Devdutt Padikkal’s 142 Strengthens No.3 Claim as India Tune Up for Sri Lanka Tests
Digital desk
Devdutt Padikkal emerged as India’s biggest positive from the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, scoring an unbeaten 142 and strengthening his claim for the No.3 position ahead of the Test series.
Sri Lanka Cricket XI declared their first innings at 363 for eight before India responded with 357 for six declared at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.
Padikkal faced 164 deliveries during his unbeaten innings and led India’s recovery after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed without scoring.
Ravindra Jadeja contributed 63, while Manav Suthar made 41. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar provided the most entertaining passage of the innings, striking four sixes in one over and finishing unbeaten on 36 from 18 balls.
However, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel failed to capitalise on their opportunities, scoring two and one respectively.
India’s Pacers Strike on Final Day
India declared at their overnight score on the final morning, allowing the bowlers another opportunity before the opening Test.
Mohammed Siraj provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Ravindu Rasantha for eight. Prasidh Krishna then bowled Pasindu Sooriyabandara, while Gurnoor Brar ended a useful partnership by removing Pavan Rathnayake.
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Anjala Bandara for 35.
Nishan Madushka struck a fluent 63 before retiring hurt. At the latest verified score, Sri Lanka Cricket XI were 155 for four in 36.1 overs, leading India by 161 runs. The live scorecard had not formally declared the match complete at the time of filing.
Padikkal Moves Ahead in Selection Race
Padikkal’s innings is likely to influence India’s selection discussions for the opening Test. Captain Shubman Gill did not bat in the warm-up match while recovering from an impact injury to his right ring finger.
The performance also assumes importance amid uncertainty surrounding Sai Sudharsan’s fitness.
India are already without Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the Test series because of discomfort in his left knee. Auqib Nabi has been called into the squad as his replacement.
The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23. Reuters has confirmed the Test schedule and Bumrah’s replacement.
Brief Scores
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Cricket XI, first innings | 363/8 declared |
| India, first innings | 357/6 declared |
| Sri Lanka Cricket XI, second innings | 155/4 in 36.1 overs* |
*Latest verified score at the time of filing.
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