Colombo Test: India Tighten Grip Against Sri Lanka

India rode on a strong batting performance and some superb bowling by star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to consolidate their advantage on the second day of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.

India captain Virat Kohli decided on declaration during the last session of the day after the visitors had piled on a mammoth total of 622/9 in their first innings. Ashwin made good use of the considerable turn being offered by the pitch to remove Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Upul Tharanga as the hosts posted 50/2 in their first innings at stumps. India now have a lead of 572 runs. Kusal Mendis (16 batting) and Dinesh Chandimal (8 batting) were at the crease when the umpires decided to call it a day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Earlier, the Indians rode on half-centuries from Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha and Ashwin to post a big total. Jadeja remained unbeaten on a quick 70 runs off 85 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes. Saha and Ashwin made 67 and 54 respectively.

Brief scores:

India (first inings): 622/9 declared (Cheteshwar Pujara 133, Ajinkya Rahane 132, Ravindra Jadeja 70 not out; Rangana Herath 4/154).

Sri Lanka (first inings): 50/2 (Kusal Mendis 16 batting; Ravichandran Ashwin 2/38).