Tharanga nears ton

By Samiddha Kalmith Rathnayake.
England bowlers were made to toil for their wickets by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board President’s XI on the first day at the CCC ground yesterday. Under hot and humid conditions it was clear that the Englishmen were suffering heavily, and the quality batting displayed by the Sri Lankan top order was the highlight of the day.

Upul Tharanga’s played positive cricket sending a strong message to the selectors. He remained not out on 92 when rain stopped play while Chamara Kapugedara remained on 48. Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan was the only batsman who failed to grasp the opportunity. He faced three deliveries before lofting a catch to Ravi Bopara off Monti Panesar for zero.

Tharanga lost his opening partner, Dilruwan Perera (20) at the score of 41. Perera was unfortunate to nick one to keeper Phil Mustard off the bowling of Stuart Broad. Malinda Warnapura also got a start but failed to reach his half century trapped in front off a Ryan Sidebottom delivery for 48.

English bowlers maintained a good line and length but failed to fracture the concentration of Tharanga who showed determination to hold his nerve. Kapugedara also played some lovely strokes including a massive six over deep mid-wicket. Both players showed good temperament against the tight English bowling.

Sidebottom, Broad and Panesar took a wicket each. Graeme Swann, who was quite effective during the one day encounters, hardly found any rhythm and went for 65 off his 12 overs. The bowling showed spirit but failed to deliver the results that Michael Vaughan would have liked to have. At the end of the first day’s play Sri Lanka were 218 for 3 wickets.