India vs Sri Lanka live score, 1st Test Day 2: Rain ruins another restart in Galle, covers back on

Just when it looked like we were finally ready for cricket, the rain has decided to make another appearance. The players were warming up, but the ground staff have now pulled out the stumps and are rushing the covers back on.

After nearly two hours without rain, it waited until 15 minutes before the scheduled restart to make its move. Galle really is keeping everyone on their toes today.

Some good news from Galle at last. Play is set to resume at 2.15 PM, bringing an end to a frustrating wait on Day 2. The clouds are already gathering again, though, so nobody is quite counting their chickens yet.

The India players have formed a huddle, while Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill are already pitchside, taking a close look at the conditions. We are nearly there. Fingers crossed the weather allows us some cricket this time.

Now this is more like it. Most of the covers are off in Galle, the sun is out and the Indian support staff have started setting up on the side pitch for some practice.

There is even a little rugby on the menu, with Morne Morkel and Gary Kirsten tossing a rugby ball to each other. A few players from both teams are also out on the field, which is another encouraging sign that we could finally be moving towards some cricket.

The rain has stopped in Galle, bringing some much-needed relief after another frustrating morning. The ground staff will now have a bit of time to get the playing area ready, with the first inspection scheduled for 1.40 PM local time.

It is not quite time to start the countdown to play yet, but this is at least a step in the right direction.

The rain has returned in Galle, delaying the start of the second session on Day 2. After all the stop-start weather we've had today, the players will have to wait a little longer before they can get back out there.

India remain 288/2, with the weather once again having the final say. Stay tuned, we'll bring you the latest from Galle as it happens.

Well, that was a short-lived bit of optimism. The stumps have been unplugged, and the covers are coming back on in Galle, despite there being no rain at the moment.

The groundsmen have clearly sniffed something in the air. And given they got it spot on yesterday by covering the entire ground just before a heavy spell of rain, you wouldn't bet against them this time either.

More progress in Galle. The stumps are now up, and the ground staff have started carefully peeling back the covers, making sure the water collected on top is pushed outside the boundary rather than onto the playing area.

It is still a slow process, but this is easily the most encouraging sign we've had this morning.

The rain has stopped in Galle and the ground staff have started their work. The main pitch cover remains firmly in place, but the outer field covers are gradually being taken off.

There is still a small catch, though. The rain has been on and off all morning, so it is too early to get carried away. For now, the ground staff are making progress, but another shower could put the covers straight back on.

The rain has finally stopped in Galle, but there is still plenty of work to do before Day 2 can resume. There is a lot of water sitting on top of the covers, and the ground staff have slowly started moving in, beginning with the tyres before they can get to the covers.

So, while the weather has given India and Sri Lanka a break, the ground certainly hasn't. India remain 288/2, with the wait for play continuing.

The rain briefly cleared in Galle and there was a little hope that Day 2 might finally get moving. The ground is fully covered and the weather had looked promising for a moment, but, well, it's drizzling again.

This is starting to feel like one of those days where the weather gets as much attention as the cricket. India remain on 288/2, waiting for the covers to come off properly and the drizzle to finally take the hint.

Here we go again.

After a significant rain delay on Day 1, Galle is dealing with another wet start on Day 2. The entire ground is currently under covers, so there will be no action at the scheduled start time.

India will be hoping this is a shorter interruption than yesterday. For now, though, the covers are getting plenty of game time.

A slight concern for India on an otherwise excellent opening day. KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 after cramps spread through his body, forcing him to leave the field after a valuable 162-ball stay.

There was some initial worry as Rahul needed help from the physio to leave the field, but India got a reassuring update after stumps. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Rahul was fine by the end of the day and should be good to resume his innings on Day 2.

That will be music to India's ears. Rahul had put together a crucial 150-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, providing the stability that allowed Padikkal to kick on to his maiden Test century. India finished on 288/2, and Rahul could yet have a second act on Day 2.

Sri Lanka will look at 288/2 and know their bowlers left too much on the table. There was turn in Galle, but not enough consistency to build sustained pressure. India were allowed to settle, and once they did, Sri Lanka struggled to pull things back.

Prabath Jayasuriya got Shubman Gill for 16, but that was the only wicket taken by a Sri Lankan bowler. Keshara Nuwantha bowled 21 overs for 98 runs without a wicket, while Dhananjaya de Silva sent down only four overs.

Padikkal handled the spin particularly well, using his footwork and back-foot play to keep the scoreboard moving. KL Rahul offered the stability before retiring hurt on 77, and India never really lost control.

Sri Lanka's final 10 overs summed up their day. 49 runs, no wickets. With Padikkal on 131* and Pant on 27*, the hosts need their bowlers to find something quickly on Day 2.

It is easy to look at 288/2 and think India had a smooth ride on Day 1. There were a few bumps along the way. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 32, Shubman Gill made 16 and KL Rahul was forced to retire hurt on 77 after battling cramps.

But India never really let Sri Lanka build any pressure. Rahul's 77 gave them the stability they needed, while Devdutt Padikkal settled in beautifully and grew stronger as the day went on. His 150-run stand with Rahul was the turning point before he carried on with Rishabh Pant after Rahul's departure.

By stumps, Padikkal had brought up his maiden Test century and was unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, with Pant on 27. India were sitting pretty at 288/2.

Now they have the chance to make that good position count. Padikkal is already past the hundred, Pant is at the crease and there is plenty of batting still to come. Sri Lanka will need an early breakthrough, because another session like the final one on Day 1 could make this a very long Test for the hosts.

Good morning cricket geeks!

India had a very good time of it in Galle on Day 1, finishing on 288/2. Devdutt Padikkal was the big story, bringing up his maiden Test century and ending the day unbeaten on 131. Rishabh Pant was alongside him on 27, with India firmly in the driver's seat.

There is plenty to look forward to this morning. Padikkal has already done the hard bit and will now be eyeing a really big score, while Pant gives India the option of shifting gears whenever the mood takes him. With plenty of batting still to come, India have a chance to turn a dominant opening day into a very imposing first innings. Sri Lanka have a lot of work to do.

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