India, Aug. 16 -- Devdutt Padikkal waited more than two years for another opportunity to establish himself in India's Test side. When it finally arrived, the left-hander did considerably more than merely take it. Padikkal turned his maiden Test hundred into a commanding 167 against Sri Lanka in Galle, providing the centrepiece of India's first innings as the visitors reached 460 for nine at stumps on a rain-affected second day of the opening Test. His innings contained 15 fours and a six before Prabath Jayasuriya eventually had him stumped by Niroshan Dickwella.

India had resumed on 288 for two after Padikkal had already made his century on the opening day. With rain and a wet outfield delaying the start by almost four hours on Sunday, o...