Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played a top-class innings to guide his team to a mammoth score of 574 at the expense of eight wickets on Day 2 in the ongoing 1st Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali. The hosts decide to declare after reaching their desired score and put Sri Lanka to bat. At Stumps Day 2, the visitors are at 108/4.
Ravindra Jadeja shines as India takes control on Day 2
Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 175 as India declared their first innings for a mammoth total of 574 for 8 in the first innings. This was Jadeja’s career-best score, and also the highest by an Indian player batting at no. 7.
Previously it was Rishabh Pant who smashed 96 to help India to 357 for six but the left-handed sensation narrowly missed out on his century after being bowled by fast bowler Suranga Lakmal. Pant put on a key stand of 104 with fellow left-hander Jadeja, who stood unbeaten on 45 at stumps on the opening day. Ravichandran Ashwin also played a brilliant innings to score fifty and displayed batting prowess of his own as well.
The Men in Blue started taking control of the game with the ball. Sri Lanka openers and Lahiru Thirimanne (17), and Dimuth Karunaratne (28) put on 48 runs for the opening wicket. The side lost both the openers in the third and final session. Ashwin picked up a couple of wickets as he removed Thirimanne and Dhananjaya.
While Jadeja scalped the wicket of Karunaratne and pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the middle-order batter Angelo Matthews. Sri Lanka had some tough time at the crease as they stumbled around the 100-run mark. They went past 100 in the 35th over. At stumps, Sri Lanka were 108/4, and trail India by 466 runs. India will eye to wipe off the remaining batters early on Day 3 to increase their chances of winning the opening clash.
