India declare at 503-9 as Jurel reaches century in Colombo test

India declared its first innings at 503 for nine wickets on Monday, capping a productive day two for the visitors in the second and final test against Sri Lanka at the Colombo grounds. The declaration came after Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten century provided the backbone of India's innings, demonstrating solid batting through the middle order. The Indian team's first-innings total represents a commanding position as the test enters its crucial stages. Jurel's composed knock underlined India's batting depth, with the wicketkeeper-batter remaining unbeaten as captain Rohit Sharma opted to declare and give his bowlers time to work with the new ball. Sri Lanka will now prepare to bat against India's bowling attack in conditions that could favour the visiting seamers and spinners.