Devdutt Padikkal hits century as India reach 300/5 on Day 1 against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: India ended the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on a positive note, reaching 300 for five at stumps. Devdutt Padikkal led the way with a brilliant century, scoring 117 off 168 balls.

Dhruv Jurel (7) and Saransh Jain (4) were at the crease at the end of the day. Padikkal scored his second Test century in just his fourth match and has now scored hundreds in consecutive Tests. He reached his half-century off 90 balls.

Padikkal batted confidently despite the pressure and anchored India's innings through a crucial phase. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45 and captain Shubman Gill made 50, with both batsmen getting good starts but failing to convert them into big scores. Gill and Padikkal helped India build a crucial 120-run partnership.

India also suffered injury setbacks during the day. Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the wrist by a delivery from Lahiru Kumara after scoring three runs. Ravindra Jadeja also suffered a wrist injury after being hit by Kumara's delivery.

Padikkal negotiated Sri Lanka's bowlers as well as the heat and humidity in Colombo to complete his century. He reached 99 with a boundary off Prabath Jayasuriya before taking a single two balls later to bring up his hundred. He was eventually bowled by Nuwan Thushara after scoring 117, but his innings helped India reach a strong position.

KL Rahul failed to make the most of a good start, hitting Jayasuriya for a six before being dismissed by Kumara. Jaiswal also started well but was bowled by Asitha Fernando for 45.

Gill then brought up a half-century but was dismissed soon after, edging Asitha's delivery to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. Jadeja, who added 74 runs with Padikkal for the fourth wicket, was later bowled by Asitha.