India’s Padikkal steals the show with 167 in first Sri Lanka Test

AFP | Galle

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Comeback star Devdutt Padikkal hit a polished 167 as India scored 460-9 on a rainy second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle yesterday.

Only 43 overs were possible at the picturesque venue, with the morning session completely washed out by the weather.

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, playing just his third Test match, looked solid as he struck elegant drives during his 230-ball knock that lasted more than five hours.

His innings contained 15 fours and a six.

“It was a super knock by Padikkal,” Indian batsman Dhruv Jurel told reporters after the day's play.

“He is making his comeback to the side, and he made it count. He played the spinners and seamers really well.”

When play resumed in the afternoon, Sri Lanka took the new ball and got the much-needed breakthroughs. Their spinners managed to get more purchase off the surface, picking three quick wickets.