Rain delays India's push in Galle Test

Rain interruptions limited play on the third day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at Galle. India closed day two on 460 for nine with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 and Dhruv Jurel adding 51. Sri Lanka reached 215 for five at tea on day three, trailing by 247 runs after Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha both passed fifty.

Shubman Gill took a one-handed catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis off Kuldeep Yadav. Sri Lanka's spinners Nuwantha and Jayasuriya claimed six of the seven wickets on the rain-affected second day. Padikkal fell after extending his maiden Test century, while KL Rahul contributed 82 before his dismissal.

India must now press for a substantial lead before Sri Lanka resume their innings. The hosts have the first-innings deficit to overcome on a pitch beginning to offer turn and bounce. Weather forecasts suggest further interruptions remain possible in the days ahead.