Mural Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara stroked centuries as India took control on the 2nd day of the 2nd Test in Nagpur. At stumps, the hosts were on 312, leading by 107.
Sri Lanka endured a tough day in Nagpur as they managed to claim just 1 wicket during the day’s play as Vijay and Pujara put on 209 for the 2nd wicket after the hosts lost Lokesh Rahul late last evening. The Lankan bowlers bowled with discipline early on in the day as they kept the scoring rate down in the 1st session of play, despite being unable to pick up any wickets. Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Rangana Herath were particularly good however, both Dasun Shanaka and Dilruwan Perera leaked runs early on to release the pressure on the Indian pair. Perera’s performance was particularly disappoing, going for 117 runs in 21 overs
Vijay rode his luck as he offered a half chance to Sadeera Samarawickrama at short leg on 19. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, young Samarawickrama missed out on both the catch and chance to run Vijay out in the same delivery. On the other end, Pujara looked as solid as ever as the pair frustrated the visitors.
Once the pair got through the 1st hour of play, the run-rate steadily increased and it continued to do so in the 2nd session as well, with the bowlers clearly tiring.
Vijay, who had been out of the game for 8 months following an injury to his wrist, proved once again that he should be India’s 1st choice opener in Tests as he eased his way to another ton. However, just as it seemed like India would bat through the day without losing a wicket, Herath struck as Vijay top edged a full toss to the man at short fine leg.
Pujara carried on and with captain Virat Kohli at the crease, the run-rate steadily increased. Despite opting for the 2nd new ball as soon as it was available, the Sri Lankan bowlers lacked penetration and Kohli and Pujara ended day 2 unbeaten on 54 and 121 respectively.
