Sri Lanka collapse in overcast conditions

Rex Clementine in Worcester

Sri Lanka’s batters were tested in overcast conditions after England Lions won the toss and opted to bowl first here at Worcester on Wednesday. Sri Lanka had slumped to 81 for six at tea on the opening day of the game after the toss was delayed due to a wet outfield.

Sri Lanka’s openers were steady seeing off the new ball as Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka added 36 runs for the first wicket.

The introduction of Zaman Akther put Sri Lanka on the back foot. The 25-year-old quick from Gloucestershire dismissed Karunaratne in his first over as the former captain ended up getting a leading edge and was caught at point.

Madushka departed in the next over offering a return catch to Akther.

Akther then claimed a third wicket when he had Kusal Mendis caught behind for 11 and Sri Lanka soon slumped to 55 for three.

Then, 19-year-old left-arm quick Josh Hull changed ends coming in for his second spell and bowled a brutal spell running through Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Hull, who represents Nottinghamshire in First Class cricket picked up a wicket in each of his overs to reduce Sri Lanka to 81 for six. He had Angelo Mathews caught behind while captain Dhananjaya de Silva lobbed one to covers. Dinesh Chandimal was bowled by a superb yorker.

Hull was generating serious pace and troubled all the Sri Lanka’s batters in his second spell. It is only a matter of time before he goes on to represent England in Test match cricket.

Sri Lanka have the second innings in the game to make amends to their shortcomings with the bat in the first innings. But with exactly one week left for the opening Test match at Old Trafford, the selectors would want to see their batters making big contributions.

It wasn’t the most easy day for batting though with the ball seaming around. It was overcast and gloomy as well and although it is the summer in England, it hardly looked a mid-summer’s day.

There are a few selection headaches lead up to the opening Test match. Kamindu Mendis is yet to reach UK and he will feature in the starting line-up at Old Trafford having been in prolific form in Sri Lanka’s last series where he was Player of the Series.

One of the seven batters will have to give way for him and it remains to be seen who will be left out. It was the perfect opportunity for the batters to put up a good show and secure a spot but none showed appetite.

There is also Pathum Nissanka waiting in the wings and given his prolific form in limited overs cricket, Sri Lanka will be better off having him in the top of the order.