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Day 1 Review: West Indies rode their luck through a challenging first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka to reach 246 for six at stumps at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday.A 90-run sixth-wicket partnership between captain Jason Holder and wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich was critical in wresting the initiative from the tourists after they had chosen to bat first in conditions that did not appear particularly taxing. However the Sri Lankan seamers put in a tremendous effort on a generally placid surface with Lahiru Kumara leading the way in claiming three for 57 off 18 overs, including the important wicket of Holder for 40 just when it seemed the all-rounder was about to accelerate against a tiring attack in a long final session marking the start of the visitors' first-ever three-match Test series in the Caribbean. Yet Dinesh Chandimal’s team had only themselves to blame for letting the home side off the hook after the tea interval.
Holder only added two runs after being badly missed by Roshen Silva at second slip off Kumara, however the more expensive lapse had occurred earlier when Dowrich, on 16, offered a straightforward chance to Angelo Mathews at slip off Dilruwan Perera’s off-spin and the opportunity was missed. Relieved to have been granted that reprieve by Sri Lanka's former captain, Dowrich played with exaggerated care thereafter and resumes on the second morning on 46 in partnership with Devendra Bishoo, who batted through the final 40 minutes of the day without getting off the mark.
Earlier, Devon Smith's return to international cricket after more than three years ended in disappointment at the start of the day. Opening the batting with Kraigg Brathwaite, the 36-year-old left-hander watched his partner depart in just the third over of the match, caught behind off experienced seamer Suranga Lakmal. Smith, who last represented the regional side against England in his native Grenada in 2015, would have been especially keen to make an impact.
But his ambitions were undone by sharp work from Chandimal whose throw to the wicketkeeper from midwicket found the opener just short of his ground after he was called through for a single by new batsman Kieran Powell. Powell sought to impose himself in putting on 40 for the third wicket with Shai Hope and looked to be getting on top of the bowlers when Kumara struck his first blow, uprooting the upright left-hander's leg-stump via the inside-edge. Hope failed to take full advantage of two moments of good fortune, falling to a leg-side wicketkeeper's catch off Kumara for 44. But it was namesake seamer Lahiru Gamage who was left ruing opportunities lost.
On 29 just after the lunch interval, Hope chased a wide delivery and edged a catch to Dickwella only to be reprieved by a no-ball call. Hope and Roston Chase extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 54 when Kumara’s persistence finally paid off. As expected, Rangana Herath played a bigger role at the bowling crease in the day's second session and the most successful left-arm spinner in Test history responded with the wicket of Chase for 38 via a sharp catch by Mathews at slip when the batsman edged an attempted cut. With the innings listing at 147 for five at that stage, the advantage was certainly with the Sri Lankans before the resistance of Dowrich and Holder, combined with the tourists' sloppy outcricket, redressed the balance.
Commentary (West Indies innings)
0958 local update - Oh dear! We don't have a good news to start with. The heavens have opened up and it is raining cats and dogs at the moment. Covers are out in the middle, it doesn't look a merry picture at the Queen's Park Oval and we will surely have a delayed start.
Hello and welcome to the coverage of the second day. Both the teams had their moments on the opening day of the game but they failed to capitalize on it. Sri Lanka started well with the ball yesterday but missed opportunities costed them dearly. The batsmen from the home team, got starts but failed to convert them. Honors were shared on Day 1, which makes the morning session very important. The Asian team today will look to pick the remaining wickets quickly, while Windies will be hoping to add as many runs as possible. Stay tuned for the action!
... Day 2, Session 1...
Earlier in the day, Windies elected to bat after winning the toss. None of their top order batsmen could make it big. Shai Hope did look promising but he too fell prey to Kumara who finished the day with a three-fer. They were in trouble at 147 for 5 but Holder and Dowrich came to their rescue and now they find themselves in a good position at the end of the day. Windies will now hope the rest along with Shane can take them somewhere close to 300. Whereas, the Sri Lankan bowlers will come out fresh on Thursday and try and bundle out the rest of the Windies' batsmen as quickly as possible. Do join us to find out what will happen on Day 2 of this Test match at 1000 local (1400 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye.
Third session - 93 for 1 in 34 overs! An excellent fightback by the Windies led by Dowrich, who walks off to a standing ovation by his teammates has seen the day end even-stevens. Sri Lanka came into the final phase with the idea of batting today but it was not to be. The resurgent pair of Holder and Dowrich joined forces and built a 90-run stand. They too rode their luck on their way but added vital runs before Lahiru Kumara, the pick of the bowlers, broke through. Bishoo then walked out and he along with Dowrich did well to play the day out. Overall, Sri Lanka were sloppy in the field as they missed quite a few chances.
83.6 L Gamage to Bishoo, Another ball which is way outside off. Bishoo does the right thing as he makes another leave. STUMPS ON DAY 1! 246/6
83.5 L Gamage to Bishoo, Shane will surely applaud that leave. This is closer to the off pole. Bishoo plants his front foot forward and watches it go to the keeper. 246/6
83.4 L Gamage to Bishoo, The sucker ball way outside off. Bishoo is tempted to go after it with a loose drive. Luckily for him he does not get an edge on that one. Not sure Dowrich will be happy with the shot the leggie just played. 246/6
83.3 L Gamage to Bishoo, Outside off, left alone. 246/6
83.2 L Gamage to Dowrich, Shapes in again from off. Dowrich works it down to fine leg for a run. 246/6
83.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, The inswinger by the bowler from the off stump. Dowrich pushes it to mid on. 245/6
82.6 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Gets swing but the line is wrong. It is down the leg side. 245/6
82.5 S Lakmal to Bishoo, A bumper on off. Bishoo watches it go to the keeper. 245/6
82.4 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Tries to bowl the magic delivery which swings from the leg stump to hit the off pole but the ball goes straight on. Easy for Dowrich as he flicks it to fine leg for a run. 245/6
82.3 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Once again bowls it on a length and around off. Dowrich easily keeps it out. 244/6
82.2 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Good length on middle, Shane is solid in defense. 244/6
82.1 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, Dowrich tries to defend but the ball takes the inside edge onto the pads. 244/6
81.6 L Gamage to Bishoo, A dot to finish. Outside off, left alone. 244/6
81.5 L Gamage to Bishoo, Make that 25! On a length around off, Bishoo keeps it out. 244/6
81.4 L Gamage to D Bishoo, Better from the bowler. He attacks the stumps, Bishoo strokes it to mid off for another dot. He has faced 24 balls and is yet to get off the mark. 244/6
81.3 L Gamage to Bishoo, Two leaves in a row! Has to make the batsman play. Length outside off, Bishoo shoulders arms to it. 244/6
81.2 L Gamage to Bishoo, This is erratic by Gamage. This one was very wide outside off. Bishoo need not play at those. 244/6
81.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, A poor start with the new ball. It is short and on middle, Dowrich is early into the pull shot. It goes off the toe end towards deep mid-wicket for a run. 244/6
Lahiru Gamage is brought back into the attack.
80.6 S Lakmal to Bishoo, He maybe reading what I am writing here as he bowls this in the blockhole. It swings in as well. Bishoo does extremely well to dig it out. 243/6
80.5 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Shorter in length on off, Bishoo guides it to point. Maybe Lakmal should be pitching it a little full here. 243/6
80.4 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Good length on off, Bishoo easily gets behind the line and defends it. 243/6
80.3 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Bowls this one outside off, wanting it to shape back in. It does not. Bishoo lets it be. 243/6
80.2 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Errs in line and bowls this one down the leg side. 243/6
80.1 S Lakmal to Bishoo, Lakmal does get a little bit of shape back into the batsman. It is on a length around middle. It is defended. 243/6
The second new ball is now available and it has been taken immediately. No surprises there as they got a lot of purchase with it at the start. Also, Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack.
79.6 R Herath to Dowrich, A maiden on his return to the attack as Dowrich lunges and blocks this ball on off. 243/6
79.5 R Herath to Dowrich, A little outside off, Dowrich lets it be. 243/6
79.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Flighted ball on the stumps, Dowrich defends it onto the ground. 243/6
79.3 R Herath to Dowrich, Works it with the angle to mid-wicket. 243/6
79.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Floats it up on middle, Dowrich eases it to mid on. 243/6
79.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Loopy ball on off, Dowrich defends it solidly. 243/6
Rangana Herath comes back on.
78.6 L Kumara to Bishoo, Lovely bowling! Uses the angle first and bowls it on off. It pitches and then straightens. Bishoo tries to defend but gets beaten. 243/6
Runs all the way upto his mark and then pulls out at the very last moment.
