Dilshan misses out on a Lord’s double

Rain mars Sri Lanka’s progress against England on third day.

LONDON:

England finally saw the back of Tillakaratne Dilshan at Lord’s but not before the Sri Lanka captain had made 193 in the second Test at Lord’s.

Sri Lanka were 372 for three in reply to England’s first-innings 486, a deficit of 114 runs, when rain forced an early end to the third day.

Dilshan, 187 not out at lunch, got the four runs he needed for the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan at Lord’s, topping the 190 made by Sidath Wettimuny during the islanders’ Test debut at Lord’s in 1984.

But on 192 he was, for the second time in his innings, struck a painful blow on the right hand by fast-bowler Chris Tremlett. A visibly hurt Dilshan carried on but there was no maiden Test double century for the dashing opener.

Instead, he added just one more run before being bowled by a full-length Steven Finn delivery that nipped back sharply under cloudy skies and clipped Dilshan’s leg before hitting the stumps.

In all, Dilshan’s Test-best innings spanned more than seven hours and featured two sixes and 20 fours.

His exit left Sri Lanka 370 for three after an entertaining third-wicket stand of 82 with former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who was unbeaten on 40, and was looking for his third successive Lord’s Test hundred.  Thilan Samaraweera remained not out at one.

Dilshan’s exit was a reward for a much-improved England bowling display following a tough time with the ball for the hosts.

Earlier, all-rounder Farveez Maharoof was delighted at his captain’s brilliank knock, crediting his positive nature for his fine batting.

“He’s a very positive guy by nature-aggressive and positive,” said Maharoof. “He’s been scoring runs all tour while captaining the side really well, and he’s been in amazing form for the last two years. A Lord’s Test hundred is very special for him, and hopefully he’ll kick on, because when the skipper is performing it’s always good for the team.”

Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed on 231 for one, with Dilshan resuming on 127 and Kumar Sangakkara, his immediate predecessor as captain, on 13 as they set about closing in on an England first-innings total.

Before England took the new ball, Dilshan cut and drove Graeme Swann’s off-spin for two fours in as many deliveries.

A single off the off-spinner then saw the opener reach 150 in 192 balls with two sixes and 15 fours but was unable to go on and get the precious double.

England took the new ball as soon as it was available after 80 overs with Sri Lanka 285 for one and four balls later Tremlett struck when Sangakkara edged a delivery angled across him to wicketkeeper Matt Prior to be dismissed for 26.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2011.