Sri Lanka put up better show in second innings

Rex Clementine in Worcester

After a disappointing start to the tour of England, Sri Lanka’s batters came up with a much improved performance in the second innings reaching 113 for two at lunch on day three against England Lions in Worcester on Friday.

The tourists had been bowled out for 139 runs in the first innings as they struggled under overcast conditions. However, with the sun out on day three, Sri Lanka’s openers started off positively adding 105 for the first wicket.

Madushka cut loose putting the bad balls away and reached his half-century in less than run a ball. He was unbeaten on 63 at lunch.

The partnership was broken when Dimuth Karunaratne was trapped leg before wicket for 43 by Lyndon James. The same bowler had Kusal Mendis caught behind in the last ball before lunch to reduce Sri Lanka to 113 for two. Sri Lanka need to make a further 72 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

This is the only warm-up game for the team ahead of the first Test at Old Trafford starting next week.

Sri Lanka’s batters looked undercooked lead up to the Test series, but spending sufficient time in the middle in the second innings should help their confidence.Middle order batter Kamindu Mendis and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay reached Worcester yesterday after their departure to London was delayed as their visa had not come.