78.5 L Kumara to Bishoo, Follows it up with a yorker but the line is not that right. It is slightly outside off. Bishoo jams it out to mid off. 243/6
78.4 L Kumara to Bishoo, This is what he was expected to bowl, a bouncer. Bishoo does well to evade it. 243/6
78.3 L Kumara to Bishoo, With a short leg in place, Kumara does not bowl the length expected. He bowls it wide outside off and full, the batsman lets it be. 243/6
78.2 L Kumara to Dowrich, Shorter in length on off, Dowrich stands tall and punches it wide of mid off. He runs a single. 243/6
78.1 L Kumara to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, Dowrich guides it to gully. 242/6
77.6 D Perera to Bishoo, Negotiates the five balls really well as he blocks this off the back foot. 242/6
77.5 D Perera to Bishoo, Darts it on the stumps, it has been defended. 242/6
77.4 D Perera to Bishoo, Flatter and on off, Bishoo pushes it to covers. 242/6
77.3 D Perera to Bishoo, Floats it up on off, Bishoo drives it to the man at covers. 242/6
77.2 D Perera to Bishoo, Fires it on middle, Bishoo defends it onto the ground. 242/6
77.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Flatter on middle, Dowrich works it through mid-wicket and takes a single. He is trusting his partner. Also, he knows they do not have a lot on the board and every run could be important. 242/6
76.6 L Kumara to Bishoo, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 241/6
76.5 L Kumara to Dowrich, Tucks it with the angle to square leg and gets to the other end. 241/6
76.4 L Kumara to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, Dowrich pushes it to covers. 240/6
76.3 L Kumara to Dowrich, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. 240/6
76.2 L Kumara to Dowrich, A yorker on middle, Dowrich keeps it out. 240/6
76.1 L Kumara to S Dowrich, Short and on middle, Dowrich pulls it towards mid on. The fielder there runs to his left and makes a good diving stop. This is the effort Chandimal wants his players to be putting, especially at this time of the day. 240/6
75.6 D Perera to Bishoo, Floats it up on middle, Bishoo defends it by lunging forward. 240/6
75.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Tucks it around the corner and gets to the other end. 240/6
75.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. 239/6
75.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Vicious turn and bounce! This is bowled on off. It shoots off the surface and also turns into the batsman. It spins past the batsman, beats the keeper and the batsmen take two byes. 239/6
75.2 D Perera to Dowrich, Flatter on off, Dowrich pushes it to point. 237/6
75.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Flatter on middle, Dowrich goes back and tucks it to mid-wicket. 237/6
74.6 L Kumara to D Bishoo, The batsman drives this through the covers. 237/6
74.5 L Kumara to Bishoo, Wide outside off, left alone. 237/6
74.4 L Kumara to Bishoo, On the pads, Bishoo tries to keep it out but is hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. 237/6
74.3 L Kumara to Bishoo, Short ball down the leg side. Bishoo lets it be. 237/6
Devendra Bishoo is the next man in.
74.2 L Kumara to J Holder, OUT! It is bat hitting the ball! Excellent review by Sri Lanka and a lot of credit has to be given to Dickwella who wanted it to be taken straightaway. The dropped catch has not cost them a lot here and Kumara once again delivers when his captain needed him to. He gets his third as he breaks the 90-run stand. This is full and outside off. Holder goes for the booming drive. There is a noise as the ball passes the bat and the Lankan players appeal. The umpire shakes his head. Dickwella straightaway wants it to be reviewed and his skipper signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and Ultra Edge shows there is a spike before the bat hits the ground. Holder is given his marching orders. He too falls after getting a start. Can Sri Lanka now get the remaining wickets quickly? 237/6
Review time! A huge appeal for a caught behind. Holder is the man in question. Is it bat hitting the ground or bat hitting the ball? Let us find out.
74.1 L Kumara to Dowrich, Another short ball and outside off, Dowrich gets on top of the bounce and cuts it to deep point for a run. The partnership between the two is now 90. 237/5
73.6 D Perera to Dowrich, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 236/5
73.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Fires it on the stumps, Dowrich defends it onto the ground. 235/5
73.4 D Perera to Holder, Loopy ball on middle, Holder lofts it towards long on for a run. 235/5
73.3 D Perera to Holder, Floats it up on middle, Holder defends it on the front foot. 234/5
73.2 D Perera to Holder, Once again works it to mid-wicket with the turn. 234/5
73.1 D Perera to Holder, Works it with the turn to mid-wicket. 234/5
72.6 L Kumara to Holder, Fuller ion length by Kumara. Holder strokes it through cover-point for a run. 234/5
72.5 L Kumara to Holder, Now a poor shot by Holder! Easy skipper, they won't be dropping you all the time. Short and outside off, Holder tries to cash in on the width offered with a cut shot but fails to connect. 233/5
72.4 L Kumara to Holder, FOUR BYES! This is lethargic from the Sri Lankans out there. Kumara bowls it wide outside off. Dickwella does not go low enough to collect the ball. He gets fingertips to it and the ball goes past the man at first slip. The ball races away to the third man fence. 233/5
72.3 L Kumara to Holder, Edge... that goes straight towards second slip but he SPILLS IT! The Sri Lankan players are not in the mood to catch the ball in this final session. The bowling change almost did the trick. It is bowled on a shorter length outside off, Holder tries to force it through the off side away from his body. The ball takes the outside edge and goes at a comfortable height to Silva who drops it. 229/5
72.2 L Kumara to S Dowrich, This is an even better shot but finds the fielder in the deep at square leg. Only a run. 229/5
72.1 L Kumara to S Dowrich, FOUR! Welcome back into the attack says Dowrich! Short and wide outside off. A lot of width on offer. Shane pounces on it and slaps it through point for a boundary. 228/5
Lahiru Kumara is back on.
71.6 D Perera to Holder, Loopy ball on off, Holder tries to play it across the line but gets a soft leading edge to mid off. 224/5
71.5 D Perera to J Holder, Flighted ball on middle, Holder whips it to mid on. 224/5
71.4 D Perera to Holder, Attacks the stumps and the batsman blocks it. 224/5
71.3 D Perera to Holder, Floats it up on off, the batsman defends it onto the ground. 224/5
71.2 D Perera to J Holder, Tosses this one up outside off, Holder squirts it through point and gets a brace. 224/5
71.1 D Perera to Holder, Works it to the man at square leg with the turn. 222/5
70.6 L Gamage to Dowrich, Goes fuller but does not get any swing. The batsman hits it back to the bowler. 222/5
70.5 L Gamage to Dowrich, Hits the length area and on off, Dowrich off the back foot keeps it out. 222/5
70.4 L Gamage to Dowrich, Length ball around off, Shane pushes it to the man at covers. 222/5
70.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Goes fuller again on off, Dowrich drives it to covers. 222/5
70.2 L Gamage to Holder, No mid off and Holder drives it through there. Kusal Perera runs to his left from mid on and keeps it down to one. That was quick work from the fielder. 222/5
70.1 L Gamage to Holder, Good length on off, it is defended. 221/5
69.6 D Perera to Dowrich, A bit of turn there for the bowler! He tosses this one up outside off, it turns back in sharply. Shane lunges forward to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads. 221/5
69.5 D Perera to Dowrich, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 221/5
69.4 D Perera to Holder, Floated ball on middle, Holder drives it back towards the bowler who misfields. Holder calls for a run, his partner obliges. The fielder from mid on chases, slides but fails to collect it cleanly. 221/5
69.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Flatter and on off, this one turns back in slightly. Dowrich goes on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket for a run. 220/5
69.2 D Perera to Holder, Fires it on the pads, Holder tucks it around the corner and gets to the other end. He moves onto 34. 219/5
69.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Flatter and on off, Dowrich goes back and works it through square leg. They run the first one hard but have to settle down for only a single. 218/5
68.6 L Gamage to Holder, Back of a length on off, Holder stands tall and pushes it to short cover. 217/5
68.5 L Gamage to Holder, This time he is quite sure that he wants to play it. Does it well as he defends it onto the ground. 217/5
68.4 L Gamage to Holder, Good length around off, Holder first thinks of playing at it but then tries to pull his bat out at the very last moment. He though is late in doing so and the ball hits the bottom part and goes to the man at gully. 217/5
68.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Again it is on a length around off, Dowrich pushes it through covers for a quick run. 217/5
68.2 L Gamage to Dowrich, Good length delivery outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it. 216/5
68.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, Fuller in length on off, the batsman drives it back to the bowler. 216/5
68.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, Another no ball by Gamage. This is short and outside off, Dowrich mistimes his cut through point for a brace. 216/5
Drinks break. This has been a strong comeback from Windies. Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder have defied the Sri Lankan attack so far after Tea. These two have added 66 so far and they will be eager to add plenty more. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will welcome this break.
67.6 D Perera to Holder, The batsman gets right behind it and defends it solidly. 213/5
67.5 D Perera to Holder, Holder crouches low and taps it on to the leg side. 213/5
67.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Waits for it on the back foot and nudges it to square leg for a run. 213/5
67.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Fullish delivery on off, Dowrich pushes it back to the bowler. 212/5
67.2 D Perera to Dowrich, Slider on middle and leg, Dowrich goes across and taps it on the leg side. 212/5
67.1 D Perera to Dowrich, FOUR! Drifts away a little, Dowrich makes room for himself and powers the back foot punch through the covers. Good shot and it fetches him a boundary. 212/5
66.6 L Gamage to Holder, Fuller length ball from Gamage, Holder sits back and defends but the ball goes off the inner half on to his pads. 208/5
66.5 L Gamage to S Dowrich, Drops it short on the stumps, Dowrich gets into position quickly and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 208/5
66.4 L Gamage to Dowrich, Fuller length ball outside off, the batsman pushes it to the cover region. 207/5
66.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Touch wide from Gamage, the batsman doesn't offer any stroke to that one. 207/5
66.2 L Gamage to S Dowrich, Plays the square drive but finds the man at backward point. 207/5
66.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, FOUR! This one stays a little low but Dowrich adjusted well to it. He swivels across and pulls it to perfection to the square leg boundary. 207/5
Lahiru Gamage comes into the attack.
