By Stanley Billa 
On Day 2 (of their three-day warm-up) against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, India fought back thanks to the efforts of Devdutt Padikkal. The left-handed batsman scored an undefeated 142 to give India good preparation ahead of the Test series in Sri Lanka.
August 5: The match is being held at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground from August 7 to 9 as India’s final dress rehearsal for the two-Test series. The warm-up match was a four-day fixture, but was later trimmed into three days.
Padikkal Makes Strong Case for No. 3 Spot
The biggest positive for India on Day 2 was Padikkal. A remarkable innings in which he scored an unbeaten 142 off just 121 balls with the help of 18 boundaries. However, he continued to play his fluent strokes against both pace and spin as he scored quickly but fluently.
His ton has also heightened the tussle for the No. 3 spot for India. LOOK: India searching for solution at top in Hobart, with Sai Sudharsan ruled out of Test series due to toe injury Even Padikkal’s performance has only made his case even stronger for the slot in the first Test.
India Reach 357 for 6
With Sri Lanka Cricket XI scoring a respectable first-innings total, India started up under pressure. After the early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal (0 off 3), KL Rahul and Padikkal added 96 runs for the second wicket to halt the rout.
Rahul made 40 before getting out, and then Padikkal took command of the innings. The left-handed batsman then tore into a listless Sri Lankan bowling unit by playing a range of aggressive shots such as drives, cuts and pulls.
Ravindra Jadeja then stepped up, scoring an invaluable 63. He stitched a 72-run partnership with Padikkal and then added 76 for the seventh wicket with Manav Suthar, who made 41. Suthar’s innings was particularly handy as he gets accustomed to conditions outside the comfort of home.
So after 90 overs, India finished with 357 for 6, six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s first-innings total.
Pant and Jurel Miss Opportunities
Though Padikkal and Jadeja found success, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel failed.
Pant scored a sole two runs before going out after being dismissed by off-spinner Ramesh Mendis. He tried to hit out against the turn but edged to long-off. Even Jurel’s tenure was brief; he scratched out a single run before Mendis had him caught and bowled.
If both the wicketkeeper-batters fail to deliver, it will provide ample food for thought for India’s management before the Test series.
Crucial Preparation Ahead of Test Series
India has plenty of selection questions, which is why this warm-up match is so crucial. The side are gearing up for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting off with a meeting in Galle on August 15, and continuing with the second Test in Colombo from August 23.
Hence, Padikkal’s century will be one of the main features discussed post the practice game. He can score freely, soak up the conditions, and could bat for a long time; he would be an India prospect.
As the Test series approaches, India’s management will keep a close watch on the remaining players and the final day of the warm-up match. But on the second day, the biggest step in producing Test XI contenders could be Padikkal.
Also Read: Highest Partnership in IPL | Highest Wicket Taker in World Cup