an increasingly convincing option for the position.

Sri Lanka’s best bowler was Asitha Fernando, who claimed three wickets for 46 runs. He removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 43 during the morning session following a fiery exchange between the pair, before dismissing Gill after the India captain edged a delivery that moved away from him through to the wicketkeeper.

Fernando also claimed the key wicket of Ravindra Jadeja with the second new ball, preventing India from pushing their advantage even further before stumps.

India’s batting strength has continued into the second day, with Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel putting together a century partnership to maintain the pressure on Sri Lanka.

Pant, who was forced to retire hurt on the opening day after being struck on the left forearm while attempting a pull shot against Lahiru Kumara, returned to the crease and has continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowling.

Jurel has provided valuable support at the other end, with the pair’s partnership taking India past another significant milestone before lunch on day two.

With India continuing to pile on the runs, Sri Lanka face another demanding task after India’s top order once again laid the platform for a commanding total.