65.6 D Perera to J Holder, Punches it on the other side towards the man at mid on. 203/5
65.5 D Perera to J Holder, Floated delivery and Holder plays a drive to mid off. 203/5
65.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Uses his wrists and works it behind square leg. They cross over. 203/5
65.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Drops it short and spins in a little, the batsman looks to pull that but gets pinged on the pads. Stifled appeal for an LBW, but the umpire stays put. 202/5
65.2 D Perera to S Dowrich, Sitter dropped! It's a regulation chance at first slip but Mathews makes a meal of it. A slider from Perera, drifts away a little, the batsman looks to defend that but he ends up getting a thick outside edge to Mathews. The ball goes straight in and comes straight out. A big moment in this session. 202/5
65.1 D Perera to Holder, Holder gets right to the pitch of it and powers it to long on for a single. 202/5
64.6 R Herath to Dowrich, Opens the face of the bat and dabs it to the point region. 201/5
64.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Defends it down the track. 201/5
64.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 201/5
64.3 R Herath to Dowrich, Faster one from Herath, at 91 clicks. Dowrich blocks it out. 201/5
64.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Offers a dead bat and defends it back to the bowler. 201/5
64.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Fires it full on the middle and leg stump line, the batsman taps it on the leg side. 201/5
63.6 D Perera to Holder, Tossed up off break from Perera, Holder nudges it to mid on. A dot ball to end the over. 201/5
63.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Dowrich sits on the back foot and chops it to the vacant point region for a single. 201/5
63.4 D Perera to Holder, The right-hander works it to square leg for a single. 200 up for Windies! 200/5
63.3 D Perera to Holder, Holder gets on the front foot and defends another one from Perera. 199/5
63.2 D Perera to S Dowrich, Works it wide of the man at first slip and they rotate the strike with a single. 199/5
63.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Slider on the stumps, Dowrich defends it with the straight bat. 198/5
Suranga Lakmal is seen once again leaving the field, he still doesn't seem to be 100 percent. Sri Lanka will be hoping that he gets fit before the new ball is due.
62.6 R Herath to Holder, Replica of the previous delivery, Holder blocks another one. 198/5
62.5 R Herath to Holder, Attacks the stumps, Holder defends it solidly. 198/5
62.4 R Herath to Holder, FOUR! Brings up the 50-run partnership with Dowrich. An important union for the home team. Floated delivery on middle, Holder backs away and square drives it through point. A teasing chase for the fielder and the ball wins. 198/5
62.3 R Herath to Holder, Holder defends it out. 194/5
62.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Gets a loopy delivery and Dowrich drills it to the left of Herath. Single taken. 194/5
62.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Darts it on the stumps, Dowrich defends it off the front foot to mid-wicket. 193/5
61.6 D Perera to Holder, Makes use of his crease, goes right back and forces it through covers for a brace. 193/5
61.5 D Perera to Holder, Uses his wrists and flicks it to mid-wicket. 191/5
61.4 D Perera to Holder, Much slower through the air, the batsman pushes it defensively back to the bowler. 191/5
61.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Faster one from Perera, flattler outside off, Dowrich slices it to deep point for a single. 191/5
61.2 D Perera to Holder, The batsman moves across his stumps and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 190/5
61.1 D Perera to Holder, Plays for the one that turns, but there is none there and Holder is beaten by the straighter one. 189/5
60.6 R Herath to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 189/5
60.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. 189/5
60.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Pushes it down the track past his partner towards mid on. 189/5
60.3 R Herath to Dowrich, FOUR! Delightful drive from Dowrich. He leans on the front foot and powers it through the covers for a boundary. Partnership is now worth 42. 189/5
60.2 R Herath to Dowrich, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 185/5
60.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Plays a drive to the mid on region. 185/5
59.6 D Perera to Holder, FOUR! Cries of catch it! That was in the air for quite a while. Loopy delivery on off and middle, Holder goes across and whacks it flat to wide long on, Roshen Silva runs to his right, covers good ground but fails to get under it. Worse, he fails to stop that cleanly and the ball rolls to the boundary. 185/5
59.5 D Perera to Holder, The batsman rocks on the back foot and powers it to the mid off region. 181/5
59.4 D Perera to Holder, Pushes it quicker, 85 kph is the speed. Holder pushes it on the off side. 181/5
59.3 D Perera to Holder, More revs from Perera, Holder crouches low and taps to mid-wicket. 181/5
59.2 D Perera to Holder, Uses the depth of his crease and pushes it back to Perera. 181/5
59.1 D Perera to Holder, Loopy off break on the middle and off stump line, Holder defends it with bat and pad close to each other. 181/5
Time for some off spin. Dilruwan Perera is back into the attack.
58.6 R Herath to Dowrich, Defends it solidly. 181/5
58.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Driven through the covers by the batsman. 181/5
58.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Dowrich lunges on the front foot and defends. 181/5
58.3 R Herath to Holder, Loopy ball, the batsman gets right to the pitch of it and drills it to long on for a single. 181/5
58.2 R Herath to Holder, Pushes it back to the bowler. Herath dives to his left and makes a good stop. 180/5
58.1 R Herath to Holder, Slider from Herath, angling down leg, Holder lunges forward to defend that. It lobs to the vacant silly point region. Was there an inside edge? Nope. Replays confirm that. 180/5
57.6 L Kumara to Dowrich, No venom in that delivery, Dowrich hangs back and defends the short of a length ball comfortably. 180/5
Now then! On 55.3 there was a sound as the ball passed the bat. There was no appeal from Dickwella, which was quite uncharacteristic of him. Also there was no appeal from the bowler. Ultra Edge later on showed a spike as the ball passed the bat. Another reprieve for the Windies captain. Can he now make use of these reprieves?
57.5 L Kumara to Dowrich, Shortish delivery on off, the batsman keeps his hands low and leaves it all alone. 180/5
57.4 L Kumara to Dowrich, Back of a length ball outside off, the wicket-keeper batsman jumps back and dabs it to point. 180/5
57.3 L Kumara to Dowrich, Stays back and drops it on to the leg side. 180/5
57.2 L Kumara to Holder, Works that one off his pads in front of square leg for a single. 180/5
57.1 L Kumara to J Holder, FOUR! A buffet ball from Kumara, friendly full toss on off, Holder gets on the front foot and creams it through the covers. Timing takes it to the boundary. 179/5
56.6 R Herath to Dowrich, Slightly shorter in length, the batsman cuts it to the point region. 175/5
56.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Arm ball on the middle and leg stump line, the right-hander flicks it to mid-wicket. 175/5
56.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Flatter ball outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it. 175/5
56.3 R Herath to Dowrich, Loopy ball on the stumps, Dowrich pushes it to mid off. 175/5
56.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Plays a drive back to the bowler. 175/5
56.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Floated delivery on middle and leg, Dowrich defends it down the track. 175/5
Rangana Herath is back for a new spell.
55.6 L Kumara to Holder, Bangs it short to end the over, Holder ducks under it with absolute ease. 175/5
55.5 L Kumara to Holder, Back of a length ball outside off, Holder doesn't play at that one. 175/5
55.4 L Kumara to Holder, A casual shot from Holder, he sees a wide delivery and plays away from the body. Looks to drive on the up but misses. The keeper collects it on the second bounce. 175/5
55.3 L Kumara to Holder, On middle and leg, moving further down leg, Holder tries to glance it but misses. Dickwella moves to his left and collects it safely. 175/5
55.3 L Kumara to Holder, Wide! Too short from Kumara and it balloons well over the batsman. The umpire is quick to signal a wide. 175/5
55.2 L Kumara to Holder, Sharp bumper from Kumara outside off, Holder plays well inside the line of it and leaves it alone to the keeper. 174/5
55.1 L Kumara to Holder, Jaffa! Short of a length ball, angling in at pace and straightening a little, Holder had no clue about it. He goes back to defend that but is beaten neck and crop. 174/5
54.6 S Lakmal to Dowrich, FOUR! Fine connection from Dowrich, he picks up the shortish delivery quickly, goes back and rolls his wrists over it. Pulls it away to the square leg boundary. 174/5
54.5 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Wasted effort from Lakmal, bowls it well wide outside off and Dowrich doesn't play at it. 170/5
54.4 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Full pitched delivery outside off, Dowrich comes forward and pushes it to point. 170/5
54.3 S Lakmal to Dowrich, FOUR Leg byes! Once again, Lakmal errs in line, bowls a delivery down the leg side, the ball kisses the thigh pad of Dowrich as he fails to glance it. The ball flies past the diving Dickwella and races to the fine leg fence. 170/5
54.2 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Lakmal slips it down the leg side, Dowrich doesn't go for it and leaves it to the keeper. 166/5
54.1 S Lakmal to J Holder, Holder gets it off the outer half to third man for a single. 166/5
53.6 L Kumara to Dowrich, Defends it down the track. 165/5
53.5 L Kumara to Dowrich, Down the leg side, the batsman looks to flick that but misses it. 165/5
53.4 L Kumara to Dowrich, IN THE AIR... falls short of Kusal Perera! Short of a length ball, angling in sharply from outside off, Dowrich is cramped for room as he looks to pull that. He ends up miscuing it, the fielder at mid on runs in quickly but fails to get there in time. Maybe, he was slightly late in reacting. 165/5
53.3 L Kumara to Dowrich, Hits the deck hard and bangs it in short, Dowrich jumps back and defensively pushes it to covers. 165/5
53.2 L Kumara to Holder, Shortish delivery, Holder stands tall and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Crosses over and gives strike back to Dowrich. 165/5
53.1 L Kumara to J Holder, Driven towards the mid on region. 164/5
52.6 S Lakmal to Holder, Holder gets an inside edge on the leg side. Single taken. 164/5
52.5 S Lakmal to Holder, FOUR byes. Wild delivery, hit a crack? Not sure. On a short of a length outside leg, hits the pitch and jags away sharply. Dickwella had no chance of stopping that one as the ball races to the fine leg fence. Bonus runs for Windies! 163/5
52.4 S Lakmal to Holder, Holder stays in his crease and defends it solidly on to the off side. 159/5
52.3 S Lakmal to J Holder, Opens the face of the bat and looks to guide it. The ball goes off the outer half towards gully. 159/5
52.2 S Lakmal to Holder, Peach from Lakmal! An airy-fairy drive from Holder. Bowls from wide of the crease, angling in and then shaping away after pitching. Holder plays a loose drive and he is beaten all ends up. 159/5
52.1 S Lakmal to Holder, Plays a drive down the ground past the bowler. Right between mid on and mid off. Holder picks up a couple more for the effort. 159/5
51.6 L Kumara to Dowrich, Bangs it in short and pushes batsman on the back foot. Dowrich defends it from the crease. 157/5
51.5 L Kumara to Dowrich, Pushes it to mid on, there is a fumble from the fielder but he recovers quickly and ensures there isn't any run gifted away. 157/5
51.4 L Kumara to Holder, Holder rotates the strike by working it wide of mid on. Single added to the total. 157/5
51.3 L Kumara to Dowrich, Dowrich closes the face of the bat and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 156/5
51.2 L Kumara to Dowrich, A sharp nut from Kumara, rises sharply, Dowrich looks to defend that but he is beaten by the pace of Lahiru Kumara. 155/5
51.1 L Kumara to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 155/5
Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack.
