Dhruv Jurel’s century, early strike from Prasidh-Suthar put India in command as Sri Lanka trail by 495

Dhruv Jurel produced a composed unbeaten century as India strengthened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka, declaring their first innings at 503/9 before reducing the hosts to 8/2 at the close of a rain-interrupted second day. Jurel remained unbeaten on 115, his second Test century, as India posted a daunting total. Sri Lanka were left with a mountain to climb after losing two wickets in just three overs, ending the day 495 runs behind with eight wickets in hand.

India resumed Day 2 at 300/5 and initially suffered an early setback when debutant Saransh Jain was dismissed for six by Asitha Fernando. However, Rishabh Pant joined Jurel at the crease and the duo turned the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

Pant and Jurel launch counter-attack

Pant and Jurel took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, putting together a crucial 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Their aggressive batting helped India move to 419/6 by lunch and put the visitors in a commanding position. Pant eventually fell for a brisk 63 off 89 balls, an innings that included six fours and two sixes. His dismissal brought Manav Suthar to the crease, with the left-arm spinner contributing 18 valuable runs before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Jurel, meanwhile, continued to hold the Indian innings together as wickets fell around him.

Rain interrupts India’s push

The afternoon session was repeatedly disrupted by rain, forcing the ground staff to bring out the covers and resulting in an early Tea break. India were 475/8 when the players left the field, with Jurel unbeaten on 95 and just five runs short of his second Test century.

When play eventually resumed, Jurel had to survive a tense moment after a run-out chance with him on 99. He kept his composure, reached the coveted three-figure mark and completed his second Test century.

Jurel eventually finished unbeaten on 115, having struck nine fours and two sixes. His innings provided the backbone to India’s lower-order resistance and allowed captain Shubman Gill to declare with India on 503/9.

Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, finishing with four wickets, while Prabath Jayasuriya claimed two.

India strike twice before stumps

Sri Lanka’s reply lasted only three overs before the Indian bowlers made immediate inroads. Kamil Mishara was unbeaten on five at the close, but Prabath Jayasuriya, promoted as a nightwatchman, was dismissed for two. Manav Suthar trapped Jayasuriya LBW to claim his first wicket of the innings.

Prasidh Krishna had earlier provided India’s first breakthrough, removing Lahiru Udara and leaving Sri Lanka in early trouble.

With the hosts ending the day at 8/2, India head into Day 3 firmly in control. Sri Lanka still trail by 495 runs and have eight wickets remaining as they look to survive the Indian bowling attack and begin reducing the massive deficit.