Padikkal scores 167, India dominate Sri Lanka in Galle Test

India tightened its grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday, the second day of the match. Devdutt Padikkal, batting at number three, scored a magnificent 167 off 230 balls, his maiden Test century. He was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Padikkal's knock was the cornerstone of India's strong position. He added over 150 runs for the second wicket with KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 due to cramps. Captain Shubman Gill made 16. India resumed on 288 for two and continued to build a commanding total.

Padikkal jointed Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara as only the third Indian to score more than 150 batting at number three in a Test in Sri Lanka. He also became only the second left-handed batsman to score a century at that position for India this century, after Sourav Ganguly in 2002.