West Indies won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat in what is a must-win second ODI in Jamaica for the hosts. Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0.

The toss itself was delayed by 30 minutes following rain earlier in the day, and it was the possibility of rain intervening later on that influenced Shai Hope’s decision to field first. Kusal Mendis was expecting the conditions to be tough to start with, so they will be aiming to ride that initial period out. Rain returned just moments before the first ball too.

In terms of team news, both teams have made a change each. For the West Indies it is enforced, with Matthew Forde picking up an injury and replaced by Amir Jangoo. Sri Lanka meanwhile bring in the red-hot Eshan Malinga, fresh off a breakout IPL stint, in place of Asitha Fernando.

Conditions were overcast as the toss took place, and there is a distinct possibility of rain interruption at some point during the game. As for the pitch, it’s expected to be similar to the one in the first game. Spin will play a role, while batting will likely be tough early on – mostly due to the cloudy overhead conditions – before easing up once the ball gets older.

West Indies XI:  John Campbell, Justin Greaves,  Keacy Carty,  Shai Hope (capt & wk),  Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase,  Amir Jangoo,  Gudakesh Motie,  Alzarri Joseph,  Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Sri Lanka XI:  Pathum Nissanka,  Kamindu Mendis,  Kusal Mendis (capt & wk),  Pavan Rathnayake,  Charith Asalanka,  Janith Liyanage,  Wanindu Hasaranga,  Milan Rathnayake,  Maheesh Theekshana,  Dushmantha Chameera,  Eshan Malinga

(Cricinfo)

A special workshop was held today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat to explore the possibility of integrating programmes currently implemented by state institutions that directly contribute to enterprise development with the “Prajashakthi” National Movement.

Discussions focused on identifying development projects undertaken by government institutions for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and incorporating relevant information into a unified data management system.

Attention was also directed towards formulating a strategic framework for the coordinated implementation of these programmes, as well as identifying the nature, scope and eligibility criteria of the initiatives carried out by the respective institutions.

The participating government officials were further briefed on the criteria for selecting beneficiaries for programmes directly related to enterprise development.

In addition, discussions centred on identifying programmes that could be implemented independently or jointly by the relevant state institutions and the “Prajashakthi” National Movement. Particular attention was paid to preventing duplication and overlap in programme selection and implementation.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake, resource persons Kalum Jayaveera and Madhava Muthukudaarachchi, officials of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, government officials, and representatives of the Prajashakthi Secretariat were among those who attended the workshop.

(PMD)

After a 16-wicket opening day of the English Test summer, a further 17 fell on the second on an up-and-down Lord’s surface that left batters guessing. Despite a mid-afternoon wobble when they lost four wickets in 11 balls, England ended it firmly on top by striking three early blows to New Zealand’s attempts to chase 254 in the fourth innings.

A wicket has fallen every 25 balls across the first two days – with 11 batters out bowled and nine lbw – and neither captain has seen fit to use a spinner on a pitch defined by its variable bounce. Emilio Gay’s 57 on Test debut is the highest score on either side so far, and he would have been out lbw to Matt Henry for 24 if Tom Latham had reviewed the on-field decision.

Henry was limited to four overs on the opening day by back spasms and New Zealand’s three other quicks shouldered a heavy workload as a result. But his only wicket summed up the challenge for batters: the ball shot low from a good length, sneaking under the toe-end of Jacob Bethell’s bat to knock back his off stump.