India vs Sri Lanka live score, 1st Test Day 2: Padikkal, Pant to resume India charge in Galle

It is easy to look at 288/2 and think India had a smooth ride on Day 1. There were a few bumps along the way. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 32, Shubman Gill made 16 and KL Rahul was forced to retire hurt on 77 after battling cramps.

But India never really let Sri Lanka build any pressure. Rahul’s 77 gave them the stability they needed, while Devdutt Padikkal settled in beautifully and grew stronger as the day went on. His 150-run stand with Rahul was the turning point before he carried on with Rishabh Pant after Rahul’s departure.

By stumps, Padikkal had brought up his maiden Test century and was unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, with Pant on 27. India were sitting pretty at 288/2.

Now they have the chance to make that good position count. Padikkal is already past the hundred, Pant is at the crease and there is plenty of batting still to come. Sri Lanka will need an early breakthrough, because another session like the final one on Day 1 could make this a very long Test for the hosts.