50.6 S Lakmal to Holder, NOT OUT! There are a few spikes on the Ultra Edge as it goes past the inside edge and the on-field decision is overturned! Another successful review by Windies. Fuller length ball from Lakmal, tails in a little and Holder is rapped on the front leg as he looks to defend that one. A massive shout from the players and Aleem Dar makes his decision. Strangely, Holder wasn't sure whether he got a nick and walked towards his partner. After having a chat, Jason decides to take it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show there is a MASSIVE inside edge. Good use of the technology, but how come Holder didn't feel the inside edge? It may have been a very, very faint one. Nevertheless, a reprieve for the Windies' skipper. 155/5
That looks plumb! Holder after having a chat with his partner decides to take the referral. Only an inside edge can save him here!
50.5 S Lakmal to Holder, In the channel outside off, Holder sits back and leaves another one to Dickwella. 155/5
50.4 S Lakmal to Holder, Away swinger from Lakmal outside off, no shot offered by the West Indian skipper. 155/5
50.3 S Lakmal to Holder, Tickled fine! Holder moves inside the line of it and glances it to fine leg. Kumara in the deep rushes to his right and slides as he manages to stop that inside the ropes. A couple added to the total. 155/5
50.2 S Lakmal to Holder, Bowls from the edge of the crease and attacks the stumps, Holder blocks it solidly. 153/5
50.1 S Lakmal to Holder, A widish delivery from Lakmal to start the fresh session. Holder gets a massive stride forward as he leaves that one. 153/5
Welcome back for the final session of the day. Still 40 overs to be bowled in a day, not sure whether we will get them all. Players are out in the middle once again, Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich will resume their innings. For Sri Lanka, Suranga Lakmal will start the evening session with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
A strong comeback by Sri Lanka after the drinks break means they are the happier side heading into Tea. The hosts did start off well with Hope and Chase stitching a 50-run stand. Yes, they did have luck on their side but take nothing away from their innings. They were scoring runs at will and both looked set for a big score. But after the drinks break, Kumara's short ball did the trick by removing Hope. Rangana Herath then, got into the action as he got his first in the form of Chase. After the two set batsmen were gone, the runs also started to choke and Sri Lanka now have a firm hold on this game. They would want more of the same in the next session. Whereas, the Windies would hope someone to stay out there and score big. Join us for the third and the last session in a while.
49.6 L Gamage to Dowrich, A good delivery to finish this session! On a length around off, it is equally well played by Dowrich as he defends it onto the ground. TEA ON DAY 1! 153/5
49.5 L Gamage to Dowrich, Attacks the stumps this time and Shane gets his bat down and keeps it out. 153/5
49.4 L Gamage to Dowrich, Another ball outside off, maybe some plan here by Gamage. The batsman though is not tempted as he leaves it again. 153/5
49.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Wide outside off, Gamage wants the batsman to go after it again. Dowrich does the right thing by leaving it. 153/5
49.2 L Gamage to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, defended it onto the back foot. 153/5
49.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, Another poor shot! Lapse in concentration? Maybe. Last over before Tea, you should be letting such balls go to the keeper. It is short and outside off, Dowrich tries to cut but gets beaten. 153/5
48.6 R Herath to Holder, Another appeal but nothing from the umpire! It is down the leg side. Holder misses the flick and the keeper collects it. 153/5
48.5 R Herath to Holder, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 153/5
48.4 R Herath to Holder, Another tossed up ball outside off, Holder strokes it through covers for a brace. 153/5
48.3 R Herath to Holder, FOUR! Gets off the mark after 11 balls with a very good shot! This is a touch fuller by Hearth on middle, Holder whips it through wide mid on for a boundary. 150 up for the Windies. 151/5
48.2 R Herath to Holder, NOT OUT! It has bounced just before it hits the boot. A poor shot though by Holder. Yes, he wants to get off the mark but this is not the shot to play at the moment. Herath tosses this one up on off, it is again the arm ball and it keeps coming in. Holder goes for the expansive drive through covers but gets an inside edge. It hits his boot and lobs towards silly point where Mendis takes it and appeals. The umpire is not sure whether it has bounced before hitting the boot and hence he takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they clearly show the ball to be bouncing. Holder survives. 147/5
Has Holder hit it onto his boot? The Sri Lankan players do feel so. The umpires want to check it upstairs and the soft signal is not out.
48.1 R Herath to Holder, Flighted ball on off, Holder defends it. 147/5
47.6 L Gamage to Dowrich, Good change of length there. A surprise short ball on off. Dowrich ducks under it. Three maidens in a row for Sri Lanka. 147/5
47.5 L Gamage to Dowrich, Hits the length again on off, Dowrich can't do a lot with it. He rocks back and defends it onto the ground. 147/5
47.4 L Gamage to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, Dowrich defends it onto the ground. 147/5
47.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Wide outside off, left alone. 147/5
47.2 L Gamage to Dowrich, Works it to mid-wicket with the angle. 147/5
47.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, Another length ball on off, Dowrich defends it onto the ground. 147/5
46.6 R Herath to Holder, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. 147/5
46.5 R Herath to Holder, Driven through mid off by the batsman. 147/5
46.4 R Herath to Holder, Another flighted ball on middle, Holder drives it to mid off. 147/5
46.3 R Herath to Holder, Loopy ball on off, Holder drives it off the middle but it hits the man at silly point. 147/5
46.2 R Herath to Holder, Works it with the angle to the man at mid-wicket. 147/5
46.1 R Herath to Holder, Flighted ball on off, Holder defends it onto the front foot. 147/5
45.6 L Gamage to Dowrich, Goes back to bowling length and the batsman defends it. 147/5
45.5 L Gamage to Dowrich, Nice shot but for no runs! Fuller in length on off, Dowrich times it nicely to the man at covers. 147/5
45.4 L Gamage to Dowrich, Back of a length on off, defended. 147/5
45.3 L Gamage to Dowrich, Length ball on off, Dowrich pushes it to covers. 147/5
45.2 L Gamage to Dowrich, The batsman has punched that ball through the offside. 147/5
45.1 L Gamage to Dowrich, Good length on off, Dowrich defends it on the front foot. 147/5
Lahiru Gamage is back on.
44.6 R Herath to J Holder, Drives it to the man at mid on. 147/5
44.5 R Herath to Holder, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 147/5
44.4 R Herath to Holder, Floated this on off, Holder defends it on the front foot. 147/5
Jason Holder walks out to the middle.
44.3 R Herath to R Chase, OUT! What a catch! That flew towards Mathews at first slip and he has taken an excellent reflex catch. Also this is smart bowling by the wily veteran. He bowls this a touch quicker and flatter on off. It comes in with the angle. Chase goes onto the back foot and tries to punch it through the off side. The ball pitches straightens a touch, takes the outside edge and goes quickly towards Mathews. He reacts well and takes a sharp catch. Herath gets his first and another Windies batsman fails to convert a start. Two quick wickets for Sri Lanka and Windies now have half the side back in the hut. Sri Lanka on top here. 147/5
44.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Works it with the angle through square leg for a single. 147/4
44.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Flighted ball on off, the batsman defends it onto the ground. 146/4
43.6 D Perera to Chase, The off spinner on middle, Chase with the turn works it to the man at square leg. 146/4
43.5 D Perera to Chase, Flatter outside off, Chase guides it to point. 146/4
43.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Dowrich this time eases it to long on for a run. 146/4
43.3 D Perera to Chase, Bowls it a touch fuller on middle, Chase eases it to long on and gets to the other end. 145/4
43.2 D Perera to Chase, Similar delivery to the last one. Chase again defends it. 144/4
43.1 D Perera to Chase, Flighted ball on off, Chase lunges and keeps it out. 144/4
42.6 R Herath to Dowrich, Attacks the stumps now in the hope of an LBW or a bowled. Dowrich gets right behind the line and defends it. 144/4
42.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Bowls a loopy one outside off, looking for an outside edge this time to the slip fielder. Dowrich however, middles it but finds the man at covers. 144/4
42.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Down the leg side, looking for a faint edge as the batsman tries to clip it fine. Dowrich misses and the keeper collects it well. 144/4
42.3 R Herath to Chase, Gives it a lot of air this time. Chase pushes it towards mid on for a run. The fielder scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the batsman is well in. 144/4
42.2 R Herath to R Chase, Flighted delivery on middle, Chase pushes it back to the bowler. 143/4
42.1 R Herath to Chase, Floats it up on off, it is driven to the man at mid off. 143/4
Rangana Herath is back on.
Out come the physio once again. He gives Chase some tablets. Pain killers maybe as his hand might still be hurting. Also a new pair of inners come out for him.
