2nd Test: Jayawardene century takes Sri Lanka to 305-5

Former skipper helps Islanders make a comeback after early fall of wickets.

COLOMBO:

Mahela Jayawardene smashed an unbeaten 140 as Sri Lanka regrouped after early strikes to post 305-5 on the first day of the series-deciding second Test against South Africa on Thursday.

Jayawardene, 37, hit 16 fours and a six in his nearly six-hour stay at the wicket to pull up Sri Lanka from a shaky 16-2 after the hosts opted to bat on a docile track at the SSC ground.

This was Jayawardene’s 11th century at the ground, the most by any batsman at a single venue. He also joined India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara of the West Indies at tied fifth on the list of highest Test century makers.

The stylish right-hander, due to retire from Test cricket next month, shared 99 runs with opener Kaushal Silva (44) and another 133 runs with skipper Angelo Mathews (63) for the fourth wicket.

Mathews, who promoted himself up the batting order, played patiently before nicking to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off part-time spinner Jean-Paul Duminy shortly into the final session.

Kithuruwan Vithanage, playing his fifth Test and first against South Africa, was peppered with short balls by the quicks until his misery was ended by seamer Morne Morkel (1-42) who had him caught by AB de Villiers for 13.

Test debutant Niroshan Dickwella, batting on 12 at stumps, was given out caught off Duminy but the decision was revoked on review with TV replays showing the ball had hit only his pads.

The first session though belonged to fast bowler Dale Steyn, the star of South Africa’s big win in the first Test at Galle.

Steyn (2-55) sent back opener Upul Tharanga and big-hitter Kumar Sangakkara for a golden duck in his sharp four-over opening spell.

Jayawardene, playing at his home ground, displayed sublime form, once hitting Steyn for two fours in an over and lofting Tahir over the mid-off for a huge six.

He hugged Mathews on reaching the three-figure mark and waved to the fans while firecrackers were set off near the stands.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2014.

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