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India's Padikkal makes 167 in first Sri Lanka Test / Photo: © AFP
India's Padikkal makes 167 in first Sri Lanka Test
Devdutt Padikkal hit a polished 167 as India reached 364-5 at tea on a rain-hit day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday.
Resuming on their overnight score of 288-2, India lost three wickets -- all to Sri Lanka spinners -- in the shortened afternoon session.
The entire first session was lost due to rain, and play got underway late after lunch.
Padikkal, recalled to the side after almost two years as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan, impressed the most among the batsmen.
His knock was the fourth-highest Test score by an Indian in Sri Lanka behind Sachin Tendulkar (203), Virender Sehwag (201 not out) and Shikhar Dhawan (190).
Padikkal, 26, lost his wicket when he was stumped by Niroshan Dickwella off the bowling of Prabath Jayasuriya.
His 167 came off 230 deliveries and contained 15 fours and a six.
Debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha claimed the other two wickets to fall in the session, accounting for Rishabh Pant (39) and K.L. Rahul (82).
Rahul, who was forced to retire on 77 on day one due to cramps, could only add five more runs when he was caught at short leg by Nishan Fernando.
A total of 17 overs had been lost on day one as well due to rain.
Galle is hosting its 50th Test match, the first Asian ground to achieve the milestone.
India have an impressive record against Sri Lanka, having not lost any Test against them since 2015.
R.Moore--SFF
