{
  "id": 1381577,
  "title": "Padikkal hundred put India in control of Test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/padikkal-hundred-put-india-in-control-of-test",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T00:00:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/padikkal-hundred-put-india-in-control-of-test/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On the rain-shortened second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle, India gained a firm grip on the match with an impressive score of 460 for nine, despite playing only 43 overs. The key player in this progress was Devdutt Padikkal, who scored a remarkable 167 runs, marking his comeback to international cricket after recovering from injury. Padikkal, a left-handed batter, had previously become the first Indian number three to score a Test hundred in 35 innings during day one. Resuming his innings on 131, he maintained his composure for an impressive five and a half hours, facing 230 deliveries and striking 15 fours and a six. The morning session was completely washed out, but when play resumed late in the afternoon, Sri Lanka's bowlers found it more challenging to spin the ball on the damp surface. Sri Lanka's spinners, Rishabh Pant and Sonal Dinusha, claimed early wickets, with K.L. Rahul returning early due to cramps, and Padikkal being eventually caught by Nishan Fernando. Prabath Jayasuriya and Niroshan Dickwella took crucial wickets with the ball, while Asitha Fernando contributed to the fall of the tailender Mohammed Siraj. Dhruv Jurel added 55 runs with the bat, anchoring the innings alongside Manav Suthar. Despite the weather curbing the contest, India now holds a strong position, with spin expected to play a more significant role in the remaining days of the Test.",
  "summary": "Rex Clementine in Galle India seized a firm grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka on a rain curtailed second day, reaching 460 for nine in Galle yesterday despite only 43 overs being possible. The tourists had top order batter Devdutt Padikkal to thank, with the left-hander marking his comeback with a commanding 167. […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}