Now Reading: Padikkal hits unbeaten 142, seals No. 3 spot for India in Sri Lanka Test
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Padikkal hits unbeaten 142, seals No. 3 spot for India in Sri Lanka Test
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 on day two of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, effectively sealing the No. 3 batting spot for India in the upcoming…
The Story in Brief
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 on day two of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, effectively sealing the No. 3 batting spot for India in the upcoming two-Test series. This comes after B Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to a toe injury. India finished their first innings at 357 for 8 in 90 overs, six runs short of SLC XI's declared total of 363.
Padikkal shared a 96-run partnership with KL Rahul (40) and later added 76 with Ravindra Jadeja (63 retired hurt). However, Rishabh Pant (2) and Dhruv Jurel (1) fell cheaply to off-spinner Ramesh Mendis (2/77). Manav Suthar (41) also impressed on his overseas debut. The first Test begins in Galle on August 15.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that Padikkal has 'sealed' the No. 3 spot after one warm-up knock against a second-string SLC XI feels exaggerated. Remember, he averages 14.75 in his two Tests. Meanwhile, the gushing over his 'Nataraja shot' and 'exemplary footwork' conveniently ignores that Pant and Jurel failed on the same pitch. The real test comes against Sri Lanka's main attack in Galle, not against bowlers like Keshara Nuwantha. Let's see how he handles a turning track under pressure before anointing him as the long-term solution.
Sources (2): newindianexpress.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
