Sri Lanka hold firm against England

Rain forces delayed start to the first Test.

CARDIFF:

Sri Lanka made a steady start to be 75 without loss against England in the first 25 overs of the rain-marred opening day of the first Test at Sophia Gardens.

Left-hander Tharanga Paranavitana was 29 not out and Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan 37 not out in the first of this three-match series.

Ashes star and fast-bowler James Anderson, after Sri Lanka opted to bat, produced a miserly opening spell of seven overs for seven runs, including two maidens, but was unable to induce a chance despite repeatedly beating the bat.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2011.