COLOMBO : India will look to press home their commanding position against Sri Lanka on the third day of the second test on Tuesday, but persistent rain could frustrate the visitors’ hopes of forcing a result.
India declared on 503-9 on Monday after Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 115, his second test century, to give the tourists a huge first-innings advantage.
Sri Lanka were reduced to 8-2 after India bowled only three overs before bad light ended play, leaving the hosts 495 runs behind.
Rain and overcast conditions have repeatedly interrupted the match and the forecast for Tuesday points to more disruption, with showers expected throughout the day and a high chance of precipitation.
Temperatures are expected to reach about 31 degrees Celsius, while high humidity and extensive cloud cover could make conditions difficult for play.
Jurel’s century was the highlight of India’s second day. The wicketkeeper-batter reached three figures from 171 balls before accelerating, hitting two sixes and nine fours in his unbeaten 115.
He shared a 112-run seventh-wicket partnership with Rishabh Pant, who made 63, before adding valuable runs with Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj.
Jurel became only the second Indian batter to score a test century at No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka, after Hardik Pandya’s 108 at Pallekele in 2017.
Sri Lanka’s reply began badly when Lahiru Udara edged to Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip before Suthar trapped nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya lbw.
Debutant Kamil Mishara was unbeaten on five at stumps, with Sri Lanka facing a huge task simply to avoid the follow-on.
India will hope the weather allows them enough time to exploit their advantage, while Sri Lanka’s immediate priority will be to survive the opening exchanges and prevent the match from slipping further away.
