Sri Lanka fight for survival in second Test

Hosts trail by 14 runs in second-innings against Australia.

PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka put on a determined batting display to improve their chances of forcing a draw in the second Test against Australia.

Sri Lanka, who were skittled out for 174 in their first-innings, moved to 223 for two in their second knock before bad light ended play an hour early on the fourth day at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Former captains Kumar Sangakkara (69) and Mahela Jayawardene (38) were together at the crease, having put on 95 valuable runs for the third wicket.

Sri Lanka, who trail 1-0 in the three-match series, will start the final day’s play 14 runs behind Australia, and with eight wickets in hand on a good batting pitch.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, worried over forecasts of bad weather, had declared his team’s first-innings at an overnight score of 411 for seven in order to bid for a victory.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2011.