Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Aug 24: Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar struck once each as India reduced Sri Lanka to a precarious 8/2 in just three overs before bad light forced early stumps on Day Two of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Monday.
India, after a rain delay of two hours and 10 minutes, declared their first innings at 503/9, powered by an unbeaten 115 from wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel — his second Test century and first in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka now trail India by 495 runs, with eight wickets remaining in their first innings.
Suthar returned figures of 1/6 from his only over, while Krishna took 1/1. With limited time remaining, India handed the new ball to Mohammed Siraj, who conceded just one run in an economical opening over.
Krishna struck with his second delivery of the following over. Pitching back of a length outside off, the ball straightened sharply off the surface and squared up Lahiru Udara. The resulting edge flew towards gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal completed a sharp diving catch to dismiss Udara for one.
With the light deteriorating rapidly and Sri Lankan batters expressing concerns over visibility, India introduced Suthar.
The left-arm spinner immediately troubled nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya, striking him on the back pad with a quicker arm-ball that narrowly missed leg stump on umpire’s call.
Suthar got his man with the final delivery of the over, firing in a flatter ball that skidded through and trapped Jayasuriya lbw. Umpire Ahsan Raza raised his finger, and although Jayasuriya reviewed the decision, ball-tracking showed the delivery clipping leg stump.
Jayasuriya departed for two and, visibly frustrated, flung his gloves away upon reaching the dressing room. The umpires then called off play due to poor light without another delivery being bowled.
If Day One had been evenly contested, Day Two belonged completely to India, who need a victory to strengthen their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Earlier, resuming alongside Siraj, Jurel showed patience and refused to be drawn into risky strokes despite Sri Lanka surrounding him with close-in fielders.
Siraj opened his account with a pull to long leg, leaving Jurel to face the attacking field set by the hosts. Jurel negotiated a maiden from Prabath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka attempted to choke the flow of singles and force a mistake.
The wait for his century ended after 22 deliveries when Jurel drove a full delivery from Asitha Fernando over the bowler’s head and completed a risky single after a direct hit missed the stumps.
Jurel celebrated by raising his sleeve to reveal a tattoo reading ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, before Siraj embraced him in the middle.
After reaching his century, Jurel immediately shifted gears, stepping out to launch Fernando over long-on for a six.
Jayasuriya then ended Siraj’s 29-ball stay by trapping him plumb lbw with a slider, with India losing a review in the process.
Joined by Krishna, Jurel continued his aggressive approach, pulling Fernando over deep backward square leg for another six before collecting two runs off a low full toss.
Krishna added the final flourish by slicing a low full toss through cover for a boundary, taking India beyond the 500-run mark.
India captain Shubman Gill then signalled for the pair to return and declared the innings, leaving the visitors firmly in control.
Brief scores
India 503/9 decl. in 138 overs: Devdutt Padikkal 117, Dhruv Jurel 115 not out; Asitha Fernando 4/106, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/132.
Sri Lanka 8/2 in 3 overs: Kamil Mishara 5 not out; Prasidh Krishna 1/1, Manav Suthar 1/6.
Sri Lanka trail by 495 runs.