Malayali star Padikkal's 167 puts India in command against Sri Lanka

Malayali batter Devdutt Padikkal scored a career-best 167 as India posted 460/9 against Sri Lanka on a rain-hit second day of the first Test in Galle on Sunday.

Padikkal's superb knock, his highest score in Test cricket, helped India build a commanding total despite Sri Lanka taking wickets at regular intervals towards the end of the day. Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start until 2.35pm, with play possible only after conditions improved.

Rishabh Pant, who resumed alongside Padikkal, contributed 39 before attempting an ambitious shot against Nuwantha. Coming down the track, Pant tried to clear the boundary but failed to get enough power, and Sonal Dinusha took the catch. Keshara Nuwantha claimed the wicket.

Then came KL Rahul, who was retired hurt the previous day. He added just four runs to his 77 before falling to Nuwantha. Unable to negotiate the turn and bounce, Rahul edged a delivery to Nishan Madhushka at short leg.

Dhruv Jurel then joined Padikkal and the pair added 38 runs. Padikkal went on to complete his maiden Test 150 and reached a career-best 167 before Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed him, with the wicketkeeper completing the stumping.

Ravindra Jadeja made only 13 before departing, after which Jurel took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers. He put on 55 runs with Manav Suthar and completed his half-century before being dismissed for 51.

Suthar and Mohammed Siraj also made useful contributions as India continued to pile on the runs. At stumps, Kuldeep Yadav was unbeaten on 12 and Prasidh Krishna on one.

Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka's most successful bowler with four wickets, while Nuwantha claimed three.