41.6 D Perera to Dowrich, Loopy ball on off, the batsman blocks it. 143/4
41.5 D Perera to Chase, Works it with the turn on the leg side for a run. 143/4
41.4 D Perera to Chase, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. 142/4
41.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Fires it on the pads, the batsman goes back and tries to whip it but misses to get hit on it. The ball rolls towards square leg for a leg bye. 142/4
41.2 D Perera to Dowrich, Flighted ball on off, Dowrich prods forward and keeps it out. 141/4
41.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Floats it up on off, Dowrich lunges and defends it onto the ground. 141/4
40.6 L Kumara to Chase, Back of a length on off, Chase pushes it back to the bowler. 141/4
40.5 L Kumara to Chase, Hits the deck hard on off, Chase off the back foot defends it onto the ground. 141/4
40.4 L Kumara to Chase, A short one down the leg side. Chase lets it be. This is good aggressive bowling by Kumara. 141/4
40.3 Kumara to Chase, A very good follow-up delivery, a yorker on off. Chase however, is up for it as he gets his bat down in time and defends it. 141/4
The physio makes his way out and it is time for the magic spray to show its magic. It does and Chase is now fine to continue.
40.2 L Kumara to Chase, Nasty! Another excellent short delivery at 139 kph. It rushes onto the batsman. Chase tries to defend it by hopping but the ball gets big on him. It hits him on the gloves. 141/4
40.1 L Kumara to Chase, Good length on off, Chase defends it onto the ground. 141/4
39.6 D Perera to Dowrich, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 141/4
39.5 D Perera to Dowrich, A similar ball and a similar shot like the last one. 141/4
39.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Gives it air on middle, Dowrich goes back and tucks it to mid-wicket. 141/4
39.3 D Perera to Chase, Loopy ball on off, Chase pushes it through covers for a run. 141/4
39.2 D Perera to Chase, FOUR! Makes the mistake of going too full and Chase takes full toll of it. He leans into it and strokes it through covers for a boundary. 140/4
39.1 D Perera to Chase, Flighted ball on middle, Chase works it with the turn to the man at mid-wicket. 136/4
38.6 L Kumara to Dowrich, Another good length ball on off, Dowrich defends it off the back foot. The ball hits the toe end of his bat. Should be coming forward to that delivery. 136/4
38.5 L Kumara to Chase, A full toss, he does bowl one every now and then. Chase this time though does not take full toll of it as he guides it through point for a run. 136/4
38.4 L Kumara to Chase, Another ball wide outside off, Chase lets it be. 135/4
38.3 L Kumara to Chase, Good length outside off, left alone. 135/4
38.2 L Kumara to Dowrich, On the pads, Dowrich works it through square leg for a run. 135/4
Shane Dowrich is the new man in.
38.1 L Kumara to Hope, OUT! Hope's luck runs out! Once again it is that man, Lahiru Kumara who provides the breakthrough by breaking the 54-run stand. He got his first off a fuller delivery and this time the short ball does the trick. It is aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Hope tries to nudge it down the leg side but it kisses his gloves on the way and goes towards the keeper. Dickwella moves to his left and takes it on the second attempt. The players appeal and up goes the finger. Hope walks back dejected six short of his half ton. 134/4
37.6 D Perera to Chase, Works it with the turn to the man at mid-wicket. A maiden for Dilruwan but no purchase for him off the surface. 134/3
37.5 D Perera to Chase, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 134/3
37.4 D Perera to Chase, Shorter but quicker on the stumps, Chase rocks back and punches it to mid on. 134/3
37.3 D Perera to Chase, Flighted ball on off, Chase plants his front foot forward and drives it to the man at mid on. 134/3
37.2 D Perera to Chase, Flatter this time on off, gets it to bounce a touch more. Chase defends it off the back foot. 134/3
37.1 D Perera to Chase, Starts off with a tossed up delivery on off, Chase lunges forward and defends it. 134/3
Dilruwan Perera is back into the attack.
36.6 L Kumara to Hope, On a good length outside off, Shai Hope lets it through. 134/3
Drinks break. The hour after Lunch interval has gone in the way of the home team. Shai Hope had a couple of close calls but survived both of those and then went on to stitch a 54-run unbeaten partnership with Roston Chase. West Indies have cultivated 35 runs so far in this session and are yet to lose a wicket.
36.5 L Kumara to Chase, Touch too straight from Kumara, the right-hander works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 134/3
36.4 L Kumara to Chase, SO CLOSE! A rare loose shot from Chase. He plays a drive without moving his feet too much. Plays it loosely away from the body and misses it as the ball straightens a little. 133/3
36.3 L Kumara to Chase, Bowls a shortish delivery to Chase, who defends it with utmost ease. 133/3
36.2 Kumara to Hope, Pacy delivery right in the blockhole, Shai Hope slices it wide of gully for a single. 133/3
36.1 L Kumara to Hope, Serves a good length ball on off, angling in, Hope covers his stumps and shoulders arms to it. 132/3
35.6 R Herath to Chase, Tosses it full outside off, the right-hander powers the drive to the fielder at covers. 132/3
35.5 R Herath to Chase, Slanting down leg, the batsman backs away to flick that but it goes off the inner half to fine leg. They take a couple. 132/3
35.4 R Herath to Chase, Stands tall and punches it to the cover region. 130/3
35.3 R Herath to Chase, Darts it on the pads and Chase flicks it to deep square leg for a brace. Brings up the 50-run partnership with Shai Hope for the fourth wicket. A good stand for the hosts and they will hope these two carry on for a long time. 130/3
35.2 R Herath to R Chase, Pushes it firmly to mid off. The fielder attacks the ball and prevents the single. 128/3
35.1 R Herath to Chase, Faster one from Herath on middle, Chase defends it out. 128/3
34.6 L Kumara to Hope, Hope lunges on the front foot and gets closer to the pitch of the delivery. Drives it to the man at mid off. 128/3
34.5 L Kumara to Chase, Intelligent batting, gets off strike with a single. Drops it on the leg side and calls for a run. Gets it with ease. 128/3
34.4 L Kumara to Chase, A wide delivery, left alone by Roston Chase. 127/3
34.3 L Kumara to Chase, FOUR! Smart shot from Chase. He sees a wide delivery, full outside off, plays away from the body but executes it to perfection. Slices it wide of the man at gully and the ball races away to the third man fence. 127/3
34.2 L Kumara to Chase, Good length ball on off, the batsman doesn't play at that one. 123/3
34.1 L Kumara to Chase, Attempts a yorker straightaway, but misses it by a few inches. Chase takes it on the full and flicks it to mid on. 123/3
Lahiru Kumara comes onto bowl.
33.6 R Herath to Chase, Pushes it quicker through the air, the batsman works it to the vacant mid-wicket region. Ends the over with a single. 123/3
33.5 R Herath to Chase, Plays with hard hands and pushes it back to the bowler. 122/3
33.4 R Herath to Chase, Darts this on the stumps, Chase blocks it off the front foot. 122/3
33.3 R Herath to Chase, Gives it some air, full ball outside off, Chase firmly pushes it to covers. 122/3
33.2 R Herath to Hope, Powers it to cover-point, where Kusal Perera manages to stop it. Single taken. 122/3
33.1 R Herath to Hope, Loopy delivery outside off, Hope gets towards the pitch of it and blocks it right in front of his eyes. 121/3
Rangana Herath comes back for a new spell.
32.6 S Lakmal to Chase, Widish delivery to end the over, Chase deliberately plays a long way inside the line of it and lets it go. 121/3
32.5 S Lakmal to Chase, FOUR! Great strike from Chase! Fullish delivery outside off, moves further away from the batsman, who chases it and makes good contact with the ball. Square drives it past the diving backward point fielder for a boundary. Moves to 18 with that shot. 121/3
32.4 S Lakmal to Chase, Bowls from wide of the crease and looks to slant that in but ends up dishing it outside off. Chase lets it through. 117/3
32.3 S Lakmal to Chase, On a length outside off, Chase plays a drive towards backward point. 117/3
32.2 S Lakmal to Chase, Defends it solidly down the track. 117/3
32.1 S Lakmal to Chase, A seam up delivery on the fifth stump channel, Chase judges it well and lets it go. 117/3
31.6 L Gamage to Hope, Plays a drive with the bat face open, but finds the fielder at backward point. 117/3
Suranga Lakmal is feeling sick and he is standing outside the field. The physio is standing next to him giving medicine to the pacer.
