SL strong after Hussey’s master class

Australian hits 15th century, Sangakkara shines in 100th Test.

COLOMBO:

Sri Lanka, seeking a series-levelling win in the third and final Test of the series against Australia, closed the second day at 166 for two in their first-innings after a batting master class from Michael Hussey had steered the tourists out of trouble.

Kumar Sangakkara hit an unbeaten 61 in his 100th Test as Sri Lanka responded bravely to Australia’s 316. The hosts began their reply slowly as openers Tharanga Paranavitana (46) and Lahiru Thirimanne (28) took 25 overs to put on 56 on the board.

Mahela Jayawardene chipped in with 31 not out in a third-wicket stand of 69 with Sangakkara to leave the hosts 150 runs behind with eight wickets in hand.

Earlier, Hussey continued his run of form with a fluent 118 studded with 12 boundaries and two sixes. The left-hander passed 5,000 Test runs on way to his century, and was last man out.





Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2011.