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Khawaja stands tall as Australia stretch lead past 200
On a day dominated by the bowlers, with helpful conditions throughout, Usman Khawaja’s unbeaten half-century stood out as Australia stretched their lead to 221 before rain forced an early close on Friday (June 30). Having bowled England out for 325 to gain a 91-run lead, Australia kept the home team pacers at an arm’s length for more than 45 overs, thanks mainly to Khawaja’s 58 not out, as they ended the rain-hit Day 3 at 130/2.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad were a bit wayward with their lines at the start of the third session, with boundaries coming via extras as well as off the bat. Khawaja helped himself to a four off a full-toss from Broad, bringing up his fifty in the process. Labuschagne played his shots but wasn’t in full control when executing a few of them, and was even lucky when England decided not to review a leg-before shout off Broad – replays revealing it would have crashed onto the stumps. But he couldn’t capitalise as he hit a short ball straight to point to depart for 30, ending a stand worth 60.
Steve Smith had a jittery start as he edged an Anderson delivery for a boundary, was beaten outside off and also missed a flick off Broad. Taking a cue from the Australian bowlers, England too tried the short ball multiple times and even had Khawaja and Smith in uncomfortable positions. It got quite dark into the session and rain arrived, forcing the players off the field. The umpires later decided to call off the day’s play with 25-plus overs still remaining to be played.
Earlier, England lost six wickets for the addition of only 47 runs on an overcast morning as they were bowled out for 325. Ben Stokes fell in the opening over as he got a leading edge to Cameron Green at wide gully off Mitchell Starc. Harry Brook, who got to fifty, was troubled by short deliveries from the Australian pacers and eventually fell to one from Starc. Jonny Bairstow showed better application but his attempt to go over the top off Josh Hazlewood brought about his downfall. With Travis Head bagging a couple of wickets and Cummins pocketing one, England’s innings came to an early close as Australia picked up a 91-run lead. Khawaja and Warner then survived a challenging six-over period before Lunch.
With the cloud cover still helping the bowlers, Australia’s openers endured further challenge from the England pacers after Lunch. Warner survived a leg-before shout by Anderson and England ended up losing a review. Khawaja was finding the boundaries but a couple of them were streaky, and he scored most of the runs with Warner being cautious at the other end. Ollie Pope, meanwhile, landed awkwardly again while fielding and was off the field. It wasn’t a fluent innings from Warner who, after contributing only 17 in a 63-run opening stand, was out lbw to Josh Tongue. Labuschagne got a lbw decision overturned in Tongue’s next over and was unbeaten at Tea along with Khawaja, who collected two successive fours off Broad.
Brief scores:
Australia 416 & 130/2 (Usman Khawaja 58*; Josh Tongue 1-21) lead England 325 (Ben Duckett 98, Harry Brook 50; Mitchell Starc 3-88, Travis Head 2-17) by 221 runs.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
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President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
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Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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