31.5 L Gamage to Hope, The right-hander stays in his crease and offers the straight bat as he defends it out. 117/3
31.4 L Gamage to Hope, FOUR! Well-timed by Hope! Fuller length ball, jags back at pace, Hope plants his front foot forward but makes the adjustment quickly. He whips it to the right of the man at mid on. The ball motors away to the boundary. 117/3
31.3 L Gamage to Hope, Punches it off the back foot, but finds the man at extra cover. 113/3
31.2 L Gamage to Hope, Tailing in from outside off, Shai Hope plants his front foot across and drives. He mistimes it past the bowler and it rolls towards mid on. 113/3
31.1 L Gamage to Hope, Sliding down leg, Hope goes back and tries to glance that but fails to make contact with the leather. 113/3
30.6 S Lakmal to Chase, Chase gets a decent stride forward and blocks it towards covers. 113/3
30.5 S Lakmal to Chase, Bowls from wide of the crease, angling it in, but still wide of the off stump and Chase decides to shoulders arms. 113/3
30.4 S Lakmal to Chase, Wide delivery from Lakmal, Chase doesn't play at it. The bowler is disappointed by his effort. 113/3
30.3 S Lakmal to Chase, Chase jumps on the back foot and taps it towards backward point. 113/3
30.2 S Lakmal to Chase, Fullish delivery on off, Chase plays a drive, but it goes off the bottom half past gully towards third man. They take a couple. 113/3
30.1 S Lakmal to Chase, Nearly finds the outside edge! Back of a length ball, moves away after pitching, Chase plays for the initial line and he is beaten all ends up. 111/3
29.6 L Gamage to Hope, Pulls his length back after getting driven, Hope hangs back and defends it solidly. 111/3
29.5 L Gamage to Hope, FOUR! Fine shot! This will give Hope a lot of confidence. He had an iffy start in this session but he has put all that behind. Gets a fullish delivery, leans towards the pitch of it and caresses it through the covers. The ball races away to the boundary. 111/3
29.4 L Gamage to Chase, Slips it on the pads and the batsman whips it to deep backward square leg for a single. 107/3
29.3 L Gamage to Hope, Cracking cover drive from Hope, but the fielder at extra cover dives to his right and partly stops it. Single taken. 106/3
29.2 L Gamage to Hope, Smashes it back to the bowler, who gets a hand to it and takes pace off it. Good shot for no run. 105/3
29.1 L Gamage to Hope, Play and a miss! Fullish delivery on the driveable length, Hope doesn't get to the pitch of it and still goes for the shot. He misses it as the ball straightens a little and whistles past the outside edge. 105/3
28.6 S Lakmal to Chase, Widish delivery on off and the batsman is happy to leave those. 105/3
28.6 S Lakmal to Chase, No ball! Fullish delivery outside off, Chase lets it go. Lakmal has overstepped and that's another extra added to the total. 105/3
28.5 S Lakmal to Chase, Goes right back and defends it square on to the off side. 104/3
28.4 S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. 104/3
28.3 S Lakmal to Chase, Chase isn't sure which way the ball is moving as he jabs at this one. Gets an inside edge on the pads. 104/3
28.2 S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 104/3
28.1 S Lakmal to Chase, Lovely delivery. Hits the seam and moves away just a little, the batsman looks to defend that but he is beaten by the away swing. 104/3
27.6 L Gamage to Hope, Well outside off and the batsman decides to leave it. 104/3
27.5 L Gamage to Hope, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 104/3
27.4 Gamage to Hope, NOT OUT! Shai Hope survives to fight another day! Excellent use of the review! A sharp in-dipper from Gamage, Shai Hope tries to keep it out off the back foot by hoping and keeping his bat and pad close. It seems to have hit the pad first and the players make a huge appeal. The umpire agrees and is quick to raise his finger. Seeing the decision go against him, Hope decides to take the review immediately. No issues with the front foot on this occasion and we move further. There is a spike on the Ultra Edge but did the ball clip his front leg first? I am in the opinion of it clipping the pad first, but the Television umpire thinks otherwise. He is happy to overturn the on-field call. 104/3
Shai Hope has been adjudged LBW and he calls for a referral straightaway. Will the visitors get their 4th wicket? or Is there an inside edge to save Hope?
27.3 L Gamage to Hope, Angling in from outside off, much closer to the off stump, Shai Hope defends it solidly. 104/3
27.2 L Gamage to Hope, Seeing it too wide, Hope decides to let it go. 104/3
27.1 L Gamage to Hope, Fullish delivery on the stumps, Hope goes across and pushes it to the mid on region. 104/3
26.6 S Lakmal to Chase, A delivery outside off from Lakmal and we see another leave from Chase. End of a harmless maiden from Lakmal. 104/3
26.5 S Lakmal to Chase, Easily leave for the right-hander. 104/3
26.4 S Lakmal to Chase, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 104/3
26.3 S Lakmal to Chase, Well wide of the off stump and Roston doesn't play at it. 104/3
26.2 S Lakmal to Chase, Sits back in his crease and defends it out. 104/3
26.1 S Lakmal to Chase, Slightly wide from Lakmal and the batsman decides to let it go. 104/3
Suranga Lakmal is back into the attack.
25.6 L Gamage to Hope, FOUR! Good shot! That is like rubbing salt to the wound of Gamage. A widish delivery and the batsman powers it through the covers for a boundary. 104/3
25.5 L Gamage to Hope, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. 100/3
25.4 L Gamage to Hope, No shot offered by Hope. 100/3
25.4 L Gamage to Hope, No ball! Yes, Gamage has spoiled the fun for Sri Lanka! Short of a length ball outside off, the batsman plays a loose shot away from the body and gets a thick edge through to the keeper. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Shai Hope starts walking back but he has been stopped by the umpire who wants to check for the front foot no ball. Time for the replays and it is very marginal. After several looks, it is ruled in favor of the batsman. A big let off for Hope. How costly will this prove? Hope will surely want to make them pay here. The 100 comes up with that extra. 100/3
Have Sri Lanka got another wicket or has Gamage messed it up? The umpire wants to check the front foot no ball. Looks pretty tight.
25.3 L Gamage to Hope, Attacks the stumps, Shai goes right behind it and defends it back to the bowler. 99/3
25.2 L Gamage to Hope, Serves a seam up delivery, full on off, the batsman plays a drive to the left of mid off. 99/3
Gamage pulls out at the last moment.
25.1 L Gamage to Hope, On a length outside off, Hope covers his off stump and decides to leave that one. 99/3
Welcome back. Shai Hope and Roston Chase will resume their innings. While for Sri Lanka, Lahiru Gamage has the ball.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
A session with which maybe both the teams will be happy. Runs came at a good pace but wickets too fell at regular intervals. The Windies after electing to bat got off to the worst start possible as Lakmal got Brathwaite early. Powell and Smith did try to steady the ship but lazy running from the latter saw him gifting his wicket to the visitors. Powell however along with Hope stitched another 40-run stand before Powell was castled by Kumara. Windies now have Hope and Chase, who has started well out there. They would hope for the two to build a big association. Whereas, Lanka would hope for some early wickets after the break. Join us for the second session in a while.
24.6 L Kumara to Chase, Nicely bowled! Goes wide of the crease and angles this into the batsman. It pitches and shapes away. Chase tries to keep it out but is beaten. LUNCH ON DAY 1! 99/3
24.5 L Kumara to Hope, Shortish on off, Hope punches it towards wide mid off for a run. 99/3
24.5 L Kumara to Hope, WIDE! Not often do you see a wide bowled in a Test game. This is outside off, very outside off I should say. The batsman lets it be and the umpire stretches his hands. 98/3
24.4 L Kumara to Hope, Goes wide of the crease and angles it on off, Hope defends it onto the ground. 97/3
24.3 L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length on off, Hope keeps it out. 97/3
24.2 L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length on off, Hope pushes it to mid off. He needs to hit this length on regular basis. 97/3
24.1 L Kumara to Hope, Down the leg side, Hope fails to clip it away. It hits his pads and goes down to fine leg. Two leg byes taken by the batsmen. 97/3
23.6 R Herath to Chase, Flatter again on middle, Chase punches it to the man at mid on. 95/3
23.5 R Herath to Chase, Fires it on middle, Chase pushes it to mid on. 95/3
23.4 R Herath to Chase, FOUR! A little too full and Herath pays the price. He gives it a lot of air and it lands on the fuller side outside off. The turn is out of contention as Chase leans into it and strokes it towards covers. The fielder there dives but does not manage to stop it and the ball races away. Runs are flowing since the fall of the wicket. 95/3
23.3 R Herath to Chase, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 91/3
23.2 R Herath to Chase, Loopy ball on off, Chase defends it onto the ground. 91/3
23.1 R Herath to Chase, Flighted ball on off, Chase drives it to covers. 91/3
22.6 L Kumara to S Hope, FOUR! Hope says thank you this time as he gets another short ball. He feeds on such deliveries as he rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket. 91/3
22.5 L Kumara to Hope, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 87/3
22.4 L Kumara to Chase, Another low full toss, Chase gets his bat down in time and flicks it through mid-wicket for three. 87/3
22.3 L Kumara to Chase, FOUR! Goes for the yorker but ends up giving a full toss. Chase says thank you so much and he eases it through mid on to get off the mark in style. 84/3
22.2 L Kumara to Chase, Welcomes the new man with a quick bouncer. Chase ducks under it. 80/3
Roston Chase strides out to the middle.
