India are eyeing a series sweep after Sri Lanka lost two quick wickets before the close of day two
Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 has powered India to a commanding first innings 9-503 declared on day two of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka.
Rain and bad light meant India could bowl only three overs, which proved enough to prise out Lahiru Udara and nightwatcher Prabath Jayasuriya to leave Sri Lanka 2-8 at the close of play in Colombo on Monday, still 495 runs behind.
India took control after a resilient lower-order batting display led by No.7 Jurel’s second Test hundred, an innings studded with nine fours and two sixes.
The tourists had resumed at 5-300 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, with Rishabh Pant due back after retiring hurt on Sunday following a forearm blow.
Seamer Asitha Fernando struck in the second over, removing Saransh Jain for six, but the collapse Sri Lanka craved never materialised.
Pant joined Jurel to add 112 for the seventh wicket and tighten India’s grip.
Bruised but undeterred, Pant reached a combative half-century before lunch and departed soon after for 63, stepping out to Nuwantha Keshara and miscuing to long-off.
Manav Suthar followed for 18, yet Jurel held firm as India’s advantage swelled until rain again forced the players from the field.
Jurel lingered on 99 before completing his century with a risky single.
“I am used to the conditions, a game on and off, because I was touring (with) India A, so I am aware about the situation,” Jurel said of the stop-start nature of the day’s play.
Fernando had the best bowling figures with 4-60, while spinners Jayasuriya and Nuwantha picked up two wickets each.
“I am pleased with my effort and I must mention Lahiru and got a big support from him. But I would have been happier had we got them out for lesser,” Fernando said.
Later, India struck with the ball when Yashasvi Jaiswal flew to his right at third slip to take a catch and dismiss Udara.
The deteriorating light forced India to introduce spin, and Suthar trapped Jayasuriya lbw in his first.
Jaiswal and Fernando were both fined 25 per cent of their match fees and received one demerit point each for an on-field altercation on Sunday. Fernando bowled Jaiswal and celebrated aggressively to which the batter reacted.
Fernando said that the incident happened in the heat of the match and that he had accepted the sanction.
