Ravindra Jadeja reaffirmed his status as the country's premier Test all-rounder with an attractive century while his spin bowling partner Ravichandran Ashwin hit a half-ton, taking India to a comfortable 468 for 7 at lunch against Sri Lanka on the second day of the first Test here on Saturday.

India declared their first innings at 574 for 8 against Sri Lanka as the two teams decided to take early tea on the second day of the opening Test here on Saturday.

Jadeja was unbeaten at 175, while Mohammed Shami was on 20 when India decided to declare their innings in the 130th over. Suranga Lakmal (2/90), Vishwa Fernando (2/135) and Lasith Embuldeniya (2/188) took two wickets each for Sri Lanka.

The hundred would be an immense confidence booster for the Saurashtra man, who had missed four Tests this season due to a knee injury.

The Sri Lankan team looked despondent at the start of the day and Dimuth Karunaratne's defensive field placings was a testimony how they were just trying to bide time rather than think of getting wickets.

The result was Jadeja-Ashwin was milking the bowling for singles and doubles but also getting their share of fours. There was a point when both the batters just casually drove the half volleys to the fence and there was not a single Sri Lankan bowler who put any extra effort.

Finally, after having faced 81 deliveries and hitting eight boundaries, Ashwin was dismissed when Suranga Lakmal dug one short and the batter gloved a hook shot to keeper Niroshan Dickwella. But that didn't deter Jadeja from completing his three-figure mark by pushing an Embuldeniya delivery towards cover for a single which brought out the customary sword celebration.

Brief Score:

India 1st innings: 574 for 8 decl in 129.2 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 175 not out, Rishabh Pant 96, Ravichandran Ashwin 61; Suranga Lakmal 2/90, Vishwa Fernando 2/135, Lasith Embuldeniya 2/188).