Jurel century helps India to 503-9 against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP):

Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 guided India to a formidable 503-9 declared against Sri Lanka on the second day of the second Test.

Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a disastrous start and they were 8-2 at stumps in fading light, still trailing by 495 runs.

India resumed the day in a commanding position on 300-5 after Devdutt Padikkal’s century on the opening day.

Rishabh Pant soon became the centre of attention when he resumed on three after retiring hurt on Sunday. Pant had been struck on the forearm by Lahiru Kumara but showed no signs of discomfort as he shared a 112-run partnership with Jurel before lunch.

Pant brought up his half-century with a pulled four off his 81st ball. However, he fell for 63 from 89 deliveries, with two sixes and six fours, when he charged off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha and was dismissed first ball after lunch at 419-7.

Jurel, who resumed on 48, dominated the remainder of the day with the composure of a seasoned campaigner in only his 12th Test. He reached his half-century from 97 balls and was closing in on his second Test century on 95 when rain interrupted play 30 minutes before tea.

The delay lasted nearly two hours. On the resumption, Jurel reached three figures with a risky single to mid-off. He was greeted by a bear hug from partner Mohammed Siraj before acknowledging the milestone.

Jurel faced 171 balls for his century and celebrated with a six over long-on in the next over. After another hooked six, India brought up 500 through a boundary from Prasidh Krishna before captain Shubman Gill declared the innings.

Jurel spent nearly five hours at the crease, facing 177 deliveries and striking two sixes and nine fours.

Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with 4-106.

Sri Lanka’s reply began poorly when Krishna removed opener Lahiru Udara before spinner Manav Suthar trapped nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya.

Only 58 overs were possible because of interruptions.