Rain delayed the start of play on Day 2 of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday. The scheduled action was interrupted by persistent showers, with the ground staff working to clear the wet outfield before play can resume. India had finished Day 1 in a commanding position at 288 for 2.
Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131, having registered his maiden Test century during an impressive first day for India. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 alongside him. Padikkal's century came on his return to the Test side and helped India establish control after Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 and captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for 16.
KL Rahul also made a valuable contribution with 77 before retiring hurt on Day 1. India's batting effort left Sri Lanka with only two wickets from which to build pressure, while the visitors will be looking to extend their total significantly once play resumes. The current partnership between Padikkal and Pant stands at 52 runs.
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The weather has already played a role in the Test, with rain affecting the closing stages of the opening day as well. On Sunday, although the rain stopped temporarily, the wet conditions meant that the ground staff needed additional time to prepare the playing area. The delay could reduce the amount of cricket possible on Day 2 if further showers arrive.
India will aim to capitalise on its strong position by pushing towards a substantial first-innings score when action resumes. Padikkal will have the opportunity to convert his century into an even bigger innings, while Pant will look to build on his unbeaten 27. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be searching for early wickets to prevent India's lower order from taking the score beyond their reach.
With India beginning Day 2 at 288 for 2, the match remains firmly in the visitors' control, although the weather has become an important factor. The latest scorecard lists Padikkal on 131 and Pant on 27, with 98 overs remaining in the scheduled day's play as the teams wait for conditions to improve.
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