Galle: Heavy rain delayed the scheduled start of play on day two of the opening Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday.

The entire ground was brought under covers from the early morning hours as persistent showers hit the coastal city. Play had originally been slated to begin 15 minutes ahead of the usual time to compensate for overs lost to weather on day one.

“Update from Galle. Start of play on Day 2 has been delayed due to rain. Stay tuned for further updates,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted on its X account. With the forecast offering little optimism for an early clearance, the 130 ground staff at Galle face a difficult task to dry and prepare the surface so that play can begin as soon as conditions allow.

On Saturday, India ended a 20-Test wait for a century from the number three position when left-hander Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls and took the visitors to a commanding 288 for 2 in 73 overs in the side’s landmark 600th Test match.

Padikkal found solid support in vice-captain KL Rahul, who compiled a fluent 77 before retiring hurt because of forearm cramps. Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 in a mix-up, while captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for 16. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 alongside Padikkal when stumps were drawn on day one.

Sri Lanka struggled to maintain consistent pressure despite the pitch offering occasional sharp turn for the spinners. With the second new ball only seven overs away, the hosts will face an uphill task to check India’s control once play resumes in what is also Galle’s 50th Test match.

Further updates will depend on how quickly the weather clears and the ground staff can make the outfield and pitch fit for play.

Galle: Heavy rain delayed the scheduled start of play on day two of the opening Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday.

The entire ground was brought under covers from the early morning hours as persistent showers hit the coastal city. Play had originally been slated to begin 15 minutes ahead of the usual time to compensate for overs lost to weather on day one.

“Update from Galle. Start of play on Day 2 has been delayed due to rain. Stay tuned for further updates,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted on its X account. With the forecast offering little optimism for an early clearance, the 130 ground staff at Galle face a difficult task to dry and prepare the surface so that play can begin as soon as conditions allow.

On Saturday, India ended a 20-Test wait for a century from the number three position when left-hander Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls and took the visitors to a commanding 288 for 2 in 73 overs in the side’s landmark 600th Test match.

Padikkal found solid support in vice-captain KL Rahul, who compiled a fluent 77 before retiring hurt because of forearm cramps. Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 in a mix-up, while captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for 16. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 alongside Padikkal when stumps were drawn on day one.

Sri Lanka struggled to maintain consistent pressure despite the pitch offering occasional sharp turn for the spinners. With the second new ball only seven overs away, the hosts will face an uphill task to check India’s control once play resumes in what is also Galle’s 50th Test match.

Further updates will depend on how quickly the weather clears and the ground staff can make the outfield and pitch fit for play.