Prasanna Jayawardene’s stylish, unbeaten fifty helped take Sri Lanka to 316 for six against England at tea on the second day of the first Test at Sophia Gardens.
The wicket-keeper was 69 not out, having hit eight fours in nearly three hours at the crease. Together with Thisara Perera, the right-hander had so far added 38 in a 46 balls for the seventh wicket.
UDRS troubles hosts
Earlier, England endured a frustrating time at the hands of the controversial Umpire Decision Review System.
Twice the hosts thought they had Farveez Maharoof, called up to an injury-hit squad from county side Lancashire, leg-before but both times the original not-out decisions were upheld. Maharoof hung around for over an hour, helping Prasanna add 35, before his luck ran out.
Prasanna’s drive off Jonathan Trott was deflected onto the bowler’s end stumps and Maharoof was run out backing up for 16 to leave Sri Lanka 278 for six. Perera should also have been run out but Kevin Pietersen missed the throw.
Bad start by the tourists
Sri Lanka resumed on 133 for two after losing captain Tillakaratne Dilshan (50), who won the toss, and Kumar Sangakkara for 11 late on the rain-marred opening day.
Tharanga Paranavitana was 58 not out and Mahela Jayawardene unbeaten on four.
Sri Lanka had yet to add to their total when James Anderson dismissed Mahela.
Left-hander Paranavitana added eight before he edged an intended drive off Chris Tremlett onto his stumps. Sri Lanka started the second session on 207 for four with Thilan Samaraweera and Prasanna at the crease.
England, resting their seamers before the new ball was available, conceded 35 runs in the first six overs after lunch.
But in the 81st over – the first with the new ball – Anderson had Samaraweera caught for 58 to end a stand of 84 that had taken Sri Lanka to 243 for five.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2011.
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