Our Bureau
Colombo
Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 115 to steer India to a commanding 503/9 declared before Sri Lanka slipped to 8/2 at stumps on the second day of the second Test in Colombo on Monday. India, which resumed the day at 300/5, ended the day with a 495-run lead after rain interrupted play at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Jurel’s second Test century was the highlight of the day. Batting at No. 7, the wicketkeeper-batter faced 177 deliveries and struck nine boundaries. He reached his hundred after a tense wait on 99, eventually completing the milestone with a single. The century also placed him alongside Hardik Pandya as only the second Indian to score a Test hundred at No. 7 or lower in Sri Lanka. Pandya had achieved the feat with a 108-run knock in Pallekele in 2017.
Jurel’s innings gained momentum through a crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant. The pair added 112 runs, with Pant contributing a brisk 63, after India lost debutant Saransh Jain early in the morning session. Their stand ensured Sri Lanka could not capitalise on the early breakthrough and helped India build a formidable total.
Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 on the opening day had laid the foundation for India’s imposing score, while Pant and Jurel consolidated it on Monday. Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets.
India then made immediate inroads into Sri Lanka’s reply. Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar claimed a wicket each as the hosts were reduced to 8/2 in just three overs. With Sri Lanka trailing by 495 runs, India closed the rain-hit day firmly in control.