Rain could deny Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship points

Rex Clementine in Galle

Apart from giving Mickey Arthur a grand send-off, a rejuvenated Sri Lankan side were eyeing big points in the ICC Test Championship but it looks as if these plans will have to wait after rain robbed 52 overs of the third day’s play in the first Test against West Indies here at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday.

More wet weather is expected over the next two days and with Sri Lanka yet to take the last wicket in West Indies first innings, we could be heading for a dull draw although 188 overs are still remaining in the game. Play will start early at 9:45 am on day four and five to catch up for lost time.

After a gutless performance in the first two days, West Indies finally showed some fight yesterday but they have got much catching up to do in the game.

The tourists had collapsed to 113 for six at stumps on day two but the lower order put up a fine rearguard action and saved the follow-on. Not that defensive Sri Lanka were exploring to enforce it anyway.

Overnight pair Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers added 63 runs for the seventh wicket with left-handed Mayers, who has scored a double hundred in Bangladesh this year, looking solid.

With things drifting away, the part-time spin of Dhananjaya de Silva was introduced to the attack and he accounted for Mayers, who was early on the drive and was well caught by skipper Karunaratne. Mayers made 45 off 62 balls with eight fours.

Holder fell for another good catch this time to Dushmantha Chameera off the bowling of Praveen Jayawickrama for 36 that came off 60 deliveries with three fours and two sixes.

Rahkeem Cornwall and Joshua da Silva ensured the follow-on was averted and West Indies went for lunch at 215 for eight.

In the brief five-over period after lunch, West Indies added nine runs and lost Cornwall. Suranga Lakmal was introduced from the City End to break the partnership and he tested Cornwall with a short ball and the batsman couldn’t resist. But the execution was wrong and he was caught by Ramesh Mendis for 39 that came off 58 deliveries with five fours and a six.

Tea was taken early due to rain and the umpires came down for an inspection and decided to resume play at 3:30 pm with 36 overs scheduled to play. But another downpour forced an early end to day three.