Rohit Sharma-led continued to dominate Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the first Test at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. Ravindra Jadeja’s record-breaking 175 not out helped India post a mammoth of 574/8 after Rohit won the toss and elected to bat first in Virat Kohli’s 100th Test. Later, Indian spinners tightened the screws as Sri Lanka are still 466 runs behind with six wickets in hand.
Starting Day 2 at 357/6, Jadeja was just five runs away from his half-century. The southpaw and Ravichandran Ashwin frustrated Sri Lankan bowlers in the first session.
The two shared a 130-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Suranga Lakmal provided the much-needed breakthrough for the visitors as Ashwin departed for an 82-ball 61. Jadeja continued to dominate Sri Lankan bowlers and got to three figures in the very next over. Jayant Yadav did not last long at the crease and became Vishwa Fernando's victim.
Jadeja found a good partner in Mohammed Shami. Jadeja went on to score 175, the highest score by a number 7 batter for India in the red-ball format. The left-handed batter hit 17 fours and the three sixes in the innings and broke former Indian captain Kapil Dev’s record. On the other end, Shami remained unbeaten for 34-ball 20.
Rohit Sharma declared the innings at 574/8 in the second session as he did not want to tire out his fast bowler.
Coming to bat in the second session, openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne survived the new ball. Indian fast bowlers were unable to get a breakthrough.
In search of wickets, Rohit turned to Ashwin and Jadeja. The right-arm off-spinner drew first blood by getting rid of Thirimanne for 17. Few overs later, the left-arm spinner trapped skipper Karunaratne in front of stumps for a score of 28.
Jasprit Bumrah returned for a second spell and got the better of Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews. Dhananjaya de Silva tried sweeping Ashwin but missed the ball. Silva got out after contributing just a single to the score. Pathum Nissanka held on to one end. Also, Charith Asalanka did not play any rash shot as Sri Lanka finished Day 2 with 108/4 after 43 overs.
It is to be noted that Sri Lanka are yet to win their maiden Test on Indian soil. On Day 3, their first mission will be to avoid follow-on by scoring 267 more runs.
