SLC XI vs IND: The Indian team is finalizing its preparations ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka. Devdutt Padikkal batted brilliantly and scored a century on the second day of the three-day practice match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo. Padikkal scored 103 runs off 121 balls and hit 14 fours in his innings.
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Padikkal completed his century with a four off Ramesh Mendis. However, he retired out immediately after completing his century and returned to the pavilion. With this innings, he has strengthened his claim for the number 3 spot in the Test team. Sai Sudharshan has been ruled out of the Test series. Consequently, Padikkal’s chances of batting at number 3 in the first Test, starting in Galle on August 15, have increased significantly. Dhruv Jurel is also among the team’s options for this position.
The Indian innings, however, didn’t start well. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the second ball of the innings without scoring a run. He was dismissed by fast bowler Vishwa Fernando. KL Rahul and Padikkal then steadied the innings, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. Rahul faced 67 balls and scored 40 runs, including five fours and a six. Kesara Nuwantha ended Rahul’s innings.
After Rahul’s departure, Ravindra Jadeja joined Padikkal. The two shared a 72-run partnership for the third wicket. However, the Indian innings began to suffer setbacks after this. Rishabh Pant was dismissed by Ramesh Mendis for just two runs. Mendis then dismissed Dhruv Jurel for one run. At the time of writing, Jadeja remained unbeaten on 63, Manav Suthan on 37, and India’s score was 250/4.
Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared their innings at 363/8.
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Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared their first innings at 363 for 8. Ravindu Rasantha top-scored for the team with 71 runs. Nishan Madushka scored 66, and captain Sonal Dinusha scored 52. Pawan Ratnayake scored 39, Pasindu Suriyabandara 35, Ramesh Mendis 32, and Ahan Wickramasinghe 31.
India’s spin bowlers performed well. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Manav Suthar each took two wickets.
All eyes are now on the first Test in Galle, starting August 15. Padikkal’s century has certainly clarified the team management’s choice for the number 3 spot.
