Sri Lanka fight-back to a position of strength against West Indies in Colombo Test
Sri Lanka pushed ahead with their recovery as Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera racked up half-centuries, in the process. The pair looked assured on a second day’s pitch at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as they anchored their team to a competent score-line
of 199/3 at lunch.
The Sri Lankan pair started off the proceedings in a positive manner as their team piled up 115 runs in the pre-lunch session. In addition, the overnight pair has assembled an unbeaten stand of 165 runs for the fourth wicket.
The newly laid pitch was expected to be a batting friendly track, but the overcast conditions made it suitable for seam bowling. Today, the surface has played nicely, the ball is coming onto the bat and there is no lateral movement in the air.
Sangakkara has played with authority as he has shown his class in his sublime knock of 84 runs. In his hunt for runs, the left hander started off in a watchful manner, but as the innings progressed and conditions eased out, the master batsman has looked
well set for a massive individual score.
Samaraweera looked more assured of the two, considering the hostile bowling conditions. In the start of his innings, the right hander hooked Roach for an amazing six, and then cracked up some crisp boundaries against the left-arm spin of Benn.
Moreover, the 34-year old player showed great technique and calmness at the crease to collect his 78 runs. In doing so, he along with his captain has negated the early advantage that the opposition gained in the course of the game.
This time around, the bowling has been disappointing for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 with run-scoring momentum.
Similarly, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shane-Shillingford-c89689 followed the foot-steps of the left-arm spinner as he delivered in a same manner, bowling short and wide.
Previously, the hosts ended the first day on a grim total of 84/3. Sri Lanka lost their top three batsmen in quick succession. Samaraweera and Sangakkara joined each other at a bleak number score of 36/3. The duo with their measured batting provided their
team with stability as they added 48 runs on the first day.
Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he grabbed the Sri Lankan openers in a brilliant display of seam and swing bowling.
Only 37.2 overs were bowled on day one. The Test match lost its first session due to a damp outfield. Afterwards, the third session only lasted 8 deliveries before play was called off due to bad light.
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