India vs Sri Lanka Live Score, 1st Test: Play set to resume at 2:15 PM, but more clouds gather

India make strong start after choosing to bat Having opted to bat first after winning the toss in their 600th Test, India were given a fluent start by their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77.

He used his crease well and showcased great footwork, as well as ran hard for his ones and twos, to hit 131 not out off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six. With Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 27 off 36 balls, Padikkal.

What Happened

It also helped that Sri Lanka were never consistent in their lines and lengths. Padikkal reaches century in style Resuming in the final session after Rahul retired hurt due to severe body cramps, Padikkal accelerated smoothly alongside captain Shubman Gill.

• Padikkal became the first left-handed batter since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 to score a Test hundred at number three for India, and took full advantage of his inclusion in place of the injured Sai.

• It’s also the first century hit by an Indian batter at number three since Gill hit one against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.

• CommentaryScorecard14:43 (IST) Aug 16India vs Sri Lanka Live Score: 298/2 (75.6 overs)1Overs75.6Score298 - 2 Prabath Jayasuriya to Devdutt Padikkal, 1 run, the batter goes deep in the crease and guides it through third man.

Key Details

Facing pacer Lahiru Kumara, Padikkal collected consecutive boundaries before driving Keshara Nuwantha to mid-off in the 57th over to get his century in 134 balls. Gill falls after promising start Sri Lanka secured their sole breakthrough of the session when left-arm spinner.

• That gives the ground staff a valuable window to continue working on the outfield, with everyone now waiting for the umpires to assess the conditions and provide the next update.

• The stumps have also been put in place, while the crease markings are being refreshed - another very encouraging sign that we could be edging closer to action getting underway.

• The sun is out, most of the covers have been removed, and the players have started warming up.

Why It Matters

A short rain interruption halted play for 20 minutes, but the batters returned to punish Sri Lanka's erratic bowling lines. Padikkal in particular executed fine sweeps against Nuwantha and pulled Dhananjaya de Silva through mid-wicket to finish undefeated on 131 off 178.

• Let's hope we have seen the last of the rain and can enjoy uninterrupted action from here.

• The Indians are in a huddle, with head coach Gautam Gambhir having a word with his troops.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by The Times of India as more details emerge