Devdutt Padikkal hits second century of series to help India to 5-300 on opening day in Colombo
India batter Yashavi Jaiswal could be in hot water after a confrontation during the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday.
Jaiswal, who had struck three fours in the over from Asitha Fernando, was then bowled by a ball that jagged in significantly off the seam. As a fired up Fernando celebrated, Jaiswal about faced to confront the bowler, appearing to push the peak of his helmet into Fernando as the pair came eye-to-eye before they were separated.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak called it a “heat of the moment” incident, adding: “I think the bowler commented something and it happened in the heat of moment. Obviously Jaiswal shouldn’t have gone so close to him but it happened in the heat of the moment.”
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk called it an “overflow of emotions” but lauded the home side for “bringing the challenge”.
“When you’re coming up against a team like India you can’t sit on the back foot and just bowl at them,” said van Niekerk. “I think from our side, it’s bringing the challenge all the time, trying to make sure we can create something.
“I’ve really asked the bowlers to stand up and create something. The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I’ll leave that to the match referee to deal with.”
It was a flashpoint on a day otherwise dominated by India as Devdutt Padikkal continued his red-hot form with his second century of the series as India reached 5-300.
Padikkal, who had struck a hundred in Galle, produced another composed and elegant innings of 117.
However, Sri Lanka will rue two early missed chances that could have changed the complexion of the day.
The left-hander was dropped at point by Sonal Dinusha off spinner Prabath Jayasuriya before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva spilled another opportunity at slip two overs later.
Dhruv Jurel was batting on seven with debutant Saransh Jain on four at stumps.
India captain Shubman Gill, having elected to bat as his side chase a 2-0 series sweep and valuable World Test Championship points, also contributed a calm half-century.
KL Rahul made 18 before he slashed at a Lahiru Kumara delivery and was caught behind. Sri Lanka struck again when Fernando (3-46) Jaiswal for 45.
Gill had arrived under scrutiny after scoring only 24 runs in the first Test, but responded with a measured 50. Fernando removed Gill, who edged to Niroshan Dickwella. The wicketkeeper initially spilled the chance but recovered quickly to complete the catch at the second attempt.
Padikkal’s innings, featuring 12 boundaries, finally ended when Keshara Nuwantha beat his tentative push and knocked back the off stump. By then, however, the opener had laid a solid platform for India.
Ravindra Jadeja made 43 before Fernando bowled him after the batter shouldered arms to an incoming delivery in the final over of the day.
India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant had to retire hurt on three after being struck on the forearm by a short ball from Kumara.