22.1 L Kumara to Powell, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! The fuller ball does the trick and the much-needed breakthrough has been provided by Kumara. He fires it on middle, it shapes back in a touch and late. Powell is rooted in his crease as he tries to drive it. The ball takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the leg stump. Kumara is pumped and Powell walks back after getting a start. The Windies in a spot of bother here. 80/3
21.6 R Herath to Hope, FOUR! Excellent use of the wrists there! A touch short and on the pads, Hope goes back and whips it through mid-wicket. There is no fielder in the deep and a boundary results. 80/2
21.5 R Herath to Hope, Flighted ball on off, it is pushed to mid off. 76/2
21.4 R Herath to Powell, Fires this outside off, Powell cuts it late down to backward point for a run. 76/2
21.3 R Herath to Powell, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 75/2
21.2 R Herath to Powell, Another loopy ball on middle, Powell blocks it. Not a lot of purchase as of now for Herath. 75/2
21.1 R Herath to Powell, Floats it up on off, Powell lunges forward and keeps it out. 75/2
20.6 L Kumara to Hope, Poor bowling! The Sri Lankan bowlers are not learning here. Not a good idea to bowl it short to Hope and Kumara does exactly that. There is also width on offer outside off. Hope cuts it through cover-point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, dives and saves a couple. 8 from the over. 75/2
20.5 L Kumara to Powell, An ambitious appeal by the bowler there! On the pads, Powell goes to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The ball rolls on the leg side, the batsman run a leg bye. 73/2
20.4 L Kumara to Hope, Hits the deck hard on off, Hope guides it down towards third man for a run. 72/2
20.3 L Kumara to S Hope, FOUR! Exquisite! His fourth boundary and this is the best of the lot. He also holds the pose for the cameras. Full and on off, Hope prods forward and times it beautifully through covers and there is no stopping that ball. 71/2
20.2 L Kumara to Hope, Length ball and on the stumps, Hope defends it to mid on. 67/2
20.1 L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length on off, Hope punches it to covers. 67/2
19.6 R Herath to Powell, A brace through the leg side this time. Works it with the turn through square leg and the batsmen take two. 67/2
19.5 R Herath to Powell, Shortish and on off, Powell rocks back and punches it through the off side. There is a sweeper in place and the batsmen get two. 65/2
19.4 R Herath to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 63/2
19.3 R Herath to Powell, Flatter and on off, Powell defends it onto the ground. 63/2
19.2 R Herath to Powell, No problem there as he lunges forward and blocks it. 63/2
19.1 R Herath to Powell, Once again Powell does not look comfortable playing Herath here. He uses his feet and tries to flick but gets an inside edge, away from the short leg fielder and towards square leg. 63/2
18.6 L Kumara to Hope, Shorter and down the leg side. Hope tries to nudge it but misses. 63/2
18.5 L Kumara to Hope, FOUR! Goes for the glory ball but ends up giving a gift. A full toss on off, Hope leans into it and strokes it through cover-point for a boundary. Three boundaries in his 13, dealing in them. 63/2
18.4 L Kumara to Hope, The sucker ball almost does the trick! Good bowling. Serves it very full and outside off, wanting the batsman to go after it. Hope does so as he flashes at it away from the body. Luckily for him he misses it and does not edge it. 59/2
18.3 L Kumara to Hope, Good length on off, Hope defends it onto the ground. 59/2
18.2 L Kumara to Hope, Outside off, left alone. 59/2
18.1 L Kumara to Hope, FOUR! Easy-peasy for Hope! How much do the Windies batsmen love the short ball? That shot will answer all your questions. A bumper on middle, Hope gets into position and pulls it crisply through mid-wicket. The ball reaches to the fence in no time. 59/2
17.6 R Herath to Powell, Another straighter one outside off. Once again Powell plays for the turn and the ball whizzes past the outside edge. 55/2
17.5 R Herath to Powell, Nicely bowled! The slider outside off, Powell plays for the turn but there ain't any. He is beaten. 55/2
17.4 R Herath to Powell, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! A touch short and outside off, Powell rocks back and punches it through covers. The ball races away to the fence. Powell moves onto 33. 55/2
17.3 R Herath to Powell, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 51/2
17.2 R Herath to Powell, Uses his feet but Hearth spots that. He fires it down the leg side. Powell tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. 51/2
17.1 R Herath to Powell, Creates problems first up! Tosses this up on off, it skids off the surface. Powell tries to defend but gets a leading edge back to the bowler. 51/2
The most successful left arm spinner, Rangana Herath, is into the attack.
16.6 L Kumara to Hope, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 51/2
16.5 L Kumara to Hope, Beaten! Length ball around off, this one shapes away. Hope tries to defend but is beaten by the movement. 51/2
16.4 L Kumara to Powell, Almost kicked his stumps over there Powell! On the shorter side and on leg stump. Powell hops back and flicks it towards fine leg. In the process he slips, falls onto the ground, recovers and completes the run. 51/2
16.3 L Kumara to Powell, Back of a length on middle, Powell defends it onto the off side. 50/2
16.2 L Kumara to Powell, Good length on off, it is slanting away. Powell defends it onto the ground. 50/2
16.1 L Kumara to Powell, A good bumper on middle, Powell easily ducks under it. 50/2
15.6 L Gamage to Hope, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. 50/2
15.5 L Gamage to Hope, Short and outside off, Hope tries to cut but finds the fielder at covers. He will be disappointed there as a scoring opportunity goes abegging. 50/2
15.4 L Gamage to Hope, Back of a length on off, Hope pushes it to mid off. 50/2
15.3 L Gamage to Hope, Attacks the stumps, Hope blocks it. 50/2
15.2 L Gamage to Hope, This time it is outside off. The batsman need not play at those. No swing on offer. 50/2
15.1 L Gamage to Hope, Late swing there! Gamage goes for the yorker and it tails back in very late from middle. Hope tries to flick but misses and Dickwella behind the stumps does well once again. Luckily for Hope that swings a little too much. Had that been on the stumps, it could have been trouble for him. 50/2
14.6 L Kumara to Hope, Now tries to bounce the batsman out but does not get the desired bounce. Hope nudges it down to fine leg for a run. 50 up for the Windies. 50/2
14.5 L Kumara to Hope, Good thinking by the bowler! Goes for a fast yorker but ends up serving a low full toss. Hope maybe is not expecting it but gets his bat down in time and keeps it out awkwardly. 49/2
14.4 L Kumara to Hope, Back of a length on off, Hope once again is solid in defense. 49/2
14.3 L Kumara to Hope, Attacks the off pole and lands it on a length. Hope confidently defends it back to the bowler. 49/2
14.2 L Kumara to Powell, Shortish again and this one skids off the surface. Powell tries to flick but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batsmen run a leg bye. 49/2
14.1 L Kumara to Powell, A wayward start for him! It is short and way down the leg side. Powell goes for the pull but misses it by a long way. Dickwella does really well to dive to his right and save four runs for his team. He is applauded by his teammates for that effort. 48/2
Finally a break for Lakmal as Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack.
13.6 L Gamage to Hope, Fuller this time and outside off, trying to get the ball to swing back in. It does not and Hope leaves it. 48/2
13.5 L Gamage to Hope, Goes back to bowling length outside off. Hope lets it be. 48/2
13.4 L Gamage to Hope, FOUR! 1000 runs in Test cricket for Shai Hope and he gets there in style! Picks the length quickly as it is a touch short on middle. Sits up to be hit, Hope swivels inside his crease and pulls it disdainfully through mid-wicket for a boundary. 48/2
13.3 L Gamage to Hope, Better from the bowler! Bowls it closer to the off stump. Hope rocks back and defends it onto the ground. 44/2
13.2 L Gamage to Hope, Another ball a little too wide outside off, Hope makes another leave. 44/2
13.1 L Gamage to Hope, Starts off with a loosener outside off. Hope does not fiddle with it. 44/2
Lahiru Gamage is back on.
The physio now comes out to have a look. The good thing though for the Windies is Powell is back on his feet and now is all ready to go.
12.6 S Lakmal to Powell, This is very good bowling! He shapes this one back in. Powell tries to flick but misses to get hit near the box. He is down in some pain. 44/2
12.5 S Lakmal to Powell, Got the last one to come back in. Slants this one away from the batsman. Powell however, watchfully makes a leave. 44/2
12.4 S Lakmal to K Powell, Back of a length around off, this one comes back in sharply. Powell tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. 44/2
12.3 S Lakmal to Powell, FOUR! Top shot! Powell is really looking good out there. This is on the fuller side on off, Lakmal was hoping for it to swing but it did not. Easy pickings for Powell as he leans into it and drives it through mid off for a boundary. 44/2
12.2 S Lakmal to Powell, No signs of any tiredness there! A jaffa! On a length around off, this one slants away from the batsman. Powell tries to keep it out off the back foot but gets beaten. 40/2
12.1 S Lakmal to Powell, Signs of tiring? Bowls it a little too wide outside off, the batsman needs not play at those. 40/2
11.6 D Perera to Hope, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 40/2
Shai Hope is the new man in.
Drinks break.
11.5 D Perera to Smith, OUT! Smith has to depart! Replays show he is short and Sri Lanka get a bonus breakthrough! A run out in a Test match is disheartening and the comeback man just found that. A sad end for Smith, who would have wanted to make an impression in his first innings after a hiatus of few years from Test cricket. Coming to the run out, Powell dabs it to the left of the mid-wicket fielder and calls for a risky single. Lahiru Kumara gathers it cleanly and throws it to the keeper, who breaks the stumps in a flash. Smith didn't put in the dive nor did he rush towards his end. Overall, a lazy effort from the left-hander and a little more agility might have saved him there. He only has himself to blame and needs to work on his running! 40/2
Poorly judged single, will it cost WI on this occasion? Smith is the man in question. Looked OUT to the naked eye. Will Smith survive? Replays roll in.
11.4 D Perera to Powell, Flatter ball, Powell powers it through the covers and a couple added to the total. 40/1
11.3 D Perera to Powell, Sits back in his crease and defends it solidly. 38/1
11.2 Perera to Powell, Charges down the track and reaches out for the ball. Misses it and gets hit on the pads. Loud shout from Dickwella, but besides him nobody from the visiting team were interested. Impact was outside the line and Powell was attempting a shot. 38/1
11.1 D Perera to Powell, Slider, angling in from outside off, the batsman pushes it on the off side. 38/1
10.6 S Lakmal to Smith, Ends his sixth over with a fullish delivery on the stumps, Smith gets a small stride forward and defends it out. Second maiden over from the pacer. 38/1
10.5 S Lakmal to Smith, Lakmal bowls a wide delivery and gets no response from the batsman. 38/1
10.4 S Lakmal to Smith, Defended by Smith off the back foot. 38/1
10.3 S Lakmal to Smith, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. 38/1
10.2 S Lakmal to Smith, Smith gets high on his toes and looks to play the square cut to a delivery which is pretty close to his body. Ends up getting an under edge which just misses the stumps by an inches. 38/1
10.1 Lakmal to Smith, Hit on the pads and there is an appeal, but it dies down pretty quickly. Good length ball, nips back after pitching, the batsman is hit on the front leg. Maybe, it was too high! 38/1
9.6 D Perera to Powell, Dabs it on the off side and looks for a quick single but his partner denies. Rightly so, that would have been a risky single had they gone for it. 38/1
9.5 D Perera to Powell, FOUR! A freebie from Dilruwan and the batsman milks it for a boundary. Shortish delivery outside off, Powell stays back and slaps it between backward point and cover-point for a boundary. This pair has already added 34 for the second wicket. 38/1
9.4 D Perera to Powell, Powell gets right behind it and defends it on the track. 34/1
9.3 D Perera to Powell, Angling in from outside off, Powell sits on the back foot and defends it out. 34/1
9.2 D Perera to Powell, Punched off the backfoot by the batsman. 34/1
Time for some spin. Dilruwan Perera comes into the attack replacing Lahiru Gamage.
