Cricket-India's Jadeja hits second test hundred to flatten Sri Lanka

By Sudipto Ganguly

(Reuters) - India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completed his second test hundred and with Ravichandran Ashwin helped the hosts to a big first innings total against Sri Lanka on the second day of the opening test at Mohali on Saturday.

Left-hander Jadeja was unbeaten on 102 and with Ashwin, who made 61, added 130 for their partnership as India reached 468 for seven at lunch on the second day.

A minute's silence was observed before the start of play for Australian greats Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, who both died on Friday.

The Indian batters, who resumed the day on 357-6, also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for Marsh and Warne. The batters continued to pile on runs against the hapless Sri Lankan bowlers on a docile pitch.

The touring bowlers failed to trouble Jadeja and Ashwin and their attack was further hampered by the absence of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara who did not return to the field after leaving play on Friday with an injury.

Ashwin's wicket was the only success for Sri Lanka in the first session and it came shortly before the lunch interval when the right-hander edged behind Suranga Lakmal while attempting a hook shot.

Jadeja brought out his trademark celebration, twirling his bat like a sword, after completing his century with a single to add to his previous hundred that came against West Indies at home in 2018.

The only signs of discomfort in Jadeja's innings, which was studded with 10 fours, came when he received some treatment on his right wrist.

Sri Lanka will also have to contend with Jadeja's left-arm spin and Ashwin's off-spin when they come out to bat with the pitch expected to offer turn as the game progresses.

(Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; editing by Jane Wardell)