Dhruv Jurel answered questions over his form with a composed unbeaten 115 as India took control of the second Test against Sri Lanka on a rain-hit Monday in ColomboIndia declared at 503/9 before taking two Sri Lankan wickets late in the day.
Sri Lanka were 8/2 at stumps, still 495 runs behind IndiaPrasidh Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udara, while Manav Suthar removed Prabath JayasuriyaKamil Mishara was unbeaten on five when play ended at 5.51pm.
Jurel was the main story of the dayThe 25-year-old played a patient innings and remained unbeaten after facing 177 ballsIt was his second Test century and came after he had scored 51 in the first Test at Galle.
Jurel began the day alongside Rishabh Pant, who returned to the crease after retiring hurt on Sunday after being hit on the forearm by Lahiru KumaraPant had scored only three runs when he was forced to leave the field.
The two wicketkeepers put together a 112-run partnership for the seventh wicketPant played his usual attacking game but also had to work hard against Sri Lanka’s pacersFernando and Kumara repeatedly bowled short at him, with one delivery hitting his shoulder.
Pant responded with some aggressive strokes, including a six over fine leg off KumaraHe reached his half-century from 81 balls and celebrated with another six, this time against Prabath Jayasuriya.
Jurel played the supporting role during the partnership and reached his own fifty from 97 ballsHe stayed patient and allowed Pant to take the attack to the bowlers.
The partnership ended soon after lunch when Pant attempted to loft Keshara Nuwantha but picked out UdaraHe was dismissed for 63, leaving Jurel to guide India through the remaining overs.
Jurel continued in the same manner and showed good judgement against both pace and spinHe reached 95 before rain stopped play nearly 30 minutes before the scheduled tea break.
After a delay of almost two hours, Jurel returned and completed his century with a single off FernandoHe reached the landmark from 171 balls before taking off his helmet and celebrating with his teammates.
Jurel then opened up and hit Fernando for two sixes, including one over long-off and another hook over square leg.
He finished unbeaten on 115 as India crossed 500Captain Shubman Gill declared at 503/9, giving his bowlers a chance to attack Sri Lanka before the close.
The decision brought quick resultsKrishna and Suthar struck before the rain returned, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 8/2.
India had also benefited from Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 on the opening day, his second successive century in the seriesWith Jurel adding another hundred, India had put together a strong first-innings total despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
The rain reduced Sri Lanka’s time at the crease, but India’s bowlers made the most of the short period availableThe hosts now faced a huge task on day 3, needing 495 runs just to draw level.
(With PTI inputs)