9.1 D Perera to Powell, Jumps down the track and seeing that, the offie bowls it touch wide. The batsman manages to defend it. 34/1
8.6 S Lakmal to Powell, Drops it on the off side and calls for a quick single. Perera attacks the ball but misses the stumps at the bowler's end. Single completed. 34/1
8.5 S Lakmal to Powell, Smartly, brings this one back into the batsman, who expected that. Goes back and taps it on the leg side. 33/1
8.4 S Lakmal to Powell, Brilliant comeback from Lakmal, he bowls from over the wicket and angles it away from the batsman. The ball jumps sharple and seams away a little. Misses the outside edge by a whisker. 33/1
8.3 S Lakmal to Powell, Closes the face of the bat and taps it on the leg side. 33/1
8.2 S Lakmal to K Powell, FOUR! Good shot! No need to run for that. Lakmal bowls a wide delivery and Powell capitalizes on it. Hangs back and slaps it behind backward point for a boundary. Don't bother running, nobody is going to stop that. He has already played a few lovely shots in his short stay so far. 33/1
8.1 S Lakmal to Powell, Slipping down the leg side, the batsman tries to flick it but isn't able to make contact with the leather. 29/1
7.6 L Gamage to Powell, Pushes it gently to the cover region for a single. The fielder is slightly deep and they get across with ease. 29/1
7.5 L Gamage to Powell, FOUR Leg byes! Errs in line and pays for it. Dishes out a half volley down the leg side. The batsman tries to glance it but misses. The ball hits the boot and races past the keeper for a boundary. 28/1
7.4 L Gamage to Powell, Third leave off the over. Lahiru needs to make batsman play against this new ball. 24/1
7.3 L Gamage to Powell, Touch wider from Gamage and the southpaw leaves it with ease. 24/1
7.2 L Gamage to Powell, LOOSE SHOT! An away going delivery outside off, swings further away, Powell goes for the drive but fails to make contact with the ball. 24/1
7.1 L Gamage to Powell, Powell goes on the back foot and lifts his bat as he lets it through to the keeper. 24/1
6.6 S Lakmal to Smith, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. 24/1
6.6 S Lakmal to Smith, No ball! Lakmal oversteps on this occasion and the umpire is quick to stretch his arm. A good length ball, defended back to the bowler. 24/1
6.5 S Lakmal to Smith, Smith is safe! He just manages to put his bat down in time and completes the single eventually. Powell dabs it on the off side and calls for a quick single. His partner is quick to respond, so is Chandimal, who gets to the ball. Picks it cleanly and hits bull's eye at the striker's end. Replays are in and it shows the man on his comeback game is good to continue. 23/1
Appeal for a run out. There is a direct hit at the keeper's end, the Sri Lankan fielders are confident and the umpire takes it upstairs. Smith didn't drag his bat, did he get across in time???
6.4 S Lakmal to Powell, Beaten! Top nut from Suranga Lakmal! Slightly shorter in length and straightens after pitching, the batsman ends up playing down the wrong line and the ball whizzes past the outside edge of his bat. 22/1
6.3 S Lakmal to Powell, Change of angle from Lakmal. Bowls from around the wicket and swings it into the pads. Powell flicks it to the left of Herath at mid on for a brace. 22/1
6.2 S Lakmal to Powell, FOUR! Flicks it with nice timing and picks up his second boundary! Lakmal dishes out one on the pads and the batsman clips it off his pads through square leg for a boundary. 20/1
6.1 S Lakmal to Powell, On the off stump line, Powell goes back and defends a good length delivery solidly on the off side. 16/1
5.6 L Gamage to Powell, Gets it much straighter after a few wide deliveries, Powell has to play at it but gets a thickish inside edge to deep backward square, where Lakmal does the mopping work. 16/1
5.5 L Gamage to Powell, Away swinger from Gamage, pitches it outside off and swings further away. The batsman doesn't feel the need to play. 15/1
5.4 L Gamage to Powell, Gamage loses his radar, bowls this one wide outside off and the batsman doesn't play at it. 15/1
5.3 L Gamage to Powell, And another good leave from the southpaw. 15/1
5.2 L Gamage to Powell, Well left by the batsman, he is sure where his off stump is and lets it through. 15/1
5.1 L Gamage to Powell, FOUR! Shot! Powell opens his account with a delightful straight drive! Fuller length ball, touch too full from Gamage, the batsman gets into the right position, presents the full face and creams it past his partner. The ball scoots to the long off fence. 15/1
4.6 S Lakmal to D Smith, Hangs back to defend that, but it goes off the inner half on the leg side. End of a testing over from Lakmal. 11/1
4.5 S Lakmal to Smith, Shaping in sharply, after pitching. Smith goes right back and manages to defend it down the track. 11/1
4.4 S Lakmal to Smith, Inswinger from Lakmal, Smith uses his wrists and flicks it for a couple past mid-wicket. 11/1
4.3 S Lakmal to Smith, In the air... lands safely! Shortish delivery, rearing up at pace, Smith stands tall to fend that. The ball hits high on the bat and balloons on the off side and rolls to backward point. 9/1
4.2 S Lakmal to Powell, Leg bye! Slipping down leg and Powell tries to flick it, misses and the ball goes off his pads behind square leg. They take a leg bye. 9/1
4.1 S Lakmal to Powell, Jumps on the back foot and defends it out. 8/1
3.6 L Gamage to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 8/1
3.5 L Gamage to Smith, Prodigious away movement for Gamage, pitches it well outside leg and jags away at pace, the batsman misses it by some distance as he looks to drive that. 8/1
3.4 L Gamage to Smith, Smith goes on the back foot to defend that, he gets an inside edge on the pads. 8/1
3.3 L Gamage to Smith, The batsman fails to put bat on ball. 8/1
3.2 L Gamage to Smith, FOUR! Uppish but safe. A fullish delivery outside off, Smith plays slightly away from the body and plays it on the up. Mistimes it a little but manages to beat the man at backward point. The ball races away to the boundary. First boundary of the innings. 8/1
3.1 L Gamage to Smith, Smith goes on the back foot and decides to leave that one. 4/1
2.6 S Lakmal to Powell, A muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. This is on the shorter side and on the body. Powell tries to clip it down the leg side but the ball brushes his thigh pad and goes to the keeper. He appeals but the umpire is not interested. A wicket-maiden by Lakmal comes to an end. 4/1
2.5 S Lakmal to Powell, Bowls a short one down the leg side. Powell lets it be. 4/1
Kieran Powell walks out to the middle.
2.4 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Lakmal draws first blood. He gets his man. This was on the cards. He beat the outside edge a couple of times in this over and he finally induces one. Suranga lands this on a length around off, it shapes away late. Brathwaite has to play at it due to the original line but is done in by the movement away. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes to the right of Dickwella who dives and takes a good catch. An early wicket for Sri Lanka and it is the big one of Brathwaite. The visitors are ecstatic. Perfect start for them. 4/1
2.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Not a lot of swing this time as he lands it on the stumps. Brathwaite defends it back to the bowler. 4/0
2.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Another beauty! Quite similar to the last one. This was on a length and around off, it shapes away late again. Brathwaite pokes at it and gets beaten. 4/0
2.1 Lakmal to Brathwaite, WOW! Too good a delivery to get a wicket! Length ball on the off stump line and moves away at a good pace, Brathwaite plays down the wrong line and misses it. There is a huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire stays put. Noise was of the ball clipping the flap of his back leg. 4/0
1.6 L Gamage to Smith, Back of a length ball outside off, the batsman opens the face of the bat and dabs it to gully. The fielder dives to his right and stops it. 4/0
1.5 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Another inside edge, Brathwaite constantly being troubled by that inswing. Moves in sharply from a length, the batsman somehow manages to put bat to ball and it goes off the inner half to fine leg. Single taken. 4/0
1.4 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Slightly wider from Gamage and the batsman decides to leave that one. 3/0
1.3 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Again, some appreciable inward movement from Gamage, catches the inside edge and the ball rolls on the leg side. 3/0
1.2 L Gamage to Smith, First run for Devon Smith on his return! Defends it on to the off side and calls for a quick single. He gets a positive response from his partner. 3/0
1.1 L Gamage to Brathwaite, OHHH! Off the inside edge. A sharp incoming delivery from Gamage, Kraigg goes back to defend that, but the ball goes off the inner half to square leg. Another run added to the total. 2/0
Lahiru Gamage will share the new ball with Lakmal. He played a decent role against a series versus Pakistan, but his figures don't do justice to his efforts.
0.6 S Lakmal to Smith, Fullish delivery, tailing in just a wee bit, Devon jumps back and defensively pushes it back to the bowler. A tidy start from Lakmal. 1/0
0.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, First run for WI. Fuller length ball, fractionally too straight from Lakmal, the batsman works it to the right of Herath at mid-wicket. They take a single. 1/0
0.4 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Brathwaite hangs back in his crease and dabs it to the man at short leg. 0/0
0.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Again, a shortish delivery from Lakmal, pushing the batsman on the back foot, who defends it back to him. 0/0
0.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Now, he tries a shortish delivery, two balls and two different lengths from Lakmal. The batsman defends it on the track. 0/0
0.1 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Some swing for the pacer straightaway! Lakmal starts with a good delivery in line with the stumps, Brathwaite goes back, covers the away swing and defends it back to the bowler. 0/0
First Published: June 7, 2018, 7:09 PM IST
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