COLOMBO : Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 propelled India to a commanding 503-9 declared before rain and bad light limited Sri Lanka to three overs on day two of the second and final test on Monday.
Sri Lanka lost two wickets in those three overs, with Lahiru Udara and nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed to leave the hosts 8-2 at the close, still 495 runs behind.
India had resumed at 300-5 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, with Rishabh Pant returning to the crease after retiring hurt on Sunday following a blow to his forearm.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of quickly wrapping up the innings were raised when Asitha Fernando removed Saransh Jain for six in the second over.
But Pant joined Jurel to add 112 for the seventh wicket, further strengthening India’s position. Pant, bruised but determined, reached a fighting half-century before departing for 63 soon after lunch, stepping out to Nuwantha Keshara and miscuing to long-off.
Manav Suthar fell shortly afterwards, but Jurel remained unbeaten as India’s lead continued to grow.
The 25-year-old reached his second test century with a dramatic single, tapping Fernando towards mid-off and diving to make his ground as the fielder’s direct hit narrowly missed.
Jurel, who had been stranded on 99 during another rain delay, celebrated the milestone with partner Mohammed Siraj before cutting loose.
He launched Fernando over long-on for six and struck another six in the seamer’s next over, finishing with nine fours and two sixes in his 115 not out.
Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, finishing with 4-106, but India declared late in the day with a huge first-innings total.
Sri Lanka’s reply lasted only three overs before fading light brought spin into the attack.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made the early inroads, with Yashasvi Jaiswal taking a sharp catch at third slip to dismiss Udara.
Suthar then struck with his first over, trapping Jayasuriya lbw as Sri Lanka ended the day in deep trouble.
Jaiswal and Fernando were fined 25% of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for an on-field altercation during Sunday’s play.
