Galle: Devdutt Padikkal\u2019s sophisticated 167 was the centrepiece in India\u2019s strong 460 for nine at stumps despite the Sri Lankan spinners growing fangs on a truncated second day of the first Test in Galle Sunday.<\/p>\n
Kuldeep Yadav (12) and Prasidh Krishna (1) were batting at close.<\/p>\n
Rains of varying intensity and the resultant wet outfield delayed the start of the day\u2019s play until 2.35 pm, and the long break seemed to have rejuvenated the Lankans more.<\/p>\n
The home bowlers produced better lines and lengths than day one, cutting down the scoring areas of Indian batters, who resumed from a far stronger 288 for two.<\/p>\n
It was the perfect launching pad to be in a far healthier position, but the tourists lost seven wickets \u2013 some to the Lankan spinners\u2019 guile and some to their own indiscretions \u2013 for 172 runs.<\/p>\n
Padikkal, who started from 131, brought up his maiden 150 in 215 balls when he pulled pacer Asitha Fernando for a boundary.<\/p>\n
However, before the left-hander reached his landmark, India had lost the other overnight batter Rishabh Pant for 39.<\/p>\n
Pant seemed impatient to stamp his authority over the bowlers, but the overzealousness ended his stint, as a feeble loft off off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha was snaffled by a running-in Sonal Dinusha.<\/p>\n
KL Rahul, who had to retire on 77 because of cramps the previous day, walked in next but could only add four more runs to his overnight score.<\/p>\n
Rahul failed to negotiate the turn and bounce from Nuwantha, giving a simple catch to Nishan Madhushka at short leg.<\/p>\n
Capturing two big wickets by giving away just 12 runs put a spring on Lankan bowlers\u2019 steps and the hosts added the big wicket of Padikkal at the stroke of tea to further boost their standing.<\/p>\n
The left-hander was deceived on flight by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayarsuriya and stumper Niroshan Dickwella did the rest. However, the bigwigs will be delighted to see the way Padikkal responded to the task of occupying a crucial slot like No. 3.<\/p>\n
It has given them another option even when original resident Sai Sudharsan returns from his toe injury.<\/p>\n
India went to tea at 364 for five, and needed a few more runs to really pull away from Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
Ravindra Jadeja was trapped leg before by Nuwantha immediately after the break, leaving India at 377 for six.<\